The demand for quality Border Leicester genetics that Ariah Park breeders Graham and Isabella Grinter are renowned for continued for the Retallack stud’s 42nd on-property production sale.
Retallack offered 20 stud ewes with 17 clearing for an average price of $491 reaching a top of $650. A complete clearance of 24 stud rams soured to a top of $6000 and recording an average of $2094.
While a large gallery secured quality flock rams to suit their requirements with 75 rams selling from the 120 catalogued averaging $943. The top rams and ewes attracted stud producers from Baradine to Ararat.
David and Carol Jackson, Jackson Border Leicesters, Moyston, Victoria, purchased the top price ram for $6000, a twin by the Ima Callum sire.
A standout in Mr Jacksons opinion the ram was selected for his phenotype.
“He had the biggest eye muscle area in the sale, and presented as a faultless sheep that suits of breeding program,” Mr Jackson said.
“Bred a bit different to our bloodlines, he is an outcross with a great Border Leicester fleece.”
Other top prices included a Smokin Up twin brought $3750 selling to West Timbre Pastoral Company, Yeoval.
A Smokin Up twin brought $3750 selling to West Timbre Pastoral Company, Yeoval, and Rod Frohling, Burrumbuttock, secured a Left Handed son for $3500
While Loch Lohmond Border Leicester stud, Baradine, and R Cosgrove, “West Charlton”, Rockley, both paid $3000 for their selections.
Two Dot Station, Moyston, Victoria, purchased a I’ma Callum daughter the equal top-price ewe for $650.
Glenlee Park Stud, Glenlee, Victoria, purchased the second equal top-price ewe an Exceed and Excell daughter for $650 as well as an Old Timer daughter for $550.
Long-time supporters Simmons Brothers, Talbragor Borders, Leadville, were the volume ewe buyers securing four for a $550 average.
Leading the volume buyers in the rams E.J. Merriman and Son, “Ravensworth”, Yass, a return client of seven years, purchased 10 rams for an average of $1020.
A Kennedy, Nyngan, purchased eight rams to average $813, and J.W. and R.M. Guthrie, Delegate, bought seven to average $1122.
The strength continued with six purchasers securing drafts five rams.
These included undisclosed Landmark Goulburn client, P and M Burden “Mt View”, Narrandera, R.J and J Granger, “Pine Hill”, Gunning, J.R and S.A Cottle, “Shirley”, Nimmitibell, R.C and Y.E Bennett, Ariah Park, and T.J and K Davidson, Young.
Retallack principal Graham Grinter said he was pleased with the sale. “It’s good to see buyers able to secure quality drafts of rams to suit their requirements at a price point that is both affordable and fair,” Mr Grinter said.
The sale was conducted by agents in conjunction Landmark and Elders with Rick Power, Peter Goldbolt, and Joe Wilks the auctioneers for their respective companies.
