Just more than 42,000 sheep and lambs were penned for the annual January store sale, making it one of the biggest summer sales held at the Deniliquin Saleyards in recent years.
The number penned by Deniliquin Associated Agents was more than 10,000 more than last year’s January store sale.
The combined sale price was $5,275,355, for an average price per head of $125.37.
Agents reported a crowd of buyers in attendance, showing good interest in various sections of the industry.
Pens were sold in quick succession by the Deniliquin Associated Agents members - Arentz & Barker Southern Riverina Livestock and Property, Elders Deniliquin and Nutrien Deniliquin.
Serious bidders, sellers and those simply interested in keeping up with the market followed the auctions, with a few kids also helping out on their school holidays and learning the ropes.
The main offering was joined and unjoined Merino ewes, followed by Merino lambs, crossbred fattening lambs and a limited line-up of first-cross ewes.
Elders livestock agent Alex O’Brien said price results across the sale were mixed after a reasonable season across the main Riverina supply area.
“The crossbred lambs were very strong due to the fact of the confidence in the industry,” he said.
“Ewes were a bit tougher due to feed conditions which has seen people with large numbers of ewes tougher to move, but overall, there was good confidence in the industry.”
Nutrien livestock agent Bill O’Brien agreed, saying NSW restockers helped support the sale.
“Probably for the last 18 months, store Merinos have been tougher after four good seasons.
“I think that is mainly due to cropping markets and commodity prices that have seen increased cropping numbers.
“However, it still continues to look to be a good season supported by restockers, with a big crowd on Friday, and more than 42,000 head, and we’ll look ahead to a strong spring as well.”
The store sale on Friday was also the first store sale since the transition towards mandatory Sheep and Goat Electronic Identification, with representatives from numerous organisations, including NSW government representatives, in attendance.
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