(This is an abbreviated and amended version of the report that appeared in the Stock Journal on 17/11/11 and written by Miranda Kenny.)
Naracoorte’s reputation as southern Australia’s premier blue ribbon sale for first cross ewes was once again reinforced last Thursday (10/11/11) when the saleyard’s record was smashed. The sale’s 1.5 year old ewes topped at $310 which was $16 above last year’s national record breaking Naracoorte sale, and was only $6 below the current national record of $316 set at Ballarat, Victoria on January 12th 2010.
The sale exceeded agent and vendor expectations, grossing above $5 million, with 20,388 ewes averaging $251.74.
Elders Naracoorte agent Tom Dennis said there was a real premium for vendor bred sheep of about $10 to $15.
“The Coolawang ewes were an incredible line-up of sheep; absolutely outstanding”, he said.
The James family’s top pen of 133 ewes went to Graeme Zilm of Lochaber. With being awarded the blue ribbon by judge Steve Jaeschke, Keith before the sale it was of no real surprise that they came through with the top price.
Their second pen of 131ewes sold to Will McDonald, Strathalbyn, a repeat Coolawang buyer. This gave them an average of $306.03 for their 264 ewes.
The James family have bred first cross ewes for the past 30 years and sold a previous national record of $248 for their ewes at Naracoorte in 2004, the first time they offered at this venue. Their 2010 offering averaged $288.
Coolawang scores again: pictured are Judy and Trevor James, Coolawang, Mundulla who with their son Lachie sold the top priced $310 first cross ewes at Naracoorte 1st cross ewe sale last Thursday (10th November 2011).Their outstanding line of Coolawang Border Leicester sired hogget ewes, out of Leahcim blood Merino ewes were also selected as the blue ribbon winners, awarded to the best presented pen of ewes at the sale, the fourth time the James family have won this prestigious award since they started selling at Naracoorte in 2004 (9 years).
