BENALLA
Young ewes to $248
Ewe lambs to $207
COMPETITION was strong at the 10,000-head yarding at Benalla’s annual sheep sale.
Rodwells Benalla branch manager John Gregory said last Friday’s prices were strong for the exceptional quality 1.5 year-old first-cross ewes, ewe lambs, older ewes, Merinos, fattening lambs and rams.
“There were no extreme highs, but it was very strong right throughout,” he said.
Mr Gregory was pleased with the sheep’s condition and said they were drawn Shepparton, Wangaratta, Euroa and Strathbogie – areas that were having a relatively good season.
Buyers from central Victoria, the north-east, alpine areas, Gippsland and southern NSW pushed prices to $248 a head for 1.5yo first-cross ewes. The top price was again achieved by Tony and Anne Mort, Mardie, Winton, for their pen of 100 September shorn, ex-classed Riverina ewes by Rettalack Border Leicester rams, which were knocked down to Rodwells Shepparton. The Morts’ first pen of 136 head, same breeding, made the second highest price of $244 (purchased by Corcoran Parker Mansfield agent Daniel Craddock) and was awarded the best 1.5yo ewe pen.
The Hayes family, Tarcombe Herefords, Tarcombe, also achieved notable prices for their 1.5yo ewes, October shorn, by Kelso Superborder rams, ex Bramble ewes. Their 535-head draft made $230 for 200, $214 for 267 and $188 for 68.
Other highlights included I&H Hill, Strathbogie, whose 1.5yo ewes by Black Gate Border Leicester rams made $228 for their first pen of 265 and $194 for second pen of 80 head. Account Waverley, Winton, consigned 502-head draft that made $216-$224.
Despite some ewe lambs showing the effects of a patchy season, there were still impressive lots sold. Account Avondale, Broken Creek, consigned May/June drop lambs, ex Riverina and WA bred ewes by Cypress Vale Border Leicester rams, and their first pen was divided into a run of 150 that made $207, and 50 that made $170. Their seconds, 158 head, made $144.
Competition was subdued for older ewes, with a pen of 73 2.5yo first-cross ewes from Clover Lea Pastures, Lurg, making $160. Their 4.5yo ewes made $146, and were bought by Geoffrey and Bill Inverarity, who traveled from Newlyn.
