LAMB prices have soared to record-new highs at Tamworth's weekly store sales.
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A pen of 12-month-old lambs topped the last sale of July at $354 - a new record more than $20 higher than the previous record set in August, last year.
Tamworth stock agent Chris Paterson said the record-breaking price was due to a "simple case of supply and demand".
"Lamb prices are reaching these levels simply due to the fact that the number of lambs available around the region is really low," Mr Paterson said.
"As well as that, the world meat market is still very strong and there is a high demand for the quality meat that is produced in our region.
"The export market is still really strong as well, so there is also a lot of demand for lambs overseas."
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Paterson said while the price was "sky high", producers were not seeing a great benefit.
"With how much feed they have had to put into the lambs to get them to that point, I'd say it gets them out just above even," he said.
"I suspect this will be the peak of the prices, they should come down in the coming weeks."
Paterson's sentiments were echoed by fellow stock agent Guy Gallen, who believes prices will slowly fall while still remaining steady.
"I think the market will start to come off the boil," Mr Gallen said.
"I think we are at the top of the market, I don't expect them to get any dearer. I expect them to stay strong but not as strong as they are."
As well as sky-rocketing lamb prices, Tamworth has also seen a recent peak in the demand for fat cattle and well-finished heifers.
"There will be a strong demand for fat cattle for a while yet, based on the limited numbers around," Mr Paterson said.
"In terms of how many will be available and what prices consumers can expect, it purely comes down to what producers can put into their cattle feed wise."
Mr Paterson said dwindling feed supplies was "the main factor" in price for both lamb and cattle.
"For both sheep and cattle, those record-high prices are coming for specific categories," he said.
"Everyone is doing what they can with what they've got, but those sizes won't come unless they are grain-fed and with barley at $450 a tonne, it makes it pretty tough."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
