The annual on-property auction of 90 Merino and Poll Merino yearling rams on account of Jono and Anna Merriman of Merrignee stud saw a clearance of 89 for an average price of $2241 last Friday.
The top price of $5250 was paid for a son of Claypans Poll 323 and bought by long term supporters of Merrignee genetics, Paul Simons, Euralie, Yass, and his property manager Malcolm Jones.
The ram's fleece measured 17.5 micron, 2.7 standard deviation, 16.3 spinning fineness and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.
Mr Simons thought the ram was an exciting addition to the genetic strength of the sire battery for his superfine flock near Yass.
"He has very good wool of the superfine type we produce," he said.
"The wool has a very good crimp of the traditional superfine type and the ram has a very soft skin with a good frame."
Mr Simons put together a neat draft of seven rams for a sale average of $3643.
Other significant sales included two at $3750 bought by Tim McGrath, Boorowa who selected a draft of four to average $3500, E.J Merriman and Son, Yass selected 14 rams averaging $2625 to top at $3750 twice and Paul Seaman, Crookwell, who paid $4000 for his choice of the offering.
Mr Seaman's selection was a artificial insemination son of Langdene 007 and impressed with his fleece measurements of 18.3 micron, 2.7 S.D, 17.8 spinning fineness and 99.3 per cent CF.
Long term supporters Gunnong Pastoral Co, Coolac, selected 22 rams for a $1988 average price while Cootamundra-based sheep consultant Neville Mangelsdorf selected four rams from the sale for Waugh Piccadilly, Coolac.
Victorian woolgrower, Grawling Pastoral Co, Hamilton took home three new sires for a $1833 average price
Studmaster Jono Merriman was very pleased his clients were appreciative of the quality of the rams on offer.
"We feel these are one of the best group of rams we have presented," he said.
"They are very well grown, we had a bit of luck with some crop during the winter, but otherwise have been supplementary fed."
There was a lot of interest in the progeny of recently acquired genetics.
"We are maintaining the quality of the wool, along with sound constitution and a good frame," he said.
The sale was conducted by Elders, Boorowa, with Steve Ridley and Aaron Seaman sharing the gavel as auctioneers on the day.
The wool has a very good crimp of the traditional superfine type and the ram has a very soft skin with a good frame.
- Buyer Paul Simons, Euralie, Yass, speaking on the top price ram
