There were 1977 sheep sent for sale at the Matawhero saleyards yesterday, where buyers are still prepared to pay good money for the best of the store male lambs, but expressed caution on the store ewe lambs and smaller sorts.
The 46 prime sheep sold at recent prices.
Wet groundconditions and a fall in the lamb meat schedule have reduced the number of potential buyers. Consequently, longer term lambs proved harder to sell.
CNA and JM Marr at Te Wera sold 63 store wether lambs for $147 and 80 store ewe lambs for $132.50.
Best prices: store male lambs: CNA & JM Marr, 63, $147, 57, $122; Eastland Farms Ltd — Strathblane, 69, $138.50, 26, $96; KJ & RE Fisher, 36, $138.50; GJ & ME Hope, 93, $137.50; Bushy Knoll Forest Ltd, 23, $137.50; Kerry Ellmers, 17, $112; Kerley Agriculture Ltd, 82, $100; Treble B Trust, 65, $100, 85, $91.
