Merryville’s $17,000 ram

The success was on the back of a tough year in the district but with wool prices in mind that did not deter good prices.

With a 73 per cent auction clearance of 29 from 40 rams offered the sale averaged $3491 with several rams selling privately afterwards.

The confidence boosting $17,000 sale of a replacement ram from Merryville stud, Boorowa, sired by Giant Test, the 2015 Sydney Royal finewool grand champion, was purchased by long-term clients, the Barty family of Berverly Merino stud, Redesdale, Victoria.

Having previously seen and liking the ram, Brad Wilson, Landmark Stud Stock, Dubbo, bid on their behalf.

“They liked his scale and size and his tests. His wool type will fit into their operation,” Mr Wilson said.

“This ram will give them the scale they are looking for and it will be joined straight into the stud flock.”

Merryville stud sold seven of nine rams offered with a draft average of $6571, topping at $17,000 with second top price at $10,500 for the first lot sold.

Another stud sale success was the Davis family’s Demondrille, Harden. Their draft of four averaged $4875, topping at $6500. This was on the back of their success at the show the previous day.

With a 100pc clearance of the six rams offered, Glanna stud, Gulgong, averaged $2291 with a top of $5000.

The Honeysett family from Trynow stud, Spicers Creek, also had a good clearance of 83pc to average $1600 for six rams.

One of the volume purchasers, Dick Croake, Illford, bought a draft of four rams on behalf of Blackwell Pastoral Company, Rylstone, averaging $1250, who said he was looking for style and plenty of wool with good length and softness.

Brad Wilson said he felt buyers were very selective.

“However there was confidence in the market and they paid well for the type of sheep they were after.

“The season has hampered but overall vendors and buyers were happy.”

The sale was conducted by Landmark and Elders Mudgee with auctioneers, Rick Power, Landmark, and Andy McGeoch, Elders.