Determined bidding by returning clients sustained the annual Riverina Ram Sale on behalf of the Litchfield family, Hazeldean Merino stud, Cooma, at their depot near Hay.
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Of the 95 rams offered for sale, 93 sold for the very pleasing average price of $2801, with the top price of $5000 being achieved four times.
The average price was $100 greater than last year’s sale, reflecting great confidence in the ability of Hazeldean genetics to preform through dry seasons.
When opening the sale, director Jim Lictchfield acknowledged the rams had been growing out through a very tough season, in common with many woolgrowers; but they are backed by great performance on clients properties.
“We are probably better breeders than feeders,” he said. “But we are proud these are the best rams we have ever presented genetically.”
Leading the charge to secure new sires and further lift the productivity of their flocks was Leigh Harrison, Greystones, Rowsley, Victoria, who purchased 11 rams for a $3454 average, including one at $5000.
Mr Harrison has been sourcing replacement sires from Hazeldean for the past 14 years and is very impressed by the productive performance in his self-replacing Merino flock.
“They are good wool growing sheep,” he said. “We have lifted the wool cut by two-and-a-half to three kilograms through the use of Hazeldean rams.”
Mr Harrison also pointed out his sheep were readily saleable and in high demand in southern Victoria.
His top priced ram had impressive figures; YCFW 24, YFD -2.3 and MP+ 196.8.
Other clients who paid $5000 for their pick of the catalogue were J.A.B Shorter and Son, Boola, Burren Junction, who selected a second sire for $2500 and Goorama Pastoral Co, Lowlynn, Galong, who purchased two in their draft of four rams, which averaged $4625.
Longtime supporters of Hazeldean, D Hill and Co, Springvale, Hazeldean secured 12 rams for a $3208 average price and Gringegalgona Stud Partnership, Vasey, Vic, who took nine rams home to a top of $4500 and average of $3555.
Other successful clients included T.A Field Estate, Benangaroo, Jugiong, who bought eight rams for a $3375 average, F.R Butler and Sons, Newstead, Vic, who selected a draft of six rams for an average $1833 and D Chisholm and Sons, Seymour, who added to their sire battery with a draft of five rams for average price of $2200.
Return clients, Tottington Pty Ltd, Tottington, Vic, selected a draft of 17 rams for a $1970 average.
The sale was conducted by Landmark with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, the guest auctioneer.
