I think this was a state record ($356) at West Wyalong for unjoined first cross ewes
- Paul Quade
With 5000 first-cross ewes on offer, southern prime lamb producers were keen to secure their requirements in spite of the dry season.
The best presented pen judged by Ben and Lucy Prentice, Kurralea studs, Ariah Park were the 120 April/May 2018 drop, August shorn ewes bred by K.F and P.M O'Dwyer, Ariah Park.
Sired by Bauer Border Leicester rams from western-bred Merino ewes, the scanned empty lambs sold for the sale top price of $356 when bought by Mark Flagg Agencies, Barellan for one of his clients.
Matt O'Dwyer was presented with the ribbon for best presented pen by Barry Harper, Cadell Border Leicesters, Ariah Park in his capacity as president NSW Border Leicester Association.
In making the presentation, Mr Harper congratulated agents for the wonderful effort they have gone to in presenting a quality line up of 5000 young first-cross ewes.
"The offering is magnificent, and I also congratulate vendors who have done a fantastic job in presenting sheep in such amazing condition through a tough season."
Mr Harper said for Border Leicester breeders, the first-cross ewe is the premier product and worthy of the effort which goes into breeding them.
"The first cross ewe remains the most sought after prime lamb dam in Australia," he said.
"We have the best Merino ewe in the world as the base, and Border Leicester breeders who are very conscious of the market and have adjusted their breeding programs to meet current demand."
Mr Harper said with that genetic combination, prime lamb producers have at the finger tips the first-cross ewe which has all the characteristics needed to produce the best prime lamb when joined with terminal sires.
Other featured prices included $344 for 200 July drop and August-shorn ewes offered by R.N and R.J Harper, Ariah Park when bought by Wagga Wagga interests.
The ewes were sired by Cadell Border Leicesters with their dams being ex-stud ewes from Poll Boonoke.
The pen of 203 April/May-drop ewes, August-shorn and sired by Mr Beckom rams from Belswick-blood Merino ewes and offered on account B.J and L.A Cox, Beckom were bought by Wagga Wagga producer for $342.
Clemson Partners, Burcher sold 141 June/July drop, August-shorn ewes for $338.
By Wattle Park rams form Laurel Park-blood ewes, they went to Cootamundra.
Maroo Pastoral Co, Warrinya sold 91 September drop Tenalba sired ewes for $310:
The sale was conducted by West Wyalong agents Elders, Quade Moncrieff and Landmark.
