These early July shorn 14-16 month non-mulesed ewe hoggets at Tintinara sold for $328 in the sale yesterday.

AUSTRALIA’S first multi-vendor non-mulesed Merino ewe sale could spawn similar sales in other regions and states, according to organiser Platinum Livestock agent Nick van den Berg.

AuctionsPlus sold 15 of the 21 lots listed in the twilight SA Performance Non-Mulesed Ewe Sale yesterday with an average of $251 for about 3400 ewes, with negotiations continuing on the outstanding lots.

The ewes sold for up to $328 for 151 14-16 month-old Merino ewe hoggets from SWM Merinos at Tintinara, South Australia, with other hogget lines making from $212-$320, and older ewes selling for $173-$230. Hogget ewes averaged $290 and mixed aged ewes $211.

“In the current market, we think they are really well-priced for what they are in weight and age.

“If you compare it to the commodity market for ewes that were offer in AuctionsPlus’ midday sale, there is probably no discount for the fact that they were non-mulesed,” he said.

“We are really happy that for genetic merit and presentation they sold for really strong values with no discount for being non-mulesed.

Mr van den Berg said heavy sheep with good Australian Sheep Breeding Values data sold well, followed by lighter lines with goods ASBVs and those with less data.

He said some purchasers were seeking non-mulesed ewes to suit wool integrity schemes and lines with high ASBV credentials, or both.

“Other purchasers just wanted quality ewes, regardless of their mulesing status.”

He said provision of genetic breeding values on commercial ewes had not been done before.

There 74 registered bidders from all Australian states and another 49 observers, and the sale catalogue received 3352 views, Mr van den Berg said.

“There was a lot of interest following the sale.”

The sale was supported by ZQ Merino and all buyers highlighted the advantage in collating non-mulesed ewes in one sale, he said.

Mr van den Berg said good breeding ewes being bought currently were cheap, based on current prices and lamb and mutton values, “even at significantly higher values than are being paid.” Earlier this year, some of the hogget lines offered could be been ‘hooked’ for more money.

But he said ewe restocking demand generally is restricted by the season, producer debt levels and cash flow concerns.

Mr van den Berg said he was looking at scaling the concept with more than one event next year, and in other regions and states.

“We will improve the integrity and accuracy of our genetic assessments or look at ensuring all ewes have a flock profile.”