AN EXCELLENT result exceeded expectations for Hugh and Mardi Taylor when 96 rams from 100 cleared at auction topping at $4400 to average $1821 at their Boxleigh Park SRS Merino stud’s inaugural on-property sale, “Willunga”, Wellington, on Monday.
For more than 50 years of refined Taylor Family Merino breeding the result is consistently stylish and soft SRS wools beautifully suited to grow in high rainfall areas.
The selective use of Keri Keri Merino genetics to enhance carcase shape, fertility and resilience has produced a consistently profitable and low maintenance sheep, according to Mr Taylor.
From an offering of 66 Merino rams 64 sold to $3800 to average $1694 while 32 of 34 Poll Merinos topped the sale and averaged $2075.
Simon Lanham and Partner Tam Beissner with son Zach, four years, “Isaba Park”, Gunning, paid top money among three rams purchased for a $3867 average. This was for a 17.5 micron Poll ram growing wool with 100 per cent comfort factor and impressive estimated sheep breeding values (ESBV).
Mr Lanham, an accountant, said he was impressed with the gains his clients were getting with SRS genetics. “I could see the gains they were making in the flocks’ performance in wool cut and lambing percentages with Boxleigh Park rams, so decided to invest as well.”
the couple run a breeding flock of 2200 ewes growing 18.5 to 19.5 micron and cutting an average five kilogram fleece, but Mr Lanham said he’d like to get higher fleece weights and higher lambing percentage as well.
Nearby Lexo Pty Ltd, “Springfield”, Gunning, paid an average $2680 for five rams topping at $3800 for a 17.5 micron ram. Towyn Jones, Wargeila district, Yass, bought two rams averaging $2700 and topping at $3200.
Calvary Pastoral Company Pty Ltd manager, Scott Dunn, “Wallendibby”, Delegate, bought 26 rams at auction for a $1915 average plus another 14 grade rams after the sale for the company’s 6500 Merino ewe flock averaging 18.8 micron and cutting an average 5.5kg fleece.
Another 3500 ewes at Crookwell are mainly joined to Poll Dorset rams with a third to Border Leicester for first-cross and prime lamb production.
This is the company’s eighth year of buying Boxleigh Park rams and Mr Dunn said he was keen to support the inaugural sale.
“I was originally drawn to these sheep for their bright white wool and that’ still here,” Mr Dunn said. “But now the growth figures are here too and these are good all-round commercial sheep.”
First-time buyer was Greg Sheather, who manages “Bogolara”, Bookham, for the Darbalara Property Trust, took home 21 rams for a $1733 average and topping at $2600 three times.
The Bookham property runs 5000 Merino ewes with 3000 joined to Merino and 2000 to Poll Dorsets with all wethers finishing on improved pasture and winter crop at “The Junction”, Gundagai.
Rhea Willsallen, “Widgeon Gully”, Jugion, purchased seven rams averaging $1343. Stuart Edwards, “Catombul Park”, Wellington, secured three rams averaging $1867.
The sale was conducted by Elders Dubbo, with Paul Jameson auctioneer.
