Rams sold to a top of $2700 at the Carlon family's 26th annual Queenlee Merino sale at Uralla last week. Of the 56 rams offered 45 sold to average $982 overall, up $224 from last year.In the breakdown, six from eight four-tooth rams sold to the sale's top and averaged $1433 and 36 from 48 two-tooth rams sold to top of $2000 and averaged $934.Also offered on the day were 1250 Queenlee 2006 to 2009 drop ewes selling to a top of $90 per head and averaging $85.75 per head.The tops were purchased by John Finlayson, "Pointfield", Armidale.
Danesford Merino stud, Crookwell were the successful purchaser of lot 1, the top-priced ram.It was the first time, Peter Keary, stud manager, had attended and purchased from the sale and he was very impressed with the size and wool quality of the TC 20 sired ram.The 17-micron ram which tested a yield percentage of 81.8 per cent and a comfort factor of 99.9, will join Merryvale type ewes in their stud operation. Long-time clients, David and Cathy Lockyer, "Glendon", Guyra secured the top-price two-tooth ram as part of their four purchases from the Queenlee sale.The Bril Mon 8th sired ram measured a fibre diameter of 16.1-micron, a yield of 82.8 per cent and a comfort factor of 100.Described as a growthy, heavy cutting ram with bright wool, the Lockyer's will join their draft of rams, which averaged $1450, with 3000 fine and superfine merino ewes. Volume buyer on the day was Paul Mabbott, Rockvale Kentucky Pastoral Co, Kentucky who loaded 13 rams to top at $1400 and average $800.Mr Mabbott joins around 4000 merino ewes each year and has found the wool quality, cut and style of the Queenlee rams to have a positive influence on his flock."We have been using Queenlee rams for around 20 years, the frame size is another good quality they breed" said Mr Mabbott. Stud Principal, Philip Carlon was pleased with the result considering the state of the fine wool market.Schute Bell Badgery Lumby and
Landmark Armidale conducted the
sale, with Graham Andrews taking the bids.
