Livestock handlers from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland travelled to Condobolin for a week-long dog training school led by Neil McDonald, one of the head trainers from the ABC's Muster Dogs series. The school of 25 places filled quickly, and a waitlist formed. McDonald urged handlers to stay calm, slow down and return to basics, and to reward dogs for paying attention to their owners. Participants said the course also taught them patience and confidence in their own handling.
Sheep and lamb prices improved sharply at Warwick livestock markets in the week ending October 9, with 2,139 head averaging $191.47, up $29 per head. Buyers competed for heavier processing stock, and ewes recorded a strong gain of $45. Cattle numbers held close to recent levels, with 1,042 head yarded at an average of $1,410.72 per head. Better-finished cattle attracted firm competition, while poorer-conditioned stock was harder to sell. Pig and poultry numbers were also reported.
The New South Wales Government says saleyards are driving strong uptake of electronic identification tags for sheep and goats. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the tags help trace livestock movements during disease threats. Farming groups NSW Farmers and WoolProducers are calling for a delay to the 1 January deadline. NSW Farmers wool committee chair Craig Mitchell said animals already identified should not need a second tag. WoolProducers Australia chief executive Jo Hall said the national database is not yet fully operational.
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A sheep nicknamed the Kangaroo Island yeti has been caught and shorn after roaming the scrub for years. Kirsty Wade first spotted the animal in 2023 on a fire trail on the island's western end. Shearer Dean removed 31 kilograms of wool from the ewe on Saturday the 24th. A yellow ear tag identified her as belonging to farmer Graham, who lost most of his flock in the January 2020 fires. The vet said she was underweight but healthy, and she is now back on Graham's property.
Prices for lambs and sheep held firm at the SA Livestock Exchange in Dublin over the reporting weeks. Agents offered about 5000 lambs and 1000 sheep each week, with quality generally good to very good. Heavy lambs and sheep sold for more than lighter stock. New season heavy crossbred lambs ranged from $260 to $275 per head, while extra heavy weights reached $346. Merino heavy old lambs topped at $386 per head, and heavy mutton fetched $230 to $270. By 13 October, many lambs were starting to lose condition and turn woolly.
An 18-year-old man, Memphis Auld, has been charged over an alleged break-in at a farm in Tuggeranong, in south Canberra. Police allege the offenders killed four sheep with a rifle and left two others with broken bones. A farmer says he had a gun pointed at him as a silver sedan drove away from the property. Police expect to charge a 27-year-old man who is already in custody for other matters. Police also allege Mr Auld was found with cannabis, and he has been charged with trafficking it.
Four sheep died in an alleged attack on a rural property in Tuggeranong, Canberra, according to court documents. Intruders allegedly cut a padlock, ransacked a homestead and shot the sheep with a .22 calibre gun. Police arrested 18-year-old Memphis Auld, who faces four counts of animal cruelty causing death, along with other charges. His bail application was refused and his matter was adjourned to 27 October. Police expect to charge a 27-year-old man, and a 16-year-old was arrested and released pending investigation.
Dozens of sheep have died after a truck carrying 383 animals rolled onto its side at a Hillston intersection. Local Land Services euthanised another 20 animals on animal welfare grounds. The driver suffered minor cuts but avoided serious injury. Police, emergency services and council staff attended the scene. Police found the prime mover was registered but the trailer was not, and issued an infringement notice and major grounding notices. Both vehicles must pass a full inspection before returning to the road.
A rare Swiss Valais Blacknose lamb, reportedly worth up to $25,000, has gone missing from an Adelaide Hills property. Its owners, vet Madeleine Babos and partner Alasdair Rodgers, are appealing to the community to watch for the distinctive animal. Ms Babos said the ewe was born last week and vanished days later, during the afternoon. She suspected a predator was unlikely, given the mother's behaviour and other lambs in the paddock, and said livestock theft is common, according to police.
An 18-year-old man accused of breaking into a rural property in Canberra's south and injuring several sheep has been refused bail. Police were called to the Tuggeranong property after its owner found multiple injured sheep in a holding pen. It is alleged that several people used dogs to herd eight sheep into the pen the night before. One sheep died and another was euthanased. Magistrate Alexandra Burt refused bail, citing concerns that a firearm allegedly used in the incident has not yet been found.
Rykesh, guided by John Pentreath, secured victory in the 2026 Booligal Sheep Races, completing the course in 7.94 seconds. Despite wet weather, approximately 300 attendees enjoyed sheep auctions, decorated sheep contests, and heat races, with all proceeds supporting local charities. Long-time volunteers Jim and Alison Crossley received the George Cannon Memorial Trophy for their service. Other top finishers included Scozzy Bullet, George, Box Head, and Lamb Chop. The event, held on the cricket ground, featured sheep racing in heats of five, with spectators cheering enthusiastically.
