LOCAL restockers were out in force at the annual first-cross summer ewe sale at Narrandera on Tuesday.
This made for animated bidding as these buyers were joined by competition from Goulburn, Wagga Wagga and Forbes buyers.
All up 6000 sheep went under the hammer and all were sold.
Elders Narrandera agent Dom O'Mahoney said it was "one of the better yardings seen here for a long time".
"Prices today confirm we are a place to purchase top quality first-cross ewes, with our vendors continuing to lift their sheep and hold their top ewes for this sale,” Mr O’Mahoney said.
Having the complete dispersal of both Geoff and Malcolm Lambrick's flocks following the sale of their respective properties was certainly a drawcard.
Their ewes were in good condition, scanned-in-lamb and August shorn.
The opening pen of the sale - 190 two-and-half-year-old ewes from Malcolm Limbrick, "Moorlands", Grong Grong, sold for $245.
But not to be outdone, the next pen of 123 ewes same description sold by Geoff Limbrick, "Waterview", Grong Grong, made $255.
The enthusiasm for quality stock continued through the entire offering, and although many had been drenched during the past couple of weeks with summer rain, the presentation of all lots was a tribute to the vendors.
Dubbo breeders worth the money
COWS with calves don’t look dear to Peter Milling and Company’s Wellington manager Phillip Morris.
He said after last Friday’s Dubbo store cattle sale that cows with calves were worth their money.
“Cows and calf units don’t look dear to me compared to what they are making without a calf at foot,” he said.
“Cows are making up to $1410 with no calves at foot and you can buy cows with calves from $1600 to $1800 a unit.”
Mr Morris said if it kept raining the market would stay very strong and possibly cows with calves may get a little bit dearer.
“But it’s got to keep raining. Now that many dams are full or near full, graziers have another view on things.”
The sale yarded 1435 head with weaner steers making from $370 to $990. Yearling steers sold from $655 to $1300. Pregnancy-tested Angus heifers sold to $1100 while a big run of Charolais/Brahman heifers ranged from $690 to $1090.
Shorthorn-cross cows with calves sold for $1810 and Hereford cows on their first calf sold for $1610. Brangus/Angus cows with calves made $1700 and a big run of PTIC Angus and Angus/Hereford cows made from $740 to $1410.
