LONG-TIME first-cross ewe breeders Don and Jo Murdoch, Bringalbert, Vic, are hopeful prices will follow similar levels to 2018 sales during the blue ribbon auctions at Naracoorte this month.
As they have for the past three decades, the Murdochs will offer May/June-drop Border Leicester-Merino ewes in the November 21 first-cross ewe lamb sale, with about 2500 of their lambs expected to be on offer.
Mr Murdoch said last year's sale had lifted on that of 2017, but he was hoping prices would remain similar.
"If you go right over the top, people go home and put a crop in instead," he said.
"A similar price is good - everyone makes a profit at that money.
"Although, those heady days when we all make more than expected are exciting."
The Murdochs breed their own Merino ewes at a property at Telopea Downs, Vic, which are then joined to Border Leicester rams at Bringalbert, running about 7000 ewes in total.
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Mr Murdoch said they ran "SA-type Merinos", usually sourced from the Mid North, and had been using Cooranga Border Leicester rams for a number of years.
They run their operation focused on producing quality first-cross ewe lambs, with the first-cross wethers sold on-hook or through store sales.
Mr Murdoch said they had built up some repeat clients in their years of selling through the Naracoorte sale.
"I know some buyers look for our sheep each year," he said.
"Our product is designed for the South East and western Vic."