The strong demand for quality merino genetics in 2017 has continued with the Litchfield family recording an increase of $808 on the 2016 average of their Riverina offering with the 2017 offering averaging $2704.
The 2017 Hazeldean Riverina ram sale was held on-property “Rosevale”, Hay, and saw 97 Merino and Poll Merino Rams of the 99 offered reach a high of $6000 in a solid consistent sale that recorded a $2704 average.
Poll Merino’s were in particular demand with 23 rams averaging $3446 including the top price ram of the sale.
He was sired by the renowned Hazeldean Hugh the number one sire on both the fiber production plus and merino production plus (MP+) indicies and well as being a trait leader for yearling clean fleece weight (YCFW), yearling fiber diameter (YFD), and yearling staple strength (YSS).
Hugh had 21 sons in the offering and is the perfect example of Hazeldean’s idiology “Hazledean Rams cut more wool that is of higher value, on a sheep with lower maintenance requirements, giving more profit per hectare”.
The top price ram was purchased by Adam Mort, “Tallawnga”, Mudgee, he was in the top 10 per cent of the Merino breed for YCFW, YSS, and MP+ and top 20pc for YFD.
Hugh also sired the second top price ram also in the top 10pc for YCFW and MP+ and top 20pc for YFD.
He was purchased by Gringegalgona Stud Partnership, Vasey, Victoria for $5500.
While JAB Shorter & Son, “Boola”, Barren Junction paid $5250 the third top money for another Hugh son.
He was in the top 10pc for YCFW, YSS, MP+ and top 20PC for YFD.
The Shorter’s also purchased a second Hugh son for $4500.
Greystones, Rowsley, Vic, put on a demonstration for volume buyers putting together a line of 12 rams for an average of $3438 paying to a top of $4500 for a Hugh son.
Tottington Pty Ltd, Tottington, Vic, kept pace also purchasing 12 rams but found value with an average price of $1873.
TA Feild Estate, “Wyvern”, Carrathool, topped up the ram team with 10 purchased for a $2275 average.
South Australian’s AB Eckert & Sons, Strathalbyn, also put together 10 for a $2150 average.
Goorama Pastoral Company, “Low Lynne”, Galong, loaded eight for an average price of $3563.
While Gringegalgona Stud Partnership added to their purchase of the second top price ram with a further seven rams to average $3438 on the eight.
The sale was conducted by Landmark with Paul Dooley, Tamworth the guest auctioneer.