Reduced numbers reflect a strong sheep market

It is expected to attract a strong crowd of local, regional and interstate buyers.

Almost 13,000 head are to be presented for sale, which is significantly less than the 40,000 presented last summer.

Local livestock agents say the reduction from year-to-year is based on conditions and the strong wool and sheep markets heading into the festive season.

“Seasonal conditions, with the heat and potential lack of water, have seen sheep and lamb already sold, with farmers taking advantage of price,” Elders livestock agent Jason Andrews said.

“But we expect the market to remain strong.”

Mr Andrews said the number of cross-bred sheep on offer this week is limited, with the shift linked to the rise in the wool market.

“The wool market has risen significantly in the last 12 months, and farmers have had to make a decision early to send them to other centres to take advantage of weather forecasts.

“We are also traditionally Merino country, and the wool price exemplifies that.”

With the last of the planning for the store sale taking place during last week’s extended heatwave, Mr Andrews had one other hope for sale day.

“I just hope it’s cool,” he said.

For more details about the Deniliquin Store Sheep Sale offerings, turn to the ad on page 8.