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AuctionsPlus is the premier online marketplace for buying and selling commercial sheep, connecting Australian farmers and businesses with high-quality livestock.

As a crucial part of Australia's agricultural economy, commercial sheep farming supports the production of top-grade wool and meat. Join other Australians taking advantage of the online listing structure and find the right sheep for your business or home.

With over 30 years of experience, AuctionsPlus offers a reliable and efficient platform for seamless transactions. Start exploring today and find the right sheep for your business.

What Are Commercial Sheep?

A commercial sheep is an unregistered sheep with no papers. They are primarily raised for meat, wool, or milk production.

This is in contrast to registered sheep, bred for pedigree and to maintain specific breed standards set by breed registries.

Both have their uses in Australia, so it is important to ensure that you are buying the right type of sheep for your needs.

How to Buy Commercial Sheep in Australia

There is an array of commercial sheep and lamb buying options available in Australia. The rise of the internet has caused the market to evolve and change, providing more listing options than ever before.

Match your interests in convenience, accessibility, exclusivity, affordability and more through the following key methods:

Online Auctions

Platforms such as AuctionsPlus are online auction marketplaces for the sale of livestock by description. This allows you to bid on your desired sheep from the comfort of your own home by pursuing certain descriptors or listing tags.

This is a convenient and cost-effective way to get quality commercial sheep.

Saleyard Sheep Auctions

Livestock are transported to central saleyards from farms and other yards, where they are sold to the highest bidder. Generally, a saleyard accepts all types of stock and lots of any size.

The prices of each sheep are determined by the supply and demand in the market on that particular day. However, this style of auction tends to provide an immediate sale, which is appealing to many listers and buyers.

Paddock Sales

A Paddock sale is where a buyer or agent comes directly onto the vendor's farm to inspect and buy the stock.

Paddock sales can be more flexible and convenient for both parties. This is because they allow for the sale of larger numbers of sheep or specific types of stock that may not be suited for a traditional auction.

Over-the-Hook Sales

An over-the-hook sale refers to when livestock is sold based on the weight and quality of the carcass after slaughter rather than live. The buyer (typically abattoirs) assumes responsibility for slaughter and further processing.

Forward Price Contracts

A forward price contract sale for sheep is an agreement between a seller (typically a farmer or producer) and a buyer (often a meat processor or abattoir) to sell sheep at a predetermined price at a specified future date.

It may become a working relationship when the two parties find their needs being met regularly.

Commercial Sheep Types and Breeds

There are many breeds and hybrids of commercial sheep bred in Australia. That is why we have provided insight into some of the most commonly used breeds of commercial sheep and their traits.

Use this table as a guide on what breed of sheep may suit your intended purpose for any commercial sheep you plan on purchasing:

Breed	Main Purpose	Key traits
Merino	Wool and some meat	Fine wool, hardy, adaptable
Poll Dorset	Meat	Fast growth, good muscling, polled
White Suffolk	Meat	Rapid growth, excellent meat quality
Dorper	Meat	Hardy, fast growing, good meat quality
Border Leicester	Meat	Fast-growing lambs, good muscling
First Cross (Merino X Border Leicester)	Meat	High growth rate, good lambing, strong meat conformation
Romney	Wool and Meat	Strong wool, good meat quality, disease resistant
Texel	Meat	High muscle yield, good growth, excellent lamb meat
Southdown	Meat	Compact body, good meat quality
Australian White	Meat	High muscling, rapid growth, easy handling

Find Commercial Sheep and Lambs For Sale With AuctionsPlus

AuctionsPlus is an online marketplace that allows you to buy sheep from 100% verified vendors, all without the hassle of turning up in person.

When purchasing commercial sheep, have peace of mind that each lot is assessed by a qualified expert prior to being listed for sale. With the additional knowledge that transactions are managed by licensed agents, you can trust our listing processes.

Browse upcoming AuctionsPlus sheep sales from verified sellers in your area and start placing your bids online now!