Strong support from repeat buyers and new clients underpinned the Retallack Border Leicesters 46th on-property production sale on account of Graham and Isabella Grinter, Ariah Park, on Tuesday.
With values for first-cross ewes holding in spite of the dry season, producers were determined to secure their choice of the catalogue and bid accordingly.
Top price for the day was $3750 paid by IG. and HG. Baker, Clydebank, Victoria.
All but one of the 27 stud rams on offer sold to a $3750 top and $1750 average, while 67 of the 102 flock rams offered were sold to a $2000 top and $1020 average.
Thirteen stud ewes sold of 26 offered for a $500 average.
Mrs Grinter said she and Graham were very pleased with the sale result, considering the season, but pointed out first-cross ewe breeders are still commanding good prices at the regular breeders sales.
“We take pride in the sheep we are presenting,” she said. “They have done well through this tough season and you can appreciate it hasn’t been easy.”
Mrs Grinter said a client Brent Medway from Gunning sold 124 first-cross ewes at SELX Yass for $334 in November 2018.
Among the stud rams JM. and KA. Brownie, Bombala, paid $3250 for their choice, Kiah Lake Pastoral Co, Berridale, bought one at $3000, and RG. Thomas and Sons, Mulwala, also paid $3000 for thier selection.
New client Hugh Klem, Bannister purchased 15 rams for an average price $900.
Mr Klem has recently assumed the management of the family property and is in the process of changing the livestock emphasis from cattle to sheep production.
“I think the Stockscan figures are most important,” he said. “It gave us an idea of performance potential rather than solely rely on visual assessment of conformation.”
Peter and Gavin Lieshke, Walla Walla, purchased three stud ewes for $500 a piece.
Elders and Landmark studstock conducted the sale with Steve Ridley and Tim Woodham taking the bids.