Strong demand drives solid results

The sale, hosted by the Deniliquin Associated Agents, drew a large crowd of local, regional and interstate buyers, a turnout Elders livestock agent Jason Andrews said “exceeded expectations”.

Pre‑sale estimates suggested about 13,000 sheep would be offered, but late withdrawals, particularly among lambs sold before the day, brought the final yarding to 12,056 head.

Despite the reduced numbers, Mr Andrews said the market held up well across all categories.

“It was a pretty good day,” he said.

“Store crossbred lambs sold extremely well, and on the older ewes the processing underpinned the price,” he said.

Seasonal pressures, including heat and water concerns, had already prompted many producers to offload stock earlier in the summer, contributing to the smaller yarding compared to last year’s 40,000‑head offering.

Crossbred numbers were again limited, reflecting the shift toward Merinos driven by the rising wool market over the past 12 months.

The strong performance at Deniliquin on Friday follows the trend of buoyant sheep and wool markets seen from spring through to Christmas, with agents predicting ahead of the sale that those conditions would carry through into the new year.

Cooler weather on sale day also provided welcome relief after the previous week’s heatwave, helping ensure smooth running of the event.

The gross sale result reinforced continued confidence.

Among the buyers was Jerilderie producer Trent Robinson, who successfully bid $246 a head for one pen early in the auction.

Mr Robinson said he was “very happy with the buy”, noting the sheep would slot neatly into his existing operation.

“We’re adding to the flock numbers, and we have the same bloodline, so we know they’re good,” he said.