Premium ewe sale sees strong interest from the Midwest
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 the last eight years.
This year, the sale was held on July 26 at Magness Livestock Auction in Huron, S.D. with 120 people in attendance.
This annual event is the signature yearling ewe sale in the region. Approximately one-quarter of the sheep are sold to out-of-state buyers from Nebraska and Iowa, both in person and online.
Consignors provided an excellent selection of high-quality registered, registerable and commercial ewes ranging from traditional white-faced wool breeds, crossbreds and meat breed yearling ewes.
With very strong interest across all lots, the second highest sale average in the eight-year sale history was recorded at $422 per head, and lots were purchased by buyers from three states.
Overall, 40 sheep producers registered to bid on 19 lots of ewes totaling 493 head. Over 364 people viewed the sale from across the country, with 60 internet bids being placed.
The high-selling registered lot brought $375 per head for nine head, sold by Gerdes Hampshire and purchased by Ronald Siegland. Rustin Nelson of Capenter, S.D. purchased five head of registerable Dorset ewes from the Anderson Family of Highmore, S.D. for $425 per head.
In the commercial ewes, the highest-selling lot was five head of Rambouillet yearling ewes offered by Estelle Cook of Glad Valley, S.D. and purchased by Regan Derksen for $535 per head.
The volume buyer of the sale was Corey Goeders of Pocahantas, Iowa, who purchased 97 ewes.
It was also a great day for youth, as SDSGA offers a youth buyer credit program where worthy kids aged 10 to 18 can apply for $500 toward the purchase of ewes in the sale.
The 2025 winners were Regan Derksen, Rustin Nelson, Lainy Day and Abel Day, thanks to generous donors who stepped up to support this program.
SDSGA is a state member of the American Sheep Industry and the trade association for sheep producers of South Dakota, representing both farm flocks and range operations. For more information, visit sdsheepgrowers.org.
