The Elders EP Circuit Sale took place this week, marking 10 years of the iconic sale.
In this year’s sale, over 10,000 sheep were sold across nine different Eyre Peninsula properties, spanning from Sheringa to Streaky Bay.
The sale topped at a strong $152 for crossbred lambs, and averaged $88.64 across all categories.
Elders Cleve Livestock Agent Mick Noble, who was the main auctioneer at the sale, said he was pleased to see strong results in tougher conditions for the area.
“Today we yarded over 10,000, mostly Merino wether lambs and crossbred lambs. Off the back of a pretty trying season, the stock were presented very well by the vendors,” Mick said.
“The sale today has gone above and beyond expectations considering how much grass is in the country. The tops of the wether lambs ranged from around $90 to $112, the tops of the crossbreds sold for between $126 to $152.”
Prior to the Circuit Sale being established, sheep and lambs from the Eyre Peninsula were losing condition and presentation appeal on the long journey to market in the Mid North. The Circuit Sale was invented so that buyers would instead come to the Eyre Peninsula for one day of sales, creating an even playing field and solid competition.
Elders Northern SA Livestock Manager Damien Webb said that the Circuit Sale has only expanded in its decade of operation.
“With the success of the sale, and the numbers, we expanded the sale in 2019 to also include the Port Kenny area,” he said.
“It works really well. We start at station one, sell the sheep there, and then move on to the next as soon as the sale is over. The convoy of cars from one property to the next is always strong; I’m sure a few caravans on the road wonder what is going on!
“It’s a really positive event for everyone involved. We have buyers coming in from all over the country, and plenty of them coming back year on year, because the stock perform.”
This year, Elders’ EP Ready program was a key focus for buyers. The EP Ready program was created to better prepare animals for safe transport and future performance. It involves producers working alongside an Elders livestock production specialist to deliver their weaners a range of timed vaccinations, supplements and stress treatments.
“We saw a real focus today on EP Ready lambs. Clients are really taking up this offering and it is clear they are happy to pay a premium for them. That side has been really positive, and I think it will be the way forward,” Damien said.
Elders EP Area Manager David Fleming said he is keen to see the success of the Circuit Sale continue for another 10 years.
“It has been fantastic to see both familiar and new buyers supporting our event, as well as the loyal vendors who continue to get involved,” David said.
“The sale has been a wonderful success for 10 years and we are keen to see it continue for at least another 10.”
10 Years of the Eyre Peninsula Circuit Sale
Hear from Damien Webb, Elders Northern Livestock Manager in SA, as he recaps the annual sale.
