With 4651 mixed quality first-cross ewes on offer at the annual spring sale in Narrandera, discerning buyers were mostly focused on the top end of the yarding.
The condition of the sheep penned reflected the indifferent season in the south, yet buyers were still prepared to ‘meet the market’, perhaps having recently sold prime lambs and old ewes into a very strong meat market.
Dom O’Mahoney, Elders, Narrandera livestock agent said the quality of sheep on offer was good bearing in mind the current season.
“But the sale was a bit up and down,” he said.
“A lot of ewes were sold for $210 to $250, but the younger ewes were hard going and only making $160 to $190.”
The few ewe lambs penned sold from $140 to $150.
With a top price of $282 for a line of 209 May/June 2016 drop, August-shorn ewes, the Kember family, “Gleneith”, Ganmain had a very good sale continuing to present ewes as good as anything sold this season and bought by repeat buyer.
By Gleneith Super Borders out of Alma-blood Merino ewes, they also sold a second line of 209 ewes for $252.
The Foley Partnership, “Glenbrook”, Grong Grong sold 134 April/May 2016 drop, August-shorn ewes for $256, while Oakleigh Pastoral, Downside September/October 2016 drop and June-shorn ewes for $252.
The Cumming family, “Easedale”, Ganmain, sold 260 March/April 2016 drop, July-shorn ewes, with P and M Burden, “Mt View”, Colinrubbie, received $238 for their pen of 239 July 2016 drop and July-shorn ewes.
Other sales of note included $235 received by G.J and A.L. Graham, “Angelia”, Narrandera for their pen of 206 April/May 2016 drop, August-shorn ewes, and the Little family, “Moonganna”, Narrandera who sold 128 May/June 2016 drop and August-shorn ewes for $254.
The offering of 151 March/April 2017 mixed-sex lambs offered on account D.A and G.G. Younger, “Sandside”, Morundah sold for $125, while the Durnan family, “Weeroona”, Narrandera received $148 for their pen of 156 March/April 2017 drop ewe lambs and unshorn.
Buyers attended from northern Victoria, local districts, Lake Cargelligo, Wagga Wagga and Coleambally, and the annual spring sale was conducted by Narrandera agents Elders and Landmark in conjunction.