BIG plain-bodied young Merino ewes have generally made $250-$300 with an outstanding sale at $358 in early selling at the Hay sheep sale today.

Sheep Central reporter Murray Arnel said the draft of 404 $358 1.5 year-old August shorn Yarto bred Alma blood ewes were sold by the Greg, Helen and Robert Rogers family at Booligal after months of preparation in a containment area.

The ewes were bought by Elders Yarrawonga client and first cross ewe breeder at Coreen Bill Bott, who regularly tops the annual Corowa first cross ewe sales.

Helen Rogers said a second line of 450 August shorn Yarto breed Alma blood Merino ewes sold for $310.

“It’s the most we’ve ever made.”

Mr Arnel said the sale has been a good day for sellers in a tough year.

“Many of the sheep in the yards have cost people a lot of money to get them here.”

Mr Arrnel said the second runs of smaller framed ewes are making $220-$250.

“They are all very very happy to be getting the money.

“It’s cost them a lot of money to get them here, but they did say it will probably be a one-off sale here at Hay this year.”

He said sheep were going back into northern and central Victoria with some to Horsham, with Yarrawonga providing the Victorian buying strength. Most NSW buyers were coming from between Narrandera and Wagga Wagga.

Look for Murray Arnel’s full report on Sheep Central.