Coopdales go for $152 a head

A draft of 300 Coopdale ewes in full wool, offered by Ross Ewing of Kauru Hill, topped the annual Oamaru ewe fair held at Waiareka saleyards on Monday afternoon.

PGGWrightson livestock manager Mark Yeates said the Roy family of Moonlight paid $152 per head for the draft.

"These stock were outstanding and were the first lot of the day," he said.

"The second highest lot, 75 Coopdale ewes of similar breeding to the Ewing draft and offered by Richard and Colette Strowger, of Waianakaru, made $150 each and 100 two-tooth Romney ewes, offered by Peter Rodd of Tapui, sold for $140 each."

Mr Yeates said there was a total clearance of more than 3200 stock on offer.

"Although the prices were back a bit, these were outstanding capital stock and prices paid were where we thought they would be," he said.

"The sale was a good opportunity for farmers to get quality young stock.

"At between $130 to $150, the prices represented pretty good buying."

Buyers who either missed out or who are looking for further capital stock will have an opportunity next month at the annual Omarama lamb fair on February 21 and at the annual Omarama adult ewe fair on February 28. Mr Yeates said: "We expect some outstanding stock to be offered at both these sales."

Both sales will start at 10am at Omarama.