Sheep sale... from left) Elders agent Tom Todd, Melrose ewe lamb owners Geoff and Dianne Allan and Kayden Jeffreys from Hannasky Livestock Carriers. This pen topped crossbred ewe section and was overall best seller for the day.
Photo by
Bryanna Rossow
A once flourishing Riverina sheep market took a hit last Friday at the annual Deniliquin sheep sale, with demand dropping significantly from previous years.
While there was a strong crowd presence, the general commentary from the agents was that the 30,000 head of sheep were tough to move.
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‘‘It was the most disinterested crowd we’ve ever seen at Deniliquin,’’ said Elders Rural livestock agent Jason Andrews in an interview with Sheep Central reporter Murray Arnel.
Mr Andrews said that while the sales gathered quite a large crowd, there weren’t many serious bidders who were ready to ‘take the bull by the horns’.
‘‘It was very hit and miss, you had some repeat sellers in the first cross ewes which look as good as they have any other year and were really hard to move.
‘‘And there were a few cross ewes in the first section that sold on their reputation and maybe didn’t look as good,’’ Mr Andrews said.
Elders agent John Fitzpatrick agreed with this sentiment saying it was a tough day, with quality sheep selling below expectation.
‘‘I think there were a lot of people there who wanted to just have a look around and vendors wanting to have a look at what was selling,’’ Mr Fitzpatrick said.
‘‘There was definitely a lack of serious bidders.’’
While all agents agreed that demand was down from last year, it was difficult to pinpoint why.
‘‘We had a few buyers not turn up,’’ said Nutrien Harcourts livestock agent Bill O’Brien.
‘‘Whether it was because of COVID or otherwise, it was just one of those days unfortunately.’’
The result was a surprise for the agents as they were expecting more interest and higher sales considering the recent conditions.
‘‘We thought it might have been stronger with all the summer rain about and lots of stubble to chew but this wasn’t the case,’’ said Elders agent Ben McCalman.
Sales for crossbred ewes barely retained their previous spring valuations, Merino ewes sold for $20 to $40 cheaper and wethers highlighted the day selling for $10 to $15 dearer.
Topping the crossbred ewe section at $342 and taking top sale overall was 100 May/June 2021 drop by Retallack BL rams from G&D Allan, ‘Melrose’, Mathoura.
Owners Geoff and Dianne Allan said while they were hoping for a little more, all things considered they were happy with the result.
Brothers Nick and Steve Morona from Deniliquin, who sold 1130 head at $250 and 293 head at $252 of Merino cross ewes.
Photo by
Bryanna Rossow
