IF SHEEP producers needed further evidence of the shortage of numbers, then here it is.
While the final decision hasn't been made, it seems likely that Hay agents will call off their annual June sheep sale for the second year in a row.
The last time the centre held a sale was in November, with the December sale called off too due to a lack of numbers.
Now it will be 10 months between sales for the massive set of yards, a traditional centre for restockers and one which used to yard tens of thousands of stock at each sale.
The next sale, if June doesn't go ahead, will be in September.
Hay Associated Agents president and Elders district wool manager Bill Haygarth said there had been little change in stock numbers within the district.
"While we are having a much better season, it doesn't rain lambs," he said.
Mr Haygarth said it was frustrating for local producers not to have numbers.
Mr Haygarth said the final call on the June sale would be made in the next few weeks.
However, he said he was "very doubtful" that the fixture would go ahead.
