Sheep for Sale in Australia | Find All Upcoming Lamb and Sheep Auctions Near You

Lamb and sheep auctions serve as necessary platforms for both farmers and buyers to engage in livestock trading. They allow both parties to transact in a structured environment and can help mitigate risks associated with inconsistent prices.

Sheep auction prices provide a transparent model that helps buyers determine actual market prices based on real-time demand and competition among buyers. They effectively enable buyers and sellers to trade in the most efficient and secure way possible.

What is a Sheep Auction?

A sheep auction is a marketplace where sheep (or lamb) are sold to the highest bidder.

Typically run by licensed auctioneers, sheep sales can take place either physically or through trusted online platforms.

Physically, a lamb or sheep auction can take the form of:

Online Auctions

For buyers who may be travelling or short on time, platforms like AuctionsPlus enable you to browse sheep listings online. This allows bidders to participate remotely if they can’t physically get to an auction. Listings are available without the livestock having to leave their property of origin ensuring excellent animal health and welfare outcomes.

Saleyard Auctions

In a sale yard auction, sheep or other livestock are transported to a sale yard where they are sold in a competitive bidding environment.

The prices are determined by the supply and demand for the livestock at the time of auction.

On-Property Sales

Another form of a sheep sale is when sheep sellers negotiate with buyers directly on the seller’s property. This is ideal for buyers who want to inspect the livestock physically before placing a bid, and will often attract buyers looking for specific breeds of sheep.

What Breeds Are On Offer?

In Australia, the breeds of sheep for sale will differ widely depending on the location and the stock available. This is where sellers might need to shop around if they are searching for a particular breed.

From young ewes to lightweight lambs, you can find it all at sheep auctions. But generally, you will commonly encounter:

• Merino & Poll Merino: This is the most common sheep breed in Australia. It’s also valued highly due to its wool quality and softness.
• Poll Dorset: This is a meat breed predominantly use to produce lambs for slaughter
• Dorper or White Dorper: This is a low-maintenance meat breed.
• Border Leicester: Often used in crossbreeding programs.

Which Breed Is Right For Me?

For many sellers, the type of breed suitable for them will depend on:

• 1. Their climate
• 2. The purpose for the livestock production system

For example, merino breeds are ideal for producing wool in any climate, and can also be used to cross-breed with other types of sheep to produce premium lamb and meats.

Factors To Consider When Attending Sheep Auctions

When it comes to knowing what to look for when browsing sheep for sale - whether that is online, at a sale yard or on-property, there are 4 main factors to consider:

1. Condition of the Sheep

One of the most important things you want to consider when browsing sheep for sale is the physical condition - the health - of the livestock itself. To help gauge this, keep an eye on:

• Overall Health of the Sheep: Are there any signs of disease, parasites or health issues that could bring down the sheep’s value?
• Dentition: You can check the teeth of the sheep to estimate the age and overall health of the animal.
• Breed: If you’re specifically looking for sheep breeds to produce wool, pay attention to the quality, length and condition of the fleece

2. Documentation

Another significant factor is how trustworthy the auction is. You need to be able to trust that these auctions are legitimate and have peace of mind that you are buying from a verifiable seller.

• National Vendor Declaration (NVD): Make sure that the auctioneer makes this document readily available, as it provides crucial information about the sheep's history.
• National Sheep Health Declaration: This document should be available for inspection before the sale.
• NLIS Tags: This is what helps to verify that all sheep have approved NLIS (National Livestock Identification System tags) and provides you with an extra layer of protection.
• Accreditations: Grassfed, organic, antibiotic free are examples of accreditations that some buyer look for

3. The Current Market

While the vendor may set a reserve price for their livestock, be aware of what is going on in the current market that could have an effect on the value of the sheep you want to bid for.

For example, a sheep’s skin value is a huge factor that can either drive up or reduce the price for it.

Find a Sheep Auction Near You With A Trusted Platform

Sheep auctions can have multiple advantages for buyers looking for specific breeds of sheep or wanting to gauge the market price for them.

One of the most important things when purchasing sheep for sale, however, is how trustworthy the auction is.

With over 37 years of experience, AuctionsPlus is Australia’s leading and most trusted online livestock platform. Through our online platform, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are purchasing sheep through an accredited assessor and verifiable sellers. And the best part is, you can do this from the comfort of your own property.

Find a sheep auction near you today and start bidding!