AN important reason for buying the two $5500 equal top-priced rams of the 21st annual GullenGamble Poll Merino ram sale at Yeoval on Tuesday, was that they were bred in the same climate, according to buyer Matt Kerin.
Mr Kerin and wife, Alana, of MAKAG, Netherwood Park, Yeoval, bought four rams for a $4625 average including the sale-toppers, and have been a client for the past four years.
"They are bred in our climate, so you get what you see," Mr Kerin said.
The sale sold 97 of 100 rams at auction for an average of $2245.
Although back in numbers by 25 to 30 per cent, the Kerins were presently lambing 4000 ewes and preparing to join another 2000 in October. The flock average micron was 18.5.
Wether lambs are turned-off at eight to 10 months of age after shearing and sold mostly through Dubbo saleyards while surplus ewes are sold through AuctionsPlus.
Phillip Dodds, Oaklands, Molong, bought two rams averaging $4000 with the top at $4500, while Dan Whiteley, Wongala, Cudal, bought two at $3500 each.
Returning for four rams topping at $4500 were Ted and Fiona Hodges, Avoca, Baldry, who paid a $3350 average for the draft. The Evans family, Old Redbank, Molong, bought two.
Roley and Gwen Lyons of Womera Investments, Euchareena, also long-term clients, secured nine rams for a $2778 average while paying to $3750 twice. They are joining 2000 ewes which grew an average 16.7 micron.
Dudleys Grazing Company, Yeoval, bought five rams while paying to $3750 and a $2700 average.
Buying at GullenGamble since the first sale, John Holland and family, Uungula, Wuuluman, east of Wellington, returned and bought eight rams for a $2197 average while paying to $3750.
"We bought 12 of 40 rams at the first sale and keep coming back," Mr Holland said.
"I love the size of these sheep which the rams have passed-on, plus gaining in wool cut.
"Our flock has benefitted from the early maturity so we can off-load lambs before they cut their teeth."
Last year the Holland family's White Suffolk-cross wethers averaged $195 while the Merino wethers finished a little later and sold for $200 average, but cut $40 worth of wool before sale.
"With wool, Merino wethers are more than up there with crossbreds," Mr Holland said.
The sale was run by Elders Stud Stock, Dubbo, with Paul Dooley as auctioneer.
