The Bendigo Blue Ribbon First Cross Ewe Sale, held on Friday, November 10th, marked a significant event in the sheep breeder's calendar. The Blue Ribbon sale again this year saw some of the best first cross sheep in Australia come forward for sale. The sheep were brought to the market by a range of specialist and experienced breeders, who over generations have invested in the presentation and genetic depth of these sheep. This year provided an opportunity for prime lamb producers to upgrade their flock at much more buyer-friendly levels than what we have seen in recent years. 

With a yarding of just over 30,000 first cross ewes of which McKean McGregor yarded 9,500, the sale exceeded expectations as the industry sees a shift in the current economic landscape.

"The market has adjusted from the high points of the last few years," Alex Collins, McKean McGregor’s Livestock Manager, noted, acknowledging a shift in the economic landscape. Despite this, he was quick to point out that "our vendors were rewarded for the exceptional presentation of their sheep."

The sale's results spoke volumes about the quality on offer. Rodney Brooms' 1.5-year-olds topped the sale at $230, while D.R. Collins' 1-year-olds followed closely at $224. Several pens of ewes fetched prices around the $200 mark, and even those slightly lighter in weight still commanded respectable prices between $140 - $170, with the occasional flat spots.

A noteworthy aspect of the sale was the yarding of about 17,000 ewe lambs. "We had an exceptional run ourselves with the ewe lambs," Collins remarked. The best of these lambs reached prices between $160 - $180, exceeding expectations in some cases. The mid-range lambs also performed well, with prices ranging from $140 - $165, a result Collins described as "great given the current climate."

The Bendigo First Cross Ewe Sale not only demonstrated the industry's resilience and adaptability but also underscored the region's role as a vital hub for producing high-quality livestock. The competitive bidding and strong prices reflected the commitment of local farmers to maintain high standards in their stock, further cementing the sale's reputation as a pivotal event in the agricultural calendar.

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and updates on local agricultural events.