THE Cootamundra Saleyards continues to draw strong stock numbers from around the district with the total yarding at last Wednesday’s sheep sale 9515 head.
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The yarding was made up of: 3793 ewes; 157 hoggets; 4429 lambs; 239 rams; 21 sheep; 40 suckers; and 836 wethers.
Top price for the day went to NL and B Corby at $182 a head.
These were sold through Holman Tolmie and bought by Australian Lamb Company.
Recent rain has lifted the mood of farmers with most having around the 50mm mark in their rain gauge earlier this month and more on the way.
Cootamundra Associated Agents president Steve Tolmie said last Wednesday’s sale reflected other markets in the region, slightly back on previous highs.
He puts this down to increased numbers and the short week because of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
The sale was also missing buyers from some of the major processors.
With these taken out of the market, there was less competition for stock.
Mr Tolmie said those sheep and lambs which have been grain-fed or on crop are holding up well as winter hits.
The quality of other stock has been affected by the recent drizzly rain, according to Mr Tolmie.
With the main runs of lambs mostly sold and new-season lambs not ready to hit the market until Spring, Mr Tolmie said numbers pressure should keep prices steady for producers.
On average, producers are still making up to the $6/kg mark.
Meanwhile, cattle producers are experiencing record high prices with Mr Tolmie predicting these highs are sustainable in the current market given the season so far.
The Eastern Young Cattle Indicator has been pushed into record territory reaching 607.75c/kg on Tuesday.
This is good news for those already in the game, but making the purchase of cattle difficult for those entering the market, according to Mr Tolmie.
He said, despite the record high prices, cattle numbers are actually dropping in the Cootamundra district.
“I haven’t seen store cattle prices as dear as they are in some time,” Mr Tolmie said.
The next Cootamundra Sheep Sale will be held on Wednesday, June 29.
Producers are encouraged to book early with their preferred agent.
Last Wednesday, agents included Landmark, Delta Agribusiness, Butt Livestock and Property, Holman Tolmie, Elders and Bassingthwaighte Livestock and Property Marketing.