First time buyers at the annual on-property auction of the One Oak Poll Merino stud, Jerilderie, account Alistair and Natasha Wells, Victor and Harry Stonnill, “Cocketgedong”, Urana, paid top of $10,000 for their pick of the 131 Poll Merino rams on offer.
The sale averaged $1519 for the 95 rams sold.
The Stonnill’s purchased a second ram for $5000 and put together a draft of four rams for average $4700.
Victor Stonnill said they attended the sale looking for rams with scale and balance, and “well nourished wool”.
Second top price at $6,250 was paid by George Henderson, Grogansworth Merino stud, Bowning, who attended the sale with sheep classer, Ian Marwedel, Sydney.
They were also looking for a sire with nourished wool with deep crimp, to establish a Poll stud alongside their Merino stud.
“We want a ram with nice white ‘crimpy’ wool which will handle our high rainfall,” Mr Henderson said.
Other good sales included one at $3250, purchased by Mathoura Station, Mathoura, one at $2600 bought by BR and RH Blake, Telangatuk East, Victoria, and one at $2800 sold to EL Green and HA Brewis, Nimmitabel.
Volume buyers included Fernleigh Pastoral Co, “Fernleigh”, Kikoira, who selected a draft of 10 rams for average price $1440, and GO Potter, Deniliquin, who paid average price $1325 for his selection of eight rams.
Studmaster Alistair Wells said he had offered double the number of rams at auction during the past two years, as it is a wonderful chance for people to view the depth of his breeding program and also to ensure all buyers are able to satisfy their needs.
“The top end sold very well,” he said.
The sale was conducted by stud stock agents Elders and Landmark, with Nick Gray and Peter Godbolt, taking the bids.
