The fortnightly Cootamundra Saleyards and Associated Agents yarded 2581 sheep and lambs, which was approximately down 500 on the last sale. 

According to Saleyards manager Jeff White, the dry times means the quality of stock is limited, however vendors with good quality stock can be rewarded with high prices. 

“With the dry times continuing it’s a credit to vendors as the quality of the yarding is still extremely high and the stock is being well rewarded,” Mr White said. 

“Our farmers are very switched on and are good operators who know their stock. 

“This means that buyers come in with confidence, knowing that they will be provided with high quality products.”

Coota is giving regional centres a run for their money, as Mr White argued that Coota’s buying market is just as big as the bigger sheep sale yards. 

“The prices that vendors achieve in Coota are equally as good as the big region centres, like Wagga,” he said. 

“Wagga and Dubbo have bigger drawing areas, hence why they get the top prices as we don’t have the weight in our lands.

“But Coota has it’s own boutique market and our buyers purchase quality stock with confidence for the stock available.” 

While the drought hasn’t affected buyer confidence in the quality of sheep, the price won’t be budging anytime soon. 

Mr White said until the area sees decent rainfall, the prices will remain strong but little rain could be damaging to the farmers. 

“Coota has some of the best farming area in the country, but we need two inches of rain very quickly as the feed supply is running out fast,” he said. 

“No rain will have dire consequences for our farmers heading into summer.”