AUSTRALIA wide demand for maternal composite ewe lambs pushed prices to $172.50 on AuctionsPlus this week.
The first Lambpro Pimeline ewe sale on January 17 resulted in 3780 ewe lambs selling for an average of $146.80.
The majority of the lambs were August-September drop, averaged 35kg and are to be joined in March-April at weights of 45-50kg.
Lambs sold to Temora, in southern NSW, to Hobart, Tasmania, on the back of a solid buying gallery.
Lambpro principal Tom Bull said 40 buyers had logged on.
"But price expectations of buyers was not in line with reserves with a falling market," Mr Bull said.
"A number of lots were negotiated post sale."
The top price pen at $172.50 weighed 38kg live and were sold by Baldry and Sons, Wallandoon East, Wallendbeen.
Lots then sold down to $126 for 28.6kg live or 10kg dressed lambs.
"The lamb and sheepmeat market has come under pressure and many parts haven't recorded rain in 2012," Mr Bull said.
"AuctionsPlus can be tough in a rapidly failing market so to sell what we did was excellent.
"The few passed in lots have had solid offers so the end result will be pleasing."
Mr Bull said the Primeline Maternal composite was gaining momentum among ewe buyers,
He said the prices were on par or better than first-cross ewes of similar ages and weights for the past week.
"It will take time but we are confident of the future of specialist prime lamb dams bred from high performance self-replacing flocks," Mr Bull said.
He said more consistent sheep had meant demand from traditional lamb producers was increasing.
