THE “good country” has cemented its status as a top-tier producer with a record breaking sale at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange last week.
During the facility’s first-cross ewe sale from the heart of the Tatiara, the Lockhaven stud blew expectations out of the water with a staggering $402 per head.
Before last week’s sale, the saleyard’s record was set by neighbouring property Coolawang at $386.
Lockhaven principals David and Brody Lock said they were shocked to break a record for the 100 August 2018 drop Border Leicester Merino ewes.
“We thought the record might be broken at some point during the sale, but we did not expect it to be us,” David said.
The ewes were purchased by producer Ken Atkin and will be relocated to his Kongorong property.
Southern Australian Livestock agent Craig Lewis said the price was a pleasant surprise.
“We were expecting around $370 or $380 for the ewes,” he said.
“At the end of the sale we had a couple of buyers who were really motivated and needing sheep so it worked out well for us.”
Working with South Australian Livestock (SAL) since it opened in Bordertown more than 30 years ago, David praised the work of the company in addition to Mr Lewis.
“We have only had one other stock agent before Craig,” he said.
“He took over from Peter Vile who we had worked with since the beginning.
“There has been a great relationship between us and SAL over the many years working together and we obviously look forward to many more.”
After leaving home for university to study agriculture, Brody has only returned to the family-owned business in recent years with David joking he hoped he was ready for the challenge.
“I left school in 1975 and have been working ever since and the industry has not always been at a high,” David said.
“At the moment things are going great and we are trying to capitalise on that where we can.
“The prices we have been seeing lately have helped a lot of producers complete upgrades and invest back into their operations, but we know everything has ups and downs, so I am sure we will not always be so lucky.”
The record comes as prime lamb prices are at an all time high, with Coolawang setting a state record of $337 for 24 first cross wethers.
Many believe the good fortune is a result of high demand in Australia’s export markets, in addition to the drought crippling much of the eastern states.
Mr Lewis said the current market was not positive for eastern Australia but has worked well for the South East.
“We have been able to secure some great prices in recent times which does show the quality of our stock, but also the reliability of where we are,” he said.
“We are obviously not out here trying to set records, but when it comes along it is something you have got to celebrate.
“I think the good times will continue for a little while yet – we are obviously all hoping for the drought to break for the drought-stricken communities around the country but even when it does it will still benefit the South East.
“The national herd will need to be restocked which will take quite some time and I think people will look to the South East to start that restocking process.”
