Drought-hit farmers shed lambs

More than 12,000 lambs were sold at a larger-than-usual Palmerston sale on Friday as drought-hit farmers shed stock.

Auctioneer Mark Yeates said stock numbers were boosted as farmers from East Otago, the Maniototo and the Strath Taieri sold lambs to protect feed for their ewes.

The lambs, which included 1550 crypt lambs, 3600 ewe lambs, 1820 wether lambs and 2990 mixed-sex lambs, were sold to buyers from Canterbury and the North Island.

Katiki farmer Steve Vickers, who is president of Federated Farmers, said the lambs were in good condition.

- NZPA