Sheep prices have hit another national record.
First-cross ewes at a sale in Naracoorte on Thursday sold for an unprecedented $650-a-head.
Those in the industry expect prices will remain high for some time, given the historically low national sheep flock.
Sheep price records continue to tumble at saleyards across the country, in a golden age for sheep producers.
A line of 1.5-year-old ewes set a new record at the prestigious selling centre at Naracoorte in South Australia yesterday.
They sold for $650-a-head, overtaking the previous record of $641 set at Corowa in New South Wales only last month.
Sheep values have risen significantly this year, reflecting an excellent season in many areas, as well as strong demand and a critical flock shortage.
Drought conditions in key livestock areas in recent years led to a big sell-off of sheep, exacerbating the long-term trend of declining flock numbers in Australia.
The record-breaking ewes at Naracoorte belonged to the James family, who farm up the road at Mundulla West.
Trevor James said he felt a great sense of accomplishment, but was keeping it in perspective.
"It's a thrill, but you don't take long to reflect on why you get there," he said.
"We enjoy the support of buyers, and repeat buyers who keep buying our sheep, and that's a humbling experience.
