Buyers were cautious at the annual spring sale of first-cross ewes at Narrandera leaving agents to ponder the reason behind the reluctance to bid.
With four thousand penned, many agents reported the offering as one of the best ever penned at Narrandera.
Top price at $315 was paid for 201 June/July drop, August-shorn ewes offered by the Kember family, Ganmain.
They are regular vendors at this sale and have topped the market on many occasions.
Their ewes were sired by Gleneith Super Borders from western-bred Merino ewes.
Speaking at the conclusion of the sale, Elders Narrandera agent Dom O'Mahoney expressed disappointment at the lack of enthusiasm for the well bred and presented young ewes.
"It was hard enough, a little sticky," he said.
"The sheep presented really well - it was just unfortunate buyers were reluctant to pay value for the sheep."
Buyers from Griffith, Coleambally, Goulburn, Wodonga, Mt Gambier, SA, Cootamundra and Wagga Wagga competed with some local interest.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Landmark, with Joe Wilks and Peter Cabot taking the bids.
- Full report next week