An almost complete clearance of 240 Merino and Poll Merino rams offered on account by the Yarrawonga stud, Harden, was a “humbling” experience for studmaster Steve Phillips.
With 90 registered bidders and a crowd at 200, a top price of $16,000, twice, and an average price of $3548 for the 239 rams sold, it was indeed an outstanding sale, where 70 per cent of the offering were Poll Merinos.
“It is very humbling to sell a great line of rams for that money,” he said.
“We are also proud many of the rams sold went to friends who have been clients for many years and the sheep are doing a great job in their flocks.”
Mr Phillips said it was pleasing to see good value for commercial clients with 100 rams selling for less than $2500.
“A lot of long term clients have had great success winning ewe competitions this year,” he said.
“It is also encouraging to see people are chasing heavy fleeces of nourished wool on large frames.”
The top-priced Poll Merino ram at $16,000 purchased by E.R. and E.J. Hopkins, “Kanyana”, Jerangle, measured 17.1 micron with a 3.5-micron standard deviation and 99.4 per cent comfort factor.
It is very humbling to sell a great line of rams for that money
- Steve Phillips
The top-priced Merino ram, also at $16,000 was purchased by Keith and Gail Butt, “Narooma”, Young, and will be joined to specially selected ewes in their stud.
“He is a very square sheep with a great lock structure and spring of rib,” said Phil Butt, who bought the ram on behalf of his parents.
Leading sales included one at $11,000 also bought by E.R. and E.J. Hopkins, Jerangle; one at $10,000 bought by Ian Murphy, “Weeroona”, Bribaree, and one at $10,000 purchased by Tallawong Pastoral Company, Yass.
Other sales of note included one at $10,000 paid by B.C. Partnership, “Boundary Creek”, Dalgety; one at $10,000 purchased by Dungaree Pastoral Company, “Dungaree”, Bombala, and one at $9000 bought by Scott Ferry, “Durdidwarrah”, Meredith, Victoria. Mr Ferry also purchased a second ram at $3000.
The Cartwright family, Laggan, paid $8000 for one, Bicton Pty Ltd, Campbell Town, Tasmania, purchased one at $9000 and a second at $4500 and John Phillips, Jerangle, bought six to top at $7000 and average $5000.
The Healey family, Turondale, purchased four rams to $7000 and averaged $4625, while Burranjuck Pastoral Company, “Bertangles”, Bookham, paid $7000 for one, and Bookham Station, Bookham, bought seven rams for a $2000 average.
Volume buyers included long time client, Beggan Beggan Pastoral Company, Harden, which paid to $5000 15 rams, which averaged $3633; Moonbi Pastoral, Murringo, bought 10 rams to average $2500 and Richard and Tim Last, Gundagai, bought nine to a top of $3500 and $2444 average.
F.J. Kelly and Company, Bowning, selected 13 new sires for average price $3346, Goorama Pty Ltd, Yass, purchased five rams to top $5,500 and Tiverton Pty Ltd bought six rams for $3500.
Mark Suthern, Yass, bought seven rams for $1214 average, R.M and M. Hope, Coleraine, Vic. bought six rams for $4083 average, and T.R and C.L Dolbel, “Milton Vale”, Rockley, paid to $6000, twice, in their draft of four rams. Lisa Phillips, Jerangle, selected three rams, and paid $6500, $6000 and $4500 respectively, while D.G. Crisp and Son, “Lewis Hill”, Royal George, Tasmania, added to his sire battery with a ram bought for $6500.
Local wool grower W.H. Mackay and Company, “Brookfield”, Yass, returned to buy six rams to top $5500 and average $4000, while John Flanery and Son, “Boorowa Flats”, Galong, paid to $4000 for his draft of four rams which averaged $3125. Michael Green, “Boudjah”, Cooma, paid $5500 for a new sire, and Yackerboon Pty Ltd, Manildra, buying two rams at $5000 and $4500 respectively. Brett and Jane Constance, “Athlone”, Peak View, bought five rams to $5000.
The sale was conducted by Elders Rural Services, Yass, Landmark studstock, Boorowa, and Butt Livestock and Property, Yass, with guest auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth.
