THE FIRST Australian Wool Network-run Edenhope sheep sale at a new facility to the west of the town has set records in both first cross ewe and first cross ewe lamb categories.
David Hanel, AWN agent in Edenhope, said his company had built new facilities on Jennings Road, 3km west of the town, in response to a need for somewhere to hold the sale after the Nutrien-owned saleyards on Powers Creek Road were unavailable for use for Edenhope's annual two sheep sales, held in consecutive weeks in November.
The new facility, built on land leased from local farmer Bruce Ryan, hold 11,000, slightly more than the old yards.
Mr Hanel said feedback regarding the new yards had been positive.
"It is a pretty simple set up, just up and back, but it seemed to work really well," he said.
Ewes made a top of $480 and ewe lambs topped at $364.
"The proof is in the pudding a bit, the prices were certainly very good, with some good value for buyers in some of the lamb component, with some of the lambs a little smaller than usual due to the late autumn break and the cold and wet winter."
Ewes averaged $394 and lambs $252.
Land owner Bruce Ryan said he was pleased to see the facility constructed.
"It is good to see such a strong sale locally," Mr Ryan said.
Interestingly, Mr Hanel said the new site marked the third home for the Edenhope sale in around six or seven years.
"The long-term, traditional saleyards were out on the Harrow Road until Rodwells build their yards on the Powers Creek Road, where the sales have been for the last six or seven years," Mr Hanel said.
"We've moved the sale out here and hopefully this can become the long-term home of the Edenhope first-cross sales.
This week around 6000 first cross wethers and wether lambs will go under the hammer at the saleyards.
Start the day with all the big news in agriculture! Sign up below to receive our daily Farmonline newsletter.