News

Sale highlights interest in sheep meat

By Sophie Baldwin

Nov 6, 2019

It is a great time to be involved in the sheep meat trade, according to Pepperton Poll Dorset and White Suffolk stud principals Roger and Diane Trewick.

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Their Poll Dorset rams sold to a high of $4600 and the White Suffolks to $4200 at the stud’s fifth annual ram sale at Elmore last week.

Mr Trewick said they welcomed the prices — with the Poll Dorset rams averaging $1031 and the White Suffolks $1228.

“We had close to 30 registered bidders, compared with just 15 last year, which has been a great thing for us and the industry,” he said.

The Pepperton rams went as far afield as Western Australia and NSW, along with strong demand from the Western District.

Leigh Hartwig from Greta paid the sale high $4600 for an August 2018 drop ram.

“The ram was bought in partnership with Craig Wilson from Wagga Wagga because this particular animal has the genetic qualities we are looking for,” Mr Hartwig sid.

“He should also be a great out-cross for our flock.”

Mr Trewick said his sale rode the wave of increased demand — and prices — for sheep meat in domestic and export markets.

“The outbreak of swine flu has contributed to a protein shortfall and it is a very good time to be in the industry,” he said.

“We have spent the past 15 years concentrating on sheep rather than grain and I think that is finally starting to pay off.”