THERE was only a small yarding of 3000 sheep at last week's Jamestown market and Landmark's Dun Cullen is warning that numbers are likely to remain this way in the near future.
"After the good rains in the northern areas last week, a lot of guys will be hanging onto sheep now," he said.
"I'd imagine there will be a small yarding at next month's market as well."
Mr Cullen said while numbers were small, he was still pleased with how the sale went.
"While we didn't have a big yarding, it was still a very satisfactory sale, and firm on previous sales," he said.
The crowd at last Thursday's sale had to brave the wet conditions brought on by the 40 millimetres of rain before the proceedings started.
There were 1800 sheep originally pencilled in for the sale that were withdrawn because of the conditions.
Mr Cullen said enquiry came from mainly local areas, with a good order from the West Coast.
The trade was represented by Thomas Foods International.
"With the big rains in the North West, North East, Flinders and Broken Hill regions, sheep numbers during the winter months will be drastically reduced," Mr Cullen said.
"This, coupled with the recent increase in mutton values at Dublin and interstate markets, will put a very good floor in any surplus sheep."
The sheep were presented from the West Coast, Southern Flinders, Adelaide Plains and local areas.
The highest prices of the sale came from the complete dispersal of a Merino flock from David Chapman, Kabowie, Hoyleton, sold to a top of $148 for the 2012-drop ewes, SIL to Merino. The 2011-drop made to $131, 2010-drop $126 and 2009-drop $108.
Elders quoted best 2013-drop wether lambs as holding firm to $5 cheaper, ranging from $83 to $89.
Competition was not as evident as recent markets, with one pen of secondary types holding firm at $50.
Sandy Martin, Baratta Pastoral, Carrieton, sold 990 wether lambs, July/August 2013-drop, February shorn to $89. Kevin O'Dea, Pekina, sold 225 wethers, May/June 2013-drop, December shorn at $85 while MJ&DM Hombsch, Orroroo, sold 150 wethers, July/August 2013-drop, December shorn for $50.
Elders quoted unjoined 2012-drop ewes, of which there were only two pens, as ranging from $94 to $96 and slipping $8-10.
The best 2012-drop joined ewes held firm, ranging $131-$148. Secondary types were slightly cheaper with the one pen making $71.
* Full report in Stock Journal, April 17, 2014 issue.
Paula Thompson
Stock Journal's markets editor.
Stock Journal's markets editor.
