Yarto tops annual Hay Sheep Sale

Elders auctioneers Sam Jones, Jason Andrews and Harry Cousens in action at Friday’s annual Hay Sheep Sale.

By Krista Schade

Hay Associated Agents hosted the annual Hay Sheep Sale on Friday, with prices struggling to reach last year’s tops, but local agents were pleased with results.

2022 Merino ewes were the focus of the day, with 23,000 head on offer, as well as 1,200 Merino ewe lambs, 5,750 older Merino Ewes and 500 Merino weather lambs.

Booligal breeders Helen and Greg Rogers of Yarto Pastoral Co again topped the sale, with $252 paid for 800 head of March/April 2022 drop Merino Ewes.

In contrast last year’s top was $440 per head, indicating the stressed market this season, but Yarto principle Greg Rogers was pleased with the outcome.

“It was a very good day for the district, under the prevailing market conditions,” he told The Riverine Grazier.

Young lambs reached $66, paid for 700 head of April/May 2023 drop from Mutherumbung Station. Of the older ewes Yarto again performed well, reaching $163 per head for a lot off 700 early 2021 drop sheep. The single lot of 500 Merino wether lambs from Erin Station sold to $25.

Nutrien agent Geoff McDougall was quick to hail the day a success.

“Today’s sale was a long way better than expected at the start of the day,” he said.

“The crowd took the opportunity to buy quality sheep they would not normally be able to afford.

“The maidens had fairly consistent competition throughout the day.”

“We had a very solid sale,” remarked Elders Hay manager Andrew Low.

“It was a credit to all producers to present their stock in such good order after what was a very challenging spring and summer last year.The young ewes sold to healthy competition with the market holding up well right through the yarding, in comparison to other sales.”