THE first spring sale at Yelta, near Mildura, saw young Merino ewes make $204 last week.
A total of 18,520 mostly Merino sheep - up from the 17,000 advertised - sold to strong demand, selling agent Elders Mildura's Kelvin Fitzgerald said.
Good restocker demand drove up ewe prices across the board.
Driving rain accompanied the sale, however, Mr Fitzgerald said this didn't affect the market.
An offering 11,300 ewes, of all ages, sold from $88 up to $204 and averaged $140.
The 6300 Merino wethers sold from $65 to $88 and averaged $77 while the 1000 crossbred lambs topped at $102.50 and averaged $92.
The total yarding averaged $116.
"It was a good solid market, all vendors were happy," Mr Fitzgerald said.
"We had local buyers as well as buyers from down to Benalla and over to Roseworthy in South Australia."
Aside from strong restocker demand, meat buyers operated with Midfields and Woodwards buying but not T&R Pastoral.
Notable sales included the top price of $204 paid for 656 Merino ewes, May-June 2009-drop, September shorn from Mutooroo Pastoral. The seconds sold for $170.
Springwood Pastoral sold 525 Merino ewes, June-July 2009 drop, September shorn for $162.
Willotia Station sold 616 Merino ewes, June-July 2003-drop, September shorn, for $117.
The trade operated on wethers at about $86.
Minda Station sold 106 crossbred lambs for $102.50.
The next sheep sale at Yelta will be on November 10 with an offering of 15,000 sheep including a dispersal of 6000 head.
