"We have to take rams to Queensland with bulky bold-medium fleeces and good skin types," Chris Bowman said when describing the Poll Boonoke Merino ram he had purchased for $17,000 on behalf of the Lansdowne Pastoral Co., Tambo, QLD.
Mr Bowman, a Hay-based sheep classer was speaking during the annual auction of Wanganella and Poll Boonoke Merino rams, on behalf of the Australian Food and Agriculture, Boonoke, Conargo.
Sale results summary:
208/210 rams sold for average price of $4513
Wanganella - 58/60 rams sold - top price $15,000, average $3707
Poll Boonoke - 150/150 rams sold - top price $17,000, average $4825
The top priced ram, a PP son of outstanding Poll Boonoke sire PB160612(PP) weighed 135.5kg, with the fleece measurements of 18.6 micron, 3.0 standard deviation and 99.8pc comfort factor also had the carcass traits of 42.5mm eye muscle depth and 6.0mm fat.
His ASBV breeding indexes included 30.1 yearling clean fleece weight, 0.8 yearling eye muscle depth and 172.4 MP+ along with 181.1 for DP+.
Besides the Poll Boonoke ram sold for $17,000 other good sales of Poll Boonoke rams included $12,500 bought by Paul and Peter Routley, Almondvale, Urana: $15,000 bought by the Huggins family, Woodpark, Jerilderie and one at $11,000 bought by Mark Peters, Ballatherie, Hillston.
In the Wanganella offering, Ross Wells and Caroline Heath, Willandra, Jerilderie, paid $15,000 for their pick of the draft.
The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders, Denilquin, in conjunction and was interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
The auctioneers were Rick Power, Nutrien and Nick Gray, Elders.
- Full report next week
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