Sheep producers seek premium young ewes

To meet the needs of emerging demand within the sheep industry for superior young ewe genetics available in smaller lot sizes, the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association (SDSGA) has hosted a Premium Yearling Ewe Sale for the past six years. 

This year, the sale was held on July 22 at Magness Livestock Auction in Huron, S.D. This annual event is the signature yearling ewe sale in the region. 

Sale summary

Nineteen consignors provided an excellent selection of high-quality, registerable and commercial ewes ranging from traditional white face wool breeds, their crosses and meat breed yearling ewes.  

Prices remained strong throughout the sale with considerable interest on all offerings, and lots were purchased by buyers from three states. 

A total of 47 sheep producers registered to bid on 22 lots of yearling ewes totaling 649 head.

Gross receipts from the sale totaled $240,840, and animals sold averaged $370 per head.

The high-selling registerable lot brought $450 per head for a pen of five, sold by Shady Lane Farms and purchased by Teri and Bill Brunskill of New Underwood, S.D. 

In the commercial ewes, the high-selling lot was 20 head of fall born Suffolk ewes offered by Justin Elder of Westmoreland, Kan. and purchased by Thompson Land and Livestock of Livingston, Mont. for $585 per head.  

The volume buyer of the sale was Cameron Goodrich from Wagner, S.D., purchasing 90 ewes.

Other highlights

Prior to the sale, South Dakota State University Extension hosted educational programming and lunch. A total of 80 sheep producers attended the programming, and 120 people attended the free lamb lunch. 

It was also a very successful day for young producers Emma and Joni Spring of Union Center, S.D., who were able to purchase some sheep they liked. SDSGA gave buyer credit of $500 per youth toward their purchase. 

Also, thanks to Joe and Tonya Coplan for donating a red and white border collie to this year’s auction to generate funds to support the Youth Buyer Credit Program. Generous donors raised nearly $1,800 towards future winners. 

SDSGA is a member of the American Sheep Industry Association and the trade association for sheep producers of South Dakota, representing both farm flocks and range operations. The 2023 SDSGA Annual Convention will be held Sept. 22-23 in Rapid City, S.D. For more information or to register, visit sdsheepgrowers.org.