BATTLING the flies and the humidity at yesterday's annual Bendigo sheep sale, agents managed to attain prices that were above expectations for the 10,000 head on offer.
Landmark's Barry Oddy said the prime market had been propping up the store market for a few weeks now, so buyers could make purchases with confidence.
"Considering with how the season is going, it was a very strong sale," he said.
And while sheep values have come down since the Riverina sales in October, Mr Oddy said about 85 per cent of the vendors were happy with the sale results.
Alex Collins of McKean McGregor agreed it had been a strong sale.
He quoted the one-and-a-half year-old Merino ewes to $154 a head, while younger ewes were making $90-$110.
Ewes ranging in age from 2.5-3.5yo fetched $90-$140, while 4yo-plus ewes made $55-$110.
Most of the offering sold into local areas south of Bendigo.
The top-priced pen at $154 was sold by Greg and Leanne Holmberg, Elmore, for a consignment of 211 May-June 2012-drops, Pooginook-blood, August-shorn.
The Pooginook-blood line was Gudair-vaccinated and sold on a bid to repeat buyer Allan McGillivray, Charlton. He had bought the Holmbergs' sheep two years ago - and was happy to pay the top price to secure them again.
The Holmbergs also sold a 68 Merinos ewes, 5.5yo, August-shorn and mulesed at $70.
"I was pleasantly surprised to get the top price again," Mr Holmberg said.
"I thought the older sheep generally sold well today, but some of the younger ewes were undervalued."
The couple run 1000 ewes on a dryland farm, while their sheep are classed by Adrian Flint, Finley, NSW.
AA&BV Dobell, Elmore, received the second top price for 1.5yos at $130 on a pen 61 Merino ewes, August-shorn and OJD-vaccinated.
Other sales saw Wanalta Ag, Colbinabbin, sell 250 Merino ewes, August-September 2012-drop, Charinga-bld, and Gudair-vaccinated, at $118. These were picked up by Tallarook producer Dennis Leahy, who will join the draft to a White Suffolk ram to rear fat lambs.
RF&TL Webb, Bridgewater, realised $128 for their run of 288 June-July 12-drop Merino ewes, Greensfield-bld, October-shorn and mulesed - that sold to Bairnsdale.
A second pen from the same vendor - 175 Merino ewes, June 12 drops - made $98.
Volume vendor Palparra Downs, Pompapiel, cleared 201 Merino ewes, October-November 21-drops, Roseville Park-bld, October-shorn and mulesed to $106. A second pen of the Palparra Downs' same-age sheep - 232 realised $86 and a third (128 head) made $70.
B&S McCahon, Terrick East, also received an exceptional price for ewes above 2yo. They cleared 435 Merinos, September 11-drop, OJD-vaccinated and March-shorn at $140.
Auchmore Homestead, Raywood, offloaded 186 Merino ewes, 2-3yo, September-shorn, Woodpark-bld and OJD-vaccinated at $126, while LJ Hilliard, Charlton, received $124 for 107 Merinos, May-June 10-drop, Oak Bank-bld and October-shorn.
Adrian Lock, Firey Flat, was another happy vendor, receiving the top price at $69 for Merino wethers.
He sold 251 April-May 12-drops, Woodpark Poll-bld, September-shorn, to Don McKinnon, Marong.
Mr Lock, who runs 100 Merino ewes, also cleared 107 Merino ewes, 1.5yo, at $107.
"I thought they would make that money, so I'm happy," he said.
S Ford & Sons, Baringhup, also sold 325 Merino wethers, April-May 12-drop, Merryville-bld, October-shorn, at $51.
- Full story in the Stock & Land November 28 edition
