Strong sheep prices have resulted in turnover at the Deniliquin Saleyards of about $4 million more than last financial year.
Saleyards operator Greg White said the yearly total was $28,911,876.60, and driven by supply and demand.
“The total highlights what an asset the saleyards are for the Deniliquin region,” Mr White said.
“We had such a significant increase because sheep numbers brought to sale were up slightly on the previous 12 months.
“But prices have also been up because of the shortage of sheep across the country, particularly for heavy lambs at this time of the year.
“I expect the higher prices will go on for a little while yet, but it’s always seasonal.”
Sheep sales are held every second Tuesday at the Deniliquin Saleyards, with the July 1 sale being the first of the new financial year.
At the last sale of the 2024-25 financial year on June 17, a new local record was set when $311/head was paid for lambs.
Total sales for that sale alone were $1,035,932, for an average price of $152 across 7300 head presented.
The July 1 sale was down on numbers, which Mr White said was due to the season and possibly weather conditions.
It was the smallest sheep sale yarding for some time, dropping away to just 1900 lambs and 700 sheep.
Total sales were $44,601, but for a higher average than last fortnight of $195.66.
Mr White does not expect the numbers to stay low for long, however, with suckers expected to be presented within the next six weeks, and then reaching “full swing” in September.