SHEEP and lamb prices have finished the year strongly for Loddon graziers.
Stock agents saw a market top price of $280 at Bendigo on Monday as selling started early and numbers were capped to beat the heat.
Inglewood stock agent and president of the Bendigo Associated Stock Agents Association Chris Nevins said market prices had held well throughout 2024.
Mr Nevins said Monday’s top prices were not far off the $300 achieved late last month by Kamarooka North’s Des O’Donoghue.
With more than 65 per cent of stock put through the Bendigo Livestock Exchange coming from the Loddon Shire, the weekly market remains a key barometer for local farmers.
One of the sellers this week was Axedale’s Bernie Roney who leases land to Brenanah to graze 500 head of sheep.
Mr Roney on Monday sold 132 head. “Grass is a bit sparse in that area at the moment ... no decent rain since February in what has been a dry year.”
Mr Nevins said stock numbers held by farmers “are back a bit at the moment”.
“Many have already sold what they wanted and are comfortable with their current set up. They will have plenty of grain to feed stock and won’t be under that type of pressure for now,” he said.
Stock agents started Monday’s sale at the earlier time of 7.30am and selling was wrapped up in under three hours. Numbers were also capped to a maximum 19,000.
Meanwhile, City of Greater Bendigo on Monday night approved development of an organics waste facility on land next to the livestock exchange.
Council said it had discussed plans with the livestock exchange advisory committee that included buyer and producer advocates/agents, who represent farmers.