Wilga Merinos sell to wide and far

After buying some rams last year and lambs now on the ground, Richard and Chris McIntosh, Gundawanna, Molong, returned to buy two rams including the sale-topper at $2000, a June 2018 drop poll ram sired by a Wilga stud syndicate ram growing 18 micron wool and showing figures within the top one per cent of the MerinoSelect breeding values for post-weaning weight, Merino production and dual purpose production.

The McIntoshs are joining 2500 superfine ewes this year and are keen to increase fleece weight while retaining the wool quality within the flock.

Vaughan O'Brien, Meemar, Cootamundra, liked what he saw and secured three rams for an average outlay of $967 buying a March drop son of Wilga 160153 growing 17.7 micron wool and $1100 for a triplet by the same sire of 20.5 micron wool.

Dave Shorter of J.A.B. Shorter, Boola, Burren Junction, purchased 14 rams for his flock and also for his sister, Judy and Mark Slack-Smith, Drumard, Humula.

The 14 averaged $804 with the top at $1300 being a twin by Kerin Poll 980 growing 19.1 micron wool, and another two at $1000 each.

Mr Shorter is lambing 800 ewes at the moment and is interested in increasing growth and wool cut with and staple length.

He said he was impressed with the figures Wilga sheep.

"They are right at the tip of the industry with more within the top one per cent of MerinoSelect figures and there were only two rams catalogued not in the top 5pc," Mr Shorter said.

He had received a pre-sale flyer, so inspected the sale rams last week.

"These rams are not overfed and I think they'll help increase the carcase growth pattern while retaining fleece cut and wool quality."

Mr Shorter said his sister and brother -in-law wanted to increase their fleece cut weight, as well.

The sale was conducted by Forbes Livestock and Agency, Forbes, with Tim Mackay the auctioneer.