For the uninitiated, Thorpdale is set in the Strzelecki Ranges between West and South Gippsland, and is one of Australia’s prime potato growing districts.
Because of where it is situated, and the fantastic depth and quality of the red soil, Thorpdale and surrounds also produce some of the best sheep and cattle possible.
Last Friday, Landmark SGL held the first of their annual fat lamb sale, in their own sheep yards at Thorpdale.
The previous day, when lambs were being mustered and trucked to Thorpdale, it was well into the 30’s, and humid and dusty, when intake was occurring.
Not surprising, but different, was the very wet and muddy situation, that agents and buyers had to deal with Friday, after the first of several wet days was happening.
For many of the buyers present it was just like old times at Newmarket, where there was no protection from the weather. However, there was heavy red mud added to those old conditions.
However, the lambs were drafted, sold, and delivered, all in good time, despite the weather.
Some umbrellas were seen, along with the obligatory hats and coats, but some chose to not cover up as it was still warm.
On the other hand, the sale of 6100 lambs and 400 sheep, sold to hot competition across all weights.
The two major supermarkets, and seven others, including noted local operator, Radford’s of Warragul, purchased lambs from a very small base of $135 to a top of $180, and averaged a healthy $157.50.
Local Landmark SGL representative, Jason Maguiness, said “heavy trade lambs exceeded expectations, and could have equaled 630-650c/kg”.
Few would disagree, as the “Thorpdale Lamb” is considered among the best in Australia for weight, quality, and clean skins.
A list of producers who sold lambs, reads among the best of the potatoe growers of the district. Top of sale went to D&J Blackshaw selling lambs from $166-$180.
The highlight of this sale was the competition seen throughout the middle of the sale with many pens selling from $155-$168.
A&F Westbury and the Hotchkin Family both sold lambs to $175, and Bedad Pty Ltd, $145-$173.
Murphy Farms, S & R Costello, and C&M Adamo, all sold lambs to $170 & $172, and there were many others in the mid to high $160 range.
The penning of 400 sheep sold very well, too. aided by very good condition and weight, they sold between $110&$180.
Jason Maguiness, Landmark SGL, advised that the next, and last sale for 2017, is Friday, December 15, and then look forward to December 2018.