PRODUCTIVE rams with bright stylish wool had buyers competing to reach a sale top of $4800 at the 26th annual Yalgoo Merino ram sale held last weekend at Walcha.
Sixty-five of the 73 rams offered sold to average $2206, $835 up on last year.
Securing the top-priced ram at $4800 was Neil Macaulay, Parkvale Pastoral Company, Parkes.Mr Macaulay took particular interest in lot 19. The W82017 son, measured a Clean Fleece Weight (CFW%) of 17 per cent, a Fibre Diameter deviation (FD dev) of -2.3 micron and a positive Yearling Weight (YWT) of 4.1.
"He is a good size ram with outstanding wool and ideal micron" explained Mr Macaulay who secured a further eight rams from the sale to average $2823.
Fernleigh Enterprises, "Fernleigh", Ellerston also loaded nine rams on the day to top at $3400 and average $2467.
Manager, Elliot McKinnon complimented the Yalgoo breeding program in producing un-assisted paddock rams in upstanding condition ready to work.
With a 5000 head flock and joining 2500 ewes each year, the big bodies and wool type of Yalgoo rams suit the Fernleigh fine wool operation.
"Yalgoo have influenced the weight and height of our ewes whilst maintaining a finer softer wool" explained Mr McKinnon.
Local breeders were active on the day with Kirton Partnership selecting five rams to top at $4000 and average $2567 while MacArthur - Eulo, secured five rams to average $2480.
The sale was conducted by Elders
Walcha, with auctioneer Andy McGeoch.
