Better than expected store result

But he said the number was reduced significantly because of the conditions around the district.

“I’d estimate we lost between 5000 and 6000 sheep because there is just so much water around.

“The sale did attract more people that expected, and prices were also better than anticipated.

“We thought it would have been tougher given the conditions.

“Not a lot went to the north as you could imagine, but local buyers and those to the south really showed their support.”

Mr Andrews said given the flood impacts, prices were understandably cheaper than the spring sales.

But vendors and agents were still happy with a top price of $273, paid for a pen of August-September 2021 drop Merino ewes from ‘Rosebank’.

Another pen of May/June 2021 drop Merino ewes sold to $270 for Tupra Pastoral Co.

Wethers sold to a top of $136.

“It has been a lot wetter and the prime market has come off the boil, which has had a flow on effect to the store sales,” Mr Andrews said.

“All those involved did a great job under the trying conditions.

“We have another store sale in mid-January.

“I think with the season the way it is, with people not able to get sheep off the property, we suspect that sale will be quite big.”