In this time of a wonderful season and keen prices for Merino sheep, Ron and Cheryl Blyth, Blyth Merinos, Adelong offered more rams than usual at their 23rd annual top of the drop Merino ram sale and were more than happy with the response from returning and new clients.
The sale saw a top price paid of $4800 while the sale averaged $1756 for 115 sold from 130 penned.
"We decided to increase our offering in the belief it would give our regular clients more to choose from, especially as I think we are on the right path breeding Merinos which do not need to be mulesed," Mr Blyth said.
"I know our sheep are different from the traditional Merino, but today's sale results showed we have a lot of support for our type and breeding philosophy.
"I am going to keep breeding and selecting for bare breeches because I sincerely believe that trait along with high fat cover the future for the breed and the industry."
The top priced ram was bought by Greg and Trish Hallam on behalf of their son Dominic, Cooee stud, Gunning.
Mr Hallam was very impressed with the structure of the top priced ram which he thought had the 'wow' factor of being immediately attractive and productive.
"He was such a presentable sheep with long stapled soft wool, lots of it and a great carcase shape," he said.
The ram's figures of 16.4m, 99.5 percent comfort factor, 1.406 yearling eye muscle depth, 0.593 yearling fat and 16.773 yearling clean fleece weight bear our Mr Hallam's comments.
They bought a second ram for $1400.
Volume buyers included Conway Family Trust, Kyemba who bought seven rams for $1529 average: P.E Graham Trust, Adgunbilly who added 19 rams to his flock for average of $2215 and Doug Wright, Cowra who took eight rams home for $1225.
The sale was settled by Elders, Tumut with Matt Tinkler taking the bids.
- Full sale report next week.
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