Cleve young ewe prices on rise

Elders Cleve livestock manager Mick Noble said the best young ewes were $10-$12 dearer than at recent store sales, but secondary young ewes were firm.

"Best younger ewes were $5 dearer, while older breeding ewes and wether lambs were firm," he said.

Cleve's Ricky Nield held a complete dispersal, with his top line making the $166 best price of the day to Elders Lucindale. The ewes were August-shorn, mulesed and tail-stripped, and Moorundie Park-blood.

Jake Simpson, Warramboo, also bought a line of Mr Nield's ewes - 64 May/June 2010-drop making $122.

About 8000 ewes were yarded, with young ewes presenting in good to prime condition.

Mr Noble said most 2013-drop ewes in lines of 80 or more made $100-$140.

"This is fully firm to slightly dearer than recent northern sales," he said. "The smaller lines and ewes that lacked the polish of the top pens were harder to attract competition and sold from $70-$90.

"There was a good selection of younger breeding ewes and most were in prime condition.

"The top breeding ewes were part of the Nield's dispersal with their 2012-drops making $148 and 2011-drops $142.

"A flock reduction from BF&WR White, Lock, sold well with their March-shorn 2011-drop ewes selling at $136 and 2010-drops at $110."

The top 2009-drop breeding ewes made to $80-$90, with smaller lines $74-$80.

Landmark Cummins/Cleve's John Harris said it was a good sale for the younger ewes.

"The better, younger ewes sold to good money," he said. "We had good local buying support from areas like Cummins and Edilillie, as well as support from the Mid North."

Wether lambs were in limited supply and the tops were from ER&BR Millard, Wharminda, 464 lambs at $80 to Landmark Balaklava.

* Full report in Stock Journal, October 16, 2014 issue.