The 44th annual on-property sale on account Graham and Isabella Grinter, Retallack Border Leicesters, Ariah Park realised a top of $10,000 paid for a spring 2016 drop twin son of Retallack Earthquke when bought by return client Pat Cullen, “Diona”, Coonamble.
Sale results included 12 stud ewes sold to top $850 for average price $583, 17 stud rams sold to top $10,000 for average $3,544 and 109 flock rams sold to top $1,900 and average $1,198.
The top stud ram caught Mr Cullen’s attention for his outstanding figures, correct conformation and because he was a twin.
“He has all the characteristics I am looking for; his size, meat traits and weight will fit in well with our breeding program,” he said.
Mr Cullen has been breeding first-cross ewes for 20 years, and he normally joins between five- and six-thousand Merino ewes to Border Leicesters bred in his own elite flock.
“Having the background of the Retallack Border Leicesters gives me a better opportunity to sell my first-cross ewes,” he said.
Mr Cullen also purchased the second top priced stud ram at $6,000.
Other good sales of stud rams included one at $5,000 bought by S. R and F Hazelwood, “Pleasant View”, Whitton and one also at $5,000 purchased by R. F and J. T Allen, Barnawartha, Victoria.
Volume buyers of flock rams included first time buyers Mick Findlay, “Arthella”, Cooma who bought 17 rams to top of $1,500 and average price $1,247.
Mr Findlay runs up to 4,000 Merino ewes and normally joined 1,500 Merino ewes to White Suffolks; but had a clean out of his rams last year and decided to move to Border Leicesters and breed first-cross ewes.
“We looked at all the top ranking flock rams and hoped to buy within our limit,” Mr Findlay said.
“We were also looking at those rams who were either a twin or triplet for their fertility.”
Return clients, E. J & Sons Merriman, “Humewood”, Yass brought nine rams to top of $1,700 and average price $1,556 and Daly Family Trust, Ungarie who brought six rams to top of $1,600 and average of $1,317.
Other volume buyers of flock rams included Martin Gaynor, Guyra who bought six at top $1,400 and average $1,267 and Brian Anderson, “Sylvia Vale”, Binda who purchased six rams to top of $1,200.
There was strong interest for the stud ewes on offer with Ben Simmons, Talbragar Borders, Leadville who purchased five to top of $850, while Mutton Family Trust, Tarcutta also bought five ewes but for $500 average price.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Landmark, with Steve Ridley and Tim Woodham taking the bids.
