WHITE Suffolk rams sold to a top of $3600 during the Coronga White Suffolk ram sale held on-property near Orange last Friday.
This was the first "Pick of the Drop" sale since James Jackson and Kirrily Rourke took over the running of Coronga from their parents Peter and Julie Jackson in January.
In keeping with the traditions of breeding quality rams for prime lamb production established by their parents, this year's offering had a solid balance between growth, muscle and an efficient birth weight.
Ms Rourke said Coronga rams had been used over Merino and first-cross ewes, with clients having great success over maiden and mature ewes.
"While the very best ram for each client may vary, we pride ourselves on being able to provide a balanced offering for this sale," Ms Rourke said.
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All 148 of the offered rams were sold at auction for an average of $1602.
Ms Rourke said the average was an increase on last year and to achieve full clearance was very pleasing.
The top-priced ram went to a long-time repeat client who has confidence in the quality and performance of Coronga White Suffolk rams and was happy to bid on AuctionsPlus.
For a bid of $3600, Vicky Geddes, Yallock, Holbrook, bought the top ram along with another four lots early in the sale.
The top-priced ram was CORONGA-200194, which at 14 months, tipped the scales at 98 kilograms.
His Lambplan figures show the ram was in the top 10 per cent for post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD 3.37) and Terminal Carcase Production Index (TCP 151.96).
The second top-priced ram at $3400 was knocked down to Spike Orr bidding on behalf of RH Orr and Sons, Parkes.
The 14-month-old ram, CORONGA-200350, weighed in at 96kg and also had impressive Lambplan figures.
It was in the top 10pc for PEMD (3.15) and TCP (150.94).
Although there were fewer people onsite due to COVID-19 lockdown, it was clear those who attended were there to buy.
Volume buyers included Aohai Pty Ltd, via Elders Dubbo, picking up 16 rams for a top of $1300 and average of $1162.50.
First-time buyers, GE and MA Davis, bidding via Elders Mudgee, took home 14 rams for a top of $1500 and average of $1250.
Buyers operated from right across NSW and included bids on 38 lots sold via online platform AuctionsPlus.
Elders Dubbo were the selling agents for the auction with Martin Simmons as the auctioneer.
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