Sheep prices hit new national record of $595 a head at Bendigo
A national record $595 per ewe lamb was set at Bendigo sale, breaking a record of $462 set only two days earlier.
Ewe lamb prices across southern Australia have hit unprecedented levels this month. A national record of $595 a head for Border Leicester/Merino ewe lambs was set at Bendigo's annual sale on November 6, eclipsing a record of $462 set only two days earlier in Mount Pleasant, South Australia.
Corowa, NSW, saw a record of $641 paid for 1.5-year-old ewes in late October. Nutrien auctioneer Nick Byrne said strong demand in the lamb sector was driving the surge.
He expects some softening within 18 months but said strong returns should continue.
- $595
- National record per head
- $462 at Mount Pleasant
- Previous record
- $641 for 1.5-year-old ewes
- Corowa record
- 9668 ewes and 12,799 lambs
- Animals yarded at Bendigo
Why it mattersRecord sheep prices mean farmers selling breeding stock now will get strong returns, but buyers face rising costs to restock their flocks.
AustraliaRural Australia's sheep industry is experiencing its strongest market in years, benefiting farmers across the southern states but making it costlier for operations to rebuild herds.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
