The feature of the annual Avenel Merino ram sale on account the McCrabb family, Wanganella, was the loyalty of return clients, many of whom secured significant drafts of May/June 2015-drop sires to add to their ram battery.
Tremendous interest in Merino rams with heavy fleeces of medium-fine type on a well-balanced body was evident during the sale which saw a top price of $4000, when 88 sold from 94 offered for average price $1965.
Studmaster Colin McCrabb said he was very pleased with the sale results, considering it had been a tough year during which to grow out his young rams.
“The rams presented in very good condition, and we continue to have a loyal group of clients who are breeding very good Merinos,” he said.
“The sale also reflected current confidence in Merino sheep due to wool prices and demand for red meat.”
Top price at $4000 was paid by return clients Betty and Phillip Hall, “Trelynne”, Weethalle, for a young sire with the impressive figures of 18.6 micron and comfort factor (CF) 99.2 percent.
Mrs Hall said the ram was also attractive for his correct conformation and heavy fleece. “We have been on Avenel blood for many years, and they have been financially viable for us,” she said.
“Our sheep are good wool cutters, with our grown ewes averaging eight kg measuring 20 micron.”
Mrs Hall said last seasons wether weaners were sold $130 average price. Mrs Hall and her son purchased a total of six rams for average price $3300.
Other repeat clients who purchased significant drafts included A.J. Mott and Co, Yerong Creek, who selected a draft seven rams for average $2714, L Mack, Rheola, Victoria, who selected four rams to top of $3800 and average $3500, while J and B Glenn, Moulamein, added to their sire battery with 14 rams for average price $1857.
Committed wool growers N.B. and D.A. Allen, Mitamo, Vic, purchased five sires to top of $3000 and average of $2500, while D.N. Payne, Kilmore, paid $1333 average for his choice of four rams, and seven rams were bought for average of $1700 by the Willis family, Yerong Creek.
Studstock agents Elders and Landmark conducted the sale, with Kevin Norris and Ross Milne sharing duties on the rostrum.
