A reflection of three years of drought (although the district now has a 2010 tinge of green) meant the yarding, and prices, were down at this year’s Wimbleton Ewe Fair.
An example was that no extra temporary yarding was needed, but if the grass growth continues it may be a different story next year.
Following tradition, it was held at Woodbank Station, now farmed by Bryan and Anna Speedy, and as memory is no true record (during this period), it could well be the 106th annual sale on the property, auctioneer Wayne Andersen (PGG Wrightson) said before starting to call for bids.
He added that with the three last particularly harsh summer droughts, followed by hard winters, buyers should appreciate how well the ewes were presented and results from this fair were a benchmark for other ewe fairs along the North Island East Coast.
This year only seven pens were presented for sale (a reflection of Wayne’s comments, including the obvious decline in ewe numbers) and long term attendees reflected on the years when temporary yards were built in front of those surrounding the woolshed. Prices were: Tautane Station, 416 5yr Romney ewes $77; Harwood Farm, 414 Romdale 5 year ewes $79; Haunui Stn, 365 Romney 5 yr old ewes $69; Pipibank Station, 224 Romney 5yr ewes $76; Woodbank Station, 206 3,4,&,5 yr ewes $84; Pipibank Station, 168 Romney 5 yr $69; Farnham Station, 622 five and six year old ewes (newly shorn) $64.50.
Next Thursday (January 14) 11.30am is the annual two tooth and aged ewe fair at the Dannevirke Saleyards. Report by Judy Babe
Wimbledon Ewe Fair caught on canvas
New Zealand artist Peter Williams, whose work is known world-wide and topics are often of the four footed kind – race horses, Angus cattle and on Saturday, the 224 Romney five year ewes put up at the annual Wimbledon ewe fair were his next master piece.
Peter and wife Vicki were guests at Pipibank at the weekend and so he brought his paints and easel along. It’s the way he prefers to paint, on site to capture the atmosphere, which he did in just 30 minutes; from a blank canvas the photograph above where he is adding the finishing touches. Photograph: Karen Blair.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)