With values for heavy export lambs tumbling at recent sales, many agents and vendors are wondering if the ceiling has been reached with prices topping $345 at last Friday's sale in Griffith.
Barellan-based agency Mark Flagg Livestock & Property Pty Ltd sold the 82 Poll Dorset lambs account Noel and Jodie Hoskinson "Bundoona", Kikoira to Fletcher International Exports, and they were estimated to dress 43kg with a $7 skin value.
Mr Flagg said the lambs were of exceptional and consistent quality.
"They were certainly a credit to the Hoskinson family," he said.
The second cross July/August 2018 drop lambs were sired by Mt Beckom Poll Dorset rams out of home-bred first cross ewes.
Mr Hoskinson said the lambs were shorn in mid-December and given a supplementary ration of oats before they were put onto a full ration at the end of January.
"They were eating about ten kilograms per head per week so you can imagine it has cost a bit to get them to the weight," he said.
"Water is not an issue for us but have been buying in feed for quite a long time so we are no different to anyone else."
Mr Hoskinson said the demand for heavy export lambs is 'unbelievable', and he wonders for how much longer it can be sustained.
"Our sale was a fantastic result and it certainly makes feeding sheep worthwhile," he said.
"Credit goes to our son Shaun who has done all the hard work, feeding and looking after our first cross and Merino ewes."
Mr Hoskinson is cautious about the seasonal outlook with March/April lambs on the ground but still dry.
"We haven't really got a lot of paddock feed yet with pasture growth very slow."