At the 12th annual Tallawong Merino and Poll Merino ram sale, Yass, 111 rams sold from 124 offered to a top of $4000 and averaging $2033.
A large contingent of return buyers along with many new operated at the sale with stud principal, Frank Kaveney, saying it was by far the most registered bidders ever. Strong bidding from a wide spectrum was evident on a large portion of the catalogue.
Mr Kaveney said he was thrilled by the widespread interest shown and felt vindicated in the direction of the stud in driving for higher fleece weight on an efficient moderate carcase while maintaining the elite, bright, soft productive wools the stud is renowned for.
The top-price ram was purchased by Andrew Leonard, Yass, for $4000 on behalf of the Esdale Partnership for a poll son of H43.
The ram had fleece measurements of 18.0-micron fibre diametre and 16.1per cent coefficient of variation (CV).
Mr Leonard went on to purchase another tow rams to average $2667 for a draft of three.
He also purchased three more rams for A.R. and L.R. Leonard , "Mulliondale", Yass, topping at $3750 and averaging $3000. Mr Leonard has recently shifted focus from a wether dominant enterprise to a productive self-replacing Merino flock being aware of the dwindling national flock and increasing difficulty in sourcing suitable replacements.
Other leading purchases were on behalf of Richard, Lea and Charlie Buckmaster of "Roseville", Yass, securing seven rams topping at $3000, averaging $2285. Long-term clients, John and Vicky Burstall, "Cudgell Park", Young, secured five rams to a high of $3500, averaging $2570.
Balgalal Pastoral Company, Binalong, secured six rams topping at $3000 for an average of $2500.
Volume buyers, Don and Peter Renyolds, "Toompang ", Young, loaded up with 13 rams topping at $2000 three times on their way to an average of $1485 .
John and Anna Hyles of "Booroomba Station", Tharwa, selected seven rams to a top of $2500, while neighbour Michael Shannahan of "Tidbinbilla Station", took home six rams topping at $3250 and averaging $2375.
Other notable purchases were the Butt family "Glengullee", Murrumbateman who took home five rams to a top of $3250 at an average of $2350, while the McAllister Bros at Tarcutta selected four rams topping at $2500, averaging $1950.
Mr Kaveney said he was pleased with the presentation of the rams despite a tough start around weaning.
“This was followed by a challenging wet winter,” Mr Kaveney said.
“But the wools held up brilliantly. Some productive, stylish reserves that were on display are fairly exciting for the future.”
Rick Power, Landmark studstock, Grenfell, reiterated the ram’s ability to withstand the high rainfall. “The draft of rams were some of the best fine-medium wools on Merinos and poll in the Tablelands, grass fed,” Mr Power said.
“Beautiful white wools that handled the recent rain.”
The auction was conducted by Landmark, Yass, with Rick Power and Peter Godbolt, Albury, sharing the auctioneering duties.