Auctioneer Phill Robson of Carrfields Livestock has the second top price in the sale of $207 for JMP Agri Ltd's two-tooth Romneys.
Auctioneer Phill Robson of Carrfields Livestock has the second top price in the sale of $207 for JMP Agri Ltd's two-tooth Romneys.
A yarding of 14,409 ewes at the first Dannevirke Ewe Fair of the year January 11 was very well received by buyers coming from the Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Tararua.
One experienced livestock agent estimated prices across the board were up to $50/head above the same sale last year.
Therewas not much of a price differential between two, four and six-tooth and older ewes although the latter were slightly lower in price.
A sea of two-tooth Romneys at the Dannevirke Ewe sale January 11.
After a spectacular start when top lines of two-tooth Romneys from McAuley Farms and JMP Agri Ltd cracked the $200/head mark the bidding settled for two-tooths to range between $170/head and $140/head with the average around $160/head. Several vendors commented that this was about their reserve and were happy not to be trucking their sheep back home. Only one pen was passed in.
Four-tooths ranged from $180/head to $130 with an average of $152 while six-tooths averaged $160. There were over 1000 ewes for sale in each category.
Large numbers of quality older and mixed-aged ewes received good prices.
Four-six year old ewes were in large numbers (6746) and auctioneers commented favourably on their condition. This resulted in very good prices with the tops going for $160/head and the average $145. The average was $50 up on last year.
The sale featured close to 3000 capital stock which helped boost the prices.
Sheep breeds did not make a lot of difference to price, Romneys being by far the most dominant in numbers but Perendale, Coopworth and Texel receiving good prices too.
PGG Wrightson's livestock agent shows these five-year old ewes still have good teeth.
Carrfields Livestock Agent Phill Robson said the prices were very good for the industry while PGG Wrightson's Bjorn Andersen said the vendors should be congratulated in producing such good quality stock after a tough winter and spring.
