A Deniliquin breeder set a new AuctionsPlus online sales record on May 19, selling the top-price ewe for $446.
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Riverina Irrigation and Pastoral principal James Sides sold 81 first-cross Border Leicester/Merino ewes, which were 13 to 15 months of age, weighed 67 kg and in-lamb to a White Suffolk ram.
The ewes were scanned as having multiple lambs inside them and the record-selling ewe was sold to a Benalla buyer.
Mr Sides said he was happy with the result.
“I wish the new owners every success, all records are made to be broken so hopefully it does,” he said.
“They were very young ewes and still had lamb's teeth and joined up exceptionally well; the new owners should have the opportunity to have them for while and they have proven fertility, so hopefully they keep on having twins.
“I think it’s a great result for the industry and proves great confidence in Australian livestock.”
Nutrien Ag Solutions livestock agent Geoff McCallum said the sale had an exceptional result, with ewes sold at an average of $405.
“They were very well-bred ewes that were very well-grown for their age,” Mr McCallum said.
“It really is an indication of the strength of the sheep and lamb market; the mutton market is enormously strong which is a direct representation of how strong the current market is.”
AuctionsPlus market operations manager Emma Fessey said she expected to see the increase in online sales to continue once coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
“We have seen a massive uptake of selling stock online due to coronavirus restrictions — a lot of people are learning about the benefits of selling stock online and having a national audience,” she said.