First-time buyers at last week’s Bogo Merino and Poll Merino ram sale thought so highly of their favourite pick from the draft that they pushed the bidding to the sale’s top of $6750.
This topped a solid sale where 131 rams were sold from a large draft 152 lots that were presented to a strong gallery of bidders.
The 28 buyers brought a pleasing auction result, pushing the average to $2519, up from $2408 in 2017.
A further nine rams sold immediately after the auction.
The sale topper went to Michael, Linda and Matthew Johnston, Milburn Creek, Milburn Merino, Woodstock.
The ram measured 16.4 micron with a 2.4-micron standard deviation and 99.8 per cent comfort factor.
“It’s an impressive ram with great structure, micron and conformation,” Michael Johnston said.
“His heavy wool cut with potential growth will keep our program moving forward.”
The top-priced ram was joined by a second the Johnstons bought for $4000. Bogo Merinos donated the proceeds of this ram to the Peter Westblade Scholarship.
Leading the volume buyer was MFA Elsgood’s manager, David Hazell, who put together a draft of 11 rams paying a top of $4500 and averaged of $2910.
Ian and Austin McLennan, Connen Hill, purchased 10 rams, paying a top of $4500 and averaging $3150.
Mr McLennan said Bogo rams had improved their flock and fit in well with their operation.
“The poll rams are easier to manage and (I was) impressed with the carcase and wool from the Bogo line,” he said.
Among the volume buyers, Michael and Maurice Webb, Merryvale, Young, purchased nine rams to average $2200 and also paid to a top of $4500.
“We have been returning to Bogo for 10 years and always appreciate the choice on offer,” Maurice Webb said.
“The consistency and quality of rams fit in very well into our mixed farming environment. We are chasing bright stylish wool with great crimp definition.”
Also purchasing nine rams, Ross Dwyer, Burriwa Hills Grazing Company, Boorowa, averaged $2222.
R.J. Parkman and Company, Murringo, secured eight rams to average $1344.
Markdale Station, Crookwell, purchased seven rams to average $3071.
Return buyer of 15 years, A.J. Sykes, Glendalyn, Binalong, purchased five rams to average $2950, chasing the style of rams that would produce great fleece cut and overall confirmation.
While long-term buyer Richard Julian, Bookham, purchased four rams to average saying his wool cut has increased while the micron has been retained thanks to Bogo blood.
Consultant, Craig Wilson, Wagga Wagga, purchased some rams on behalf of clients.
He said Bogo Merino rams had proven to be consistently good with a lot of depth.
Bogo stud manager, Mal Peak, said the team at Bogo was pleased with the rams.
“We’ve had some very positive feedback from clients old and new about the conformation of the rams and in particular the quality, length and brightness of the wool,” he said.
“While the season has been tough up here near Yass, the rams came along really well and we had a good run into the sale with top results in some trials and strong interest at industry events and shows,” Mr Peak said.
The sale was settled by Butt Livestock, Yass, with guest auctioneer Paul Dooley taking the bids.
