THE red-hot market for ewes has seen a new national record set for Australian White ewe lambs last week when 54 future breeder's sold for $650 per head through AuctionsPlus.
Offered by the McNally family of Amaroo Australian White stud, Gundary near Goulburn, the Tattykeel-blood commercial line of July-2020 drop ewe lambs weighed 31.1 kilograms live weight (15.5kg dressed) with a fat score of 3.
A second draft of ewes offered by the McNally's, predominately 2018-drop and pure Tattykeel-blood, were also sold for $650.
Both were secured by the same buyer, located in the north west slopes of NSW.
The previous highest price for commercial Australian White ewe lambs was $458 set just a few weeks ago, also sold through AuctionsPlus.
Amaroo stud principal, Troy McNally, said they weren't expecting the price to go as far north above the reserve placed on them.
"We weren't actually going to sell the commercial ewe lambs, it was only that our agent, Alex Wilson from Delta Livestock, suggested we see if there was a market for them," Mr McNally said.
"We were shocked with the prices, they seemed out of this world.
"But we see the value in sheep. At the moment you are earning a lot more in terms of interest on sheep than what you would be if the money was sitting in the bank.
"I can't see the prices backing off, and if they did, I can't see them backing off by much."
But for the McNally's, it was much more than realising a record price, it was about creating future opportunities for the breed, especially for 16-year-old Jaiden McNally, who is full stream ahead when it comes to the stud side of the business.
About 18 months ago, Jaiden, after spending time with the Gilmore family of Tattykeel stud, Oberon, purchased a number of Aussie White ewes in lamb, and the rest as they say, is history.
"My son really wanted to push the stud side of things," Mr McNally said.
Alongside the Aussie White stud a trade lamb business has kicked off to provide diversity in their sheep enterprise.
"Whether we hold the record for one week, one month or one year, it doesn't matter. It is about what can come out of the breed, but also what can come out of the industry." Mr McNally said.
"With the recognition Jaiden has received over the past week, it has boosted Amaroo and he is excited for the next chapter now."