Cassilis Park rams in demand for bulk buyers

Nutrien auctioneer Brad Wilson described the Armstrong family's offering as some of the best wools he had seen at the Cassilis on-property sale and those in attendance commented there weren't many rams in the catalogue they wouldn't buy.

It was reflected in the final result of the draft of 80 Cassilis Park and Mega Merinos rams, which featured an extra 24 rams from the 56 cleared last year.

All but one ram sold on the day to average $2144 and top at $6400 thanks to the support of 16 successful buyers from the 18 registered on the day.

Stud principal James Armstrong was very happy to clear a larger catalogue, which provided a good selection of rams for the familiar faces.

The premium paid for their poll rams was comforting as they continue to lift the percentage of poll genetics in their flock but retain the balanced and consistent type.

"Nearly everyone here today we have seen all of there sheep so we class them or are heavily involved in their flocks and their decisions," he said.

"I think the result has been driven more by people who we are working with, who are our clients, having good results and increasing their numbers."

Among those who were back for more was the White family, Talbragar, Coolah, with Georgia White wasting no time in putting together a pen of 11 rams averaging $2800 for the family's non-mulesed operation.

They included the $6400 top price ram, tag 191052, a September/October 2019 drop twin ram with a weaning weight of 127 per cent and fleece measurements of 20 micron, 2.7 standard deviation. 13.7 coefficient variation and 100 per cent comfort factor.

Ms White said her family were attracted to poll rams for their safe handling and management benefits but did pick up a few bargain horned rams.

She was looking for the right mix of plain bodied but good cutting and type of wool combined with eye muscle and fat traits.

"We aim for body as well as just that wool type that suits our climate which is the same as here so we are pretty lucky," she said.

It was a much bigger order than the two rams they secured last year but Ms White said they could see the value in growing their sire battery.

"We did the sums and we figured out that by buying these rams, if we can join those extra ewes it's going to pay itself back in a year over its lifespan. It hurts the wallet now but it will give you a big happy surprise next year," she said.

"If we want to join at say 1.5 per cent and we already have 40 rams that limits the amount of ewes you can join and then we have to dilute the rams so you don't get as good conception, they just don't cover the mob.

"You get the extra rams so you can join them and assures you are going to have a good joining - it's industry best practice."

Ms White was not able to come out on the right side of the bidding war for the second top price ram, a $5000 poll ram with a 126 per cent weaning weight, 20.8 micron and 99.5 per cent comfort factor.

He was bound for the flock of Saxon and Anna Holland, Temerity Pastoral, Coolah, who secured nine rams to average $3022.

But they couldn't take the bulk buying honours away from the Thompson family, Baladonga Pastoral Company, Coolah with 16 rams averaging $1750.

The Corlis' of Laurel Vale at Garah secured eight rams averaging $2100 while Taraganda Pastoral Company, Harden, made a late dash and secured seven Mega Merino rams at $1000 each.

Bourke-based Emaroo Pastoral Company wasn't far behind with six rams averaging $1766.

Rams were also bound for Queensland with repeat clients WA and FL Rae securing four rams evening out at $2300.

The sale was run by Nutrien and Elders.

Nutrien studstock auctioneer Brad Wilson said buyer were chasing rams with the good in flock indexes.

"I think it's one of the best drafts they have had wool wise and shape, and the result reflected the draft that was presented," he said.

Read the full report in The Land next week.