FIRST-cross ewes found the most interest with ewes topping at $186 in a yarding of 4200 head at Narromine store sheep sale on Wednesday last week.
Typical of when seasons are tight people with feed availability will take the risk and buy, which according to Trangie agent, Andrew Peadon, that’s what happened last week.
“First-cross ewes, overall, were dearer as people found suitable sheep for their purpose, “ he said.
“Younger ewes were harder to sell however, there were also opportunities here in the Merino offering for people who were prepared to take a risk and able to hang on until rain and new pastures.
“We’re only a rain away from a big change and when it comes, ewes are going to get much dearer.”
Hartin Schute Bell agent Jason Hartin said many of the cheaper ewe purchases would look “very cheap” when the break comes followed by spring.
Peter Taylor, “Feltonwood”, Trundle, paid the top money for 104 first-cross ewes, July/August 2016 drop, November shorn, offered on behalf of Rosewood Pastoral, “Rosewood”, Mudgee.
Mr Taylor said these replacement ewes would be joined to Ashburnie Border Poll Dorset rams in October.
Sam and Clare Hamilton, “Ravenswood”, Rylstone, gained $180 each for 137 first-cross ewes, September/October 2016 drop, January shorn, from a Blayney district restocker.
David Brown, “Meriti”, Tottenham, also gained $180 each for his draft of 250 first-cross ewes, August/September 2016 drop, July shorn, going to the Forbes district, while another pen of 220 head sold at $176 each.
Marks Partnership, “Oura”, Warren, sold 75 first-cross ewes, June/July 2016 drop, February shorn, sold at $146 while another draft of 77 head made $137 each.
Bill Noonan, “Kirribilli”, Nevertire, gained $140 a head for 76 December ‘16/January ’17 drop first-cross ewes, May shorn.
Matt Kerin’s Makag Pastoral, Yeoval, topped the store lamb market at $81 a head for 167 Prime SAMM-cross wether lambs, March/April 2017 drop.
The Smith family, “Eumalga Partnership, “Broadwater”, Warren, gained $77 each for 178 White Suffolk-cross lambs, March/April 2017 drop.
View Fair Trading, Narromine, topped the Merino section at $152 for a draft of 388 ewes, 5½ years-old, July shorn, of Grass blood, mulesed and scanned 100 per cent to Border Leicester rams to lamb August/September which sold to a Parkes district restocker.
The Hawkins family, “Old Woolerina”, Hebel, gained $100 a head for 206 Merino ewes, six and seven years, May shorn and of Terrick blood, joined to Merino rams and 100pc scanned in lamb. Another 122 ewes 2012/2013 drop scanned empty sold at $92 each.
A complete dispersal of the Parson family’s “Glen Tuckie”, flock, Cunnamulla, Queensland, resulted in 1789 Merino sheep averaging $63.80 and topped at $79.50 for 328 of mixed ages wethers. A draft of 106 two and three year-old ewes of Murrawonga/Egelabra blood and continuously running with rams made $70.
The Nielsen family, “Bally Castle”, Burcher, sold 136 Merino ewes of Willurah blood, August/September ‘16 drop, March shorn, at $66.
