The dry seasonal conditions and drop in lamb prices had a clear affect on buyer’s confidence and their insecurity about what may lay ahead.

However, the demand to replenish stock was still evident with a big yarding of 16,579 one-and-a-half-year-old ewes and lambs selling to a gross $1.57 million and $95 average.

Michael Peden of Bullamalita Pastoral Co., Goulburn, sold the top pen of 113 first cross ewes purchased by Errol Cummins, Laggan, for $167.

Mr Cummins, who purchased a similar size pen of ewes from Bullamalita last year, said he was keen to follow the same line.

“I had to fight for them,” he said.

“I knew they were good, but so did other buyers.

“I had good lambing results from them so I wanted to stick with what works.

“I was very happy I ended up the winning bidder.”

Mr Peden also sold the second top priced pen of 97 ewes purchased by Virginia McCallum, Bannister, for $154.

Mr Peden said he was very happy with the prices, especially given the challenging seasonal conditions and current market slump.

He believed good genetics combined with the top condition of his stock was the reason they fetched the higher prices.

Prices at the sale were reflective of the wider market.

When lamb prices were skyrocketing in 2011, the average price at the first cross ewe sale was $198.44 with the top pen fetching $258 a head.

In 2012, the average price was $188, with the top pen making $262 per head.

Manager of Elders Goulburn, Steve Ridley, said there were both highs and lows to the sale.

“The good end of the sheep, the ones with bloom and condition, sold well,” said Mr Ridley.

“But those that lacked condition struggled.

“The general comment from buyers was that they were concerned about conception rates when joined and therefore wouldn’t see a high percentage of lambs.

“On the brighter side, the ewe lambs sold well as did some of the older ewes.”

TOP vendor for Crookwell agents, MD and JJ Anderson, was Ashley and Gill Gilbert of Kingsvale Pastoral Co., Binda, who sold one of the larger mobs offered of 420 one-and-a-half-year-old first cross ewes for $133 to Tom and Chrissy Hughes of Bannister through Elders Goulburn.

First time buyers of Kingsdale ewes, Mr Hughes said he was extremely pleased with his purchase.

“We thought by buying one of the bigger mobs we might get them a bit cheaper,” said Mr Hughes.

“But there is certainly nothing at all wrong with these sheep, they are very good and I’m very happy.”

Mr Gilbert said he was happy enough with the price considering the market.

“It was always going to be a tough sale,” he said.

“It’s dry and everyone knows the problems.

“Ask me a couple of months ago and I would have been looking for $160 or more, but you have to meet the market and I was happy with that.”

Jock Duncombe of Duncombe and Co. Stock and Station Agents, Crookwell, said the prices were on par with most other selling centers across the region.

“The condition of the stock was generally very good,” said Mr Duncombe.

“The fluctuating market trend was due to quality and conditions.

“If we get an autumn break that would change prices dramatically”

Buyers on the day came from the Upper Lachlan and Goulburn areas as well as Wagga, Albury, Bathurst, Yass and Cowra.

HIGHLIGHTS

113 1st X Ewes Account:  Bullamalita  Pastoral  Co.,

Sold to E.J. Cummins for $167

97 1st X Ewes Account:  Bullamalita Pastoral Co.,

Sold to V. McCallum for $ 154

191 1st Ewes   Account: Coral Ridge Pastoral Co.,

Sold to Lugano Pty Ltd for $142

233 1st Ewes Account: R.J. Hain

Sold to Lugano Pty Ltd for $142

60 1st X Ewes Account: Glenerin Partnership

Sold to Landmark A/C Sooley for $146

140 1st X Ewes Account: Matt Croker

Sold to M. Gay $137.50

420 1st X Ewes Account: Kingsvale Pastoral Co.,

Sold to T. Hughes for $133

120 1st X Ewes Account: Tolldale Management

Sold to P. & C. McDonald for $127