LAMB prices took a step back at Mount Pleasant market on Thursday last week, as larger numbers were on offer.
The market yarded about 2000 sheep and lambs, and a reduced yarding of 56 cattle.
Nutrien Fawcett Livestock's Ashley Fawcett said despite the present conditions, the market had performed well.
"Heavy lambs sold well to the trade at a slightly reduced rate," he said.
Mr Fawcett said the number of lambs available had impacted returns with producers weighing up the seasonal outlook and cost of feeding.
"Lambs which have been on stubbles are hitting the market as producers decide to move them on," he said.
But hoggets sold very well to good competition and mutton was on-par with last market, he said.
GB&WR Schenke, Brinkley, had 18 crossbred lambs make $160, while JG Richards & Sons, Brinkley, had a run of 10 make $145.
Nine Dorper lambs from R Rossini, Wistow, made $140, which was the same price paid for one Dorper lamb from K Zerner, Eudunda.
Two runs of crossbred lambs made $138, for 30 from Gavin Miller, Strathalbyn, and 16 from Dajan Enterprises, Harrogate.
In the hogget run, T&J McKay, Palmer, had 26 Dorpers make $78.
GB Northcott, Echunga, sold four Dorpers at $52, while JG Richards & Sons had 11 make $50.
C Cuthrie, Mount Pleasant, had 19 Merino sheep make $40 and a single crossbred sheep from GB&WR Schenke also made $40.
In the cattle, Mr Fawcett believed steers and heifers in good condition sold well.
"A bit lighter cattle did not perform as well," he said.
Despite forward contracts recently coming out, confidence remained low.
Returns for cattle at Mount Pleasant market held up well in tougher market conditions, with well-presented steers making to $1453.
The offering of 56 cattle attracted solid bidding, with a 491 kilogram steer from Pahl Farm Trust, Murray Bridge, making the $1453 top or $2.96 a kilogram.
Kennell RI, Tungkillo, had a 476kg steer make $1324 or $2.78/kg, and a 445kg steer make $1238 or $2.78/kg.
In the cow section, J Colquhoun, Birdwood, made $1873 or $2.40/kg for two, 780kg cows, while Hunter Enterprises, One Tree Hill, made $1817 or $2.54/kg, for a 715kg cow.
In the heifer section, J&J Shearer, Eden Valley, made $1134 or $2.76/kg for 411kg heifer, and the same vendor made $1058 or $2.66/kg, for a 398kg heifer.
The next market will be held on March 21.
Vanessa Binks
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
I am the Markets Editor and journalist at the Stock Journal. I am based at Nuriootpa in SA's lower north.
