A loyal contingent of regular buyers along with some new clients competed strongly on an even line up of young rams at the 15th annual sale of Tallawong Merinos in Yass.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
In total 133 were sold from 140 offered, topping at $6500 and averaging $2322.
The top priced ram, the first ram of the day, was snapped up by Robert Love, Julong, Binda, being a son of leading semen sire Tallawong 150280 in turn a son of Hazeldean Hugh.
Measuring 17.5 micron, 99.9 per cent comfort factor, an MP+ of 187 and an FP+ of 179, he will join five other high indexing rams Mr Love purchased for average price of $4,042.
Mr Love said he was selecting rams for their genetic heritage after considering their visual appeal.
"The sheep breeding values are the basis of what Frank (Kaveney) is doing at Tallawong and our top priced ram is the son of a ram who is number ten in the Merino Select sires list," he said.
"Fibre diameter and greasy fleece weight are the two traits I look for."
For his commercial wool growing operation, Mr Love said he selected rams on those traits and then looked at them to decide which rams he would bid on.
"We have also bought rams sired by Greendale 150029 (a son of Hazeldean Hugh) who is number two on the Merino Select sires list," he said.
Long term clients Mick and Don Renyolds, Toompang Pastoral, Young, bought well, picking up 11 rams at auction and another three after the sale to take home an impressive load averaging $1803.
Michael Shanahan of Tidbinbilla Station, Tharwa was also active, successfully taking home 12 rams for a $2000 average while neighbour John and Anna Hyles , Booromba, Tharwa bought seven rams for an $2821 average.
Mr Kaveney said both have been long term clients and were impressed with the progress of their flocks.
Warwick and Joan Picker, Avondale Pastoral Co, Bigga purchased three rams to a top of $5500 and average of $4833.
The long term clients of Tallawong were assisted in their selections by NSW state wool manager for Australian Wool Network, Mark Heldey.
Their top priced ram, a son of T150280, appealed for his sirey outlook and heavy fleece.
"He has pretty good wool and is a nice style of sheep which should it nicely in our flock," Mr Picker said.
"We are producing a nice fine wool type and cutting more wool on a good frame.'
Shaun Young, on behalf of Yeumburra, Yass, put together a handy line up of four rams to average $3188 while Eden Brae Pastoral, Rye Park selected eight rams for a $2094 average price.
Stud principal Frank Kaveney said he was thrilled with the result, particularly in view of the ongoing tough seasonal conditions, reduced ewe numbers and deteriorating wool market.
"It was verification of the direction of our stud of producing a balanced, productive and highly profitable animal." he said.
"Effort has been directed into raising wool cut, improving growth and carcase while maintaining or even continuing to improve the great wool Tallawong is renowned for."
"There was a great selection of high quality grade rams still available for any interested parties."
The sale was settled by Landmark, Yass, with auctioneer Rick Power directing the bidding.
Mr Power made comment it was one of the most even sales he had adjudicated this year with consistent demand from the first to last lot.
