With another busy stud season well underway, the confidence and strength of the sheep and lamb industry has once again been highlighted, with the August and September period seeing 21,216 rams offered across 268 sales. The 2022 spring selling season has so far showcased the continued optimism in the industry with 7 out of 9 breeds averaging higher on last year, topped off by record prices and 22% of sales achieving averages higher on last year.
Bearing in mind that over half of booked in ram sales are still to come, AuctionsPlus has investigated recent sale results to provide a three-quarter state-of-play for the season, which has highlighted the continued confidence in the sheep industry, off the back of favourable seasonal conditions and increased demand for lamb, setting the stage for persistent high prices.
Breaking down spring sales by breed over the August to September period, the standout breed has been Poll Dorset, with average ram prices increasing 77% from the same period last year at $3,930/head. Another breed highlight has been Border Leicester, up 19% on last year to sit at $3,973/head.
The consistent performers, Merino and Poll Merino have topped last year’s strong results, with offerings dominating this year’s spring sales. Poll Merino rams have comprised 34% of the offering to-date, with 7,183 head, while 3,854 Merino rams have been offered, contributing 18% of all rams. The solid Merino and Poll Merino offering has been reflected in prices, with Merinos averaging $3,372/head – up $169, while Poll Merino’s are currently averaging $2,960/head – increasing $123 year-on-year.
The Australian White breed continues to top the record books with Tattykeels 9th Annual sale breaking their record set from last year for a meat breed ram at $240,000. The records haven’t stopped at Australian Whites, with Kerin Poll’s annual sale breaking the record sale gross for the Merino industry with 519 lots grossing 2.137 million and Mumblebone Merinos setting a new Australian Merino sale average, reaching $5,226/head across 394 lots.
Looking ahead to the remaining quarter of the 2022 spring selling season there are 154 stud sheep sales still to come and if the first half is anything to go by, the upcoming sales are set to continue building on the already strong prices and demand.
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