Allowing for the lighter condition of the sheep yarded at Yass for the opening first cross ewe sale of the year compared with those sold in the previous sale conducted at the end of November, and the deteriorating season since that time, values for the quality ewes presented remained strong.
The yarding of 6530 head consisted of 4074 one-and-half-year ewes, which sold to $275 and averaged $218: 2150 ewe lambs which topped at $212 to average $139 and 306 older ewes which sold to $230.
Landmark auctioneer Daniel Croker thought the sale result exceptional considering the season outlook.
“The sheep were a bit lighter but overall the top end of the offering stood up when compared with our last sale,” he said. “The season is obviously having a big impact but producers recognised the quality of the ewes and bid accordingly to fulfill their requirements.”
Mr Croker commended the vendors on their presentation and thought they were pleased with their returns.
Top price at $275 was paid for a line of 102 one-and-half-year ewes, October shorn when offered by Glen Erin Partnership, Crookwell and purchased by Brian and Sandra Callan, prime lamb producers from Braidwood.
Mrs Callan said their pastures had freshened since a good fall of rain last Friday, and they expect their new ewes to be productive for at least the next six years.
“We’re currently replacing older ewes,” Mr Callan said. “If you’re not buying some young ewes each year, you’ll get caught out.”
John O’Brien from Boobalaga, Crookwell got the second highest price at $274 for his line of 251 one-and-half-year ewes, October shorn when bought by Victorian interests.
Top price at $212 was paid for the pen of 110 March/April 2018 drop, October-shorn ewe lambs and sired by Gleneith Super Borders when offered by the Kember family, Ganmain.
Local restockers competed with buyers from Cootamundra, Braidwood, Wagga Wagga, Central Tablelands, Cooma and Victoria.
The sale was conducted by Duncombe and Company, Elders, MD and JJ Anderson, Agstock, Jim Hindmarsh and Company, Landmark and Michael Hall Livestock and Property.
