AFTER 22 millimetres of rain overnight, it was wet underfoot at the last One Oak Merino ram auction held by Graham and Mary Wells.
There was some controversy before the auction as to whether it is the 37th or 38th annual on-property ram auction.
What was not in doubt is that it will be the last; and with the dispersal of the stud ewes, weaners and reserves in two weeks, it signals the end of the One Oak Merino stud, founded in 1955.
Ian Marwedel, well-known in the Merino industry, has been classing the One Oak stud for 35 years and he spoke warmly of the close association he and Graham have had during that time.
“We might not always have agreed on particular directions, but we never compromised on the production potential of the One Oak sheep,” Mr Marwedel said.
Top price at $11,000 was paid by Ray Norman, R.T. and B.J. Norman, Glenray Merino stud, Illabo.
The son of B1 11-104 attracted Mr Norman and his classer Michael Elmes, Smart Stock, Narrandera, for his balanced outlook, depth of body and thick fleece with a defined crimp.
“It is a true sires wool,” said Mr Wells.
The young sire weighed 110kg, and his fleece measured 18.8 micron with a Comfort Factor of 100.
Long-term ram clients made their presence felt on the day, putting together good drafts of rams knowing it will their last chance.
An even draft of 25 rams was put together by Ian Marwedel for the Gunnong Pastoral Co, Gunnong Jugrawah, Coolac for an average of $1000 per head.
Other keen purchasers of the final offering of One Oak Merino rams included P.J. and J.E. Thompson, West Wyalong, whose draft of seven rams topped at $2000; R and E Ford, “Fairfield”, Barmedman, whose selection of six rams averaged $1333 and Franeen Pty Ltd, Urana, who selected eight sires to top of $2400 twice.
Of the 150 lots offered, 137 were cleared for average of $1647.
