At the annual special on-property sale account TA Field Estates Pty Ltd, "Wyvern", Carrathool, 9480 Merino sheep were offered with complete clearance to gross $1,111,323.
The respected sale is a feature of the southern spring circuit, with the reputation for the Hazeldean-based flock known throughout the industry for their trueness to type and productive capacity.
Top price paid for August-shorn ewes was $192 paid by Bairnsdale, Victoria, restocker operating through AuctionsPlus.
The May/June 2015 drop ewes cut 4.3kg at six and half months, and presented in excellent condition considering the consistent rain of the past couple of months.
In the offering of May/June 2016 drop wether lambs, top price at $111 was paid by Boree Creek district sheep producer, Matt McLean, who said his purchase was a “seasonal opportunity” due to terrific pasture growth on his property.
Mr McLean, a first time buyer at “Wyvern” will shear his draft and take them through to export weights next February/March on lucerne-based pastures.
“I only came to look,” Mr McLean said.
“But this pen presented a good opportunity.”
Significant sales included 1390 2015 drop ewes, sold to top of $192 for average $172.40, 1075 2012 drop ewes selling to top $164 with average $163 and 1036 2011 drop ewes selling to top of $140 with average price $140.
In the wether offering, 5079 sold to top of $111 with average $92.18.
TA Field Estates Pty Ltd, director Michael Field said the sale result “was absolutely fantastic, right up with recent sales at Hay and Hillston” and indicative of continued strength in the Merino industry.
“The sheep are exceptionally well bred, and our breeding program is proven with results like this,” Mr Field said.
“You have to be positive about agriculture at the moment.”
Mr Field also paid tribute to the “Wyvern” staff led by manager Scott Dixon, who had done “a fantastic job” in getting the sheep to present well through difficult seasonal conditions.
The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus, with Anna Adams present to facilitate the bidding from 39 registered on-line bidders.
“There was furious bidding,” Ms Adams said.
“Through AuctionsPlus 11 of the 17 pens were successfully purchased for a total 5500 head, and going to Victoria, Riverina and Central West NSW.
“Of the six pens not purchased the losing bidder was operating through AuctionsPlus.”
Ms Adams said ten individual buyers bought using the on-line process.
Hay-based agents Elders and Landmark conducted the sale with Joe Wilks and Mark Brayborn taking the bids..
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