The annual Jerilderie working dog auction was held on February 25, now in its sixth consecutive year of interfacing online with AuctionsPlus. The offering of 53 working dogs drew attention from across Australia, with online bidders from six states successful on the day.
Catalogue views hit a total of almost 11,000, while over 4,000 unique users connected to the sale to view, bid and buy compared to 1,209 users at last year’s record sale. The sale average was down about $2,000 from last year’s record at $8,300, with 30 dogs selling for a 57% clearance.
The fall from last year’s record high average is consistent with the broader trends in the sheep and cattle markets. Producers are feeling the pinch of high costs and falling commodity prices, and are, therefore, less willing to pay the same money for their working companion.
The top price was achieved by lot 16 ‘Bart’, who sold for $22,500. The almost 2.5-year-old black and tan Kelpie was described as a “very experienced all round station dog who excels in the paddock with a nice calm approach and a good cast”. Bart was also sired by Harry, who was the top-priced dog at the 2022 Jerilderie sale.
Another highlight was lot 42 ‘Rogueriver Rooey’, who sold for $4,500 to an online buyer from Busselton, WA. The 16-month-old red and tan Kelpie has “just started training, learning everyday and showing he will make an all rounder like his brothers and sisters”. Rogueriver Rooey has a 3,600km trip to make over to his new home in WA.