SDSGA holds 4th Annual Premium Yearling Ewe Sale
Magness Livestock Augtion, Huron, S.D.
Gross receipts: $197,793
Average dollars per head: $ 439
Number of consignors: 15
To meet the needs of emerging demand within the sheep industry for superior young ewe genetics available in smaller lot sizes, South Dakota Sheep Growers Association (SDSGA), has hosted a Premium Yearling Ewe Sale annually for the last four years.
The sale was held July 24 at Magness Livestock Auction in Huron, S.D.
This annual event is the signature yearling ewe sale in the region.
Sale summary
Consignors provided an excellent selection of high-quality, registerable and commercial ewes ranging from traditional whiteface wool breeds, crossbred and meat-breed yearling ewes.
Prices remained strong throughout the sale with considerable interest on all offerings. Lots were purchased by buyers from five states.
The high selling registerable lot brought $605 per head for a pen of five, sold by Shady Lane Farms in Redfield, S.D. and purchased by John Callies of Howard, S.D.
In the commercial ewes, the high selling lot was 20 head of Merino ewes offered by Jewell Merinos of Rifle, Colo. and purchased by TW Schalesky and Dally Myers, each with 10 head, for $585 per head.
The volume buyer of the sale was Kent and Brandee Fjeldheim from Herreid, S.D., purchasing 120 head.
A total of 68 sheep producers registered to bid on 23 lots of yearling ewes, totaling 450 head.
SDSGA education
Prior to the sale, South Dakota State University Extension educational programming and lunch were held. A total of 45 sheep producers attended the programming and 85 people attended the free lamb lunch.
A roll over auction was offered on one ewe donated by Sage Creek Targhees and Tommy Mills to benefit SDSGA’s Youth Buyer Credit Program. The ewe earned more than $2,100 toward continuation of this successful program, providing $500 awards to regional youth looking to get into or expand their sheep flock.
This year, one award was given to John Callies of Howard, S.D.
To learn more about the SDSGA, contact Dr. Lisa Surber at 406-581-7772 or by e-mail at lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org.
The 2021 SDSGA annual convention will be held Sep. 24-25 in Pierre, S.D. To learn more, visit sdsheepgrowers.org.
