A very hot northerly wind blowing across the Riverina plain didn’t restrict the bidding on the 101 Merino and Poll Merino rams offered by the Litchfield family at their annual on-property sale at “Rosevale” Hay.
Celebrating 150 years of breeding Merinos, current studmaster Jim Litchfield said he and his family were very proud of the rams they were presenting at the auction.
“The sheep are looking particularly well this season,” Mr Litchfield said.
“It is pleasing to see the positive outlook for both sheep and wool.”
There was a total clearance of the 101 rams offered with an overall average price of $1849.
Indicative values during the sale included a top price of $4200 for a Merino ram, with an average price of $1835 for the 65 rams sold; and $4000 for a Poll Merino ram with average price of $1897 for the 36 rams sold.
Tony and Samantha Flanery, “Lowlynn”, Galong, purchased both of the top priced rams, which were included in their draft of nine rams for an average price of $2689.
The Flanery family have been sourcing Hazeldean genetics for the past five years, and annually join 6500 Merino ewes on their property.