Strong competition between buyers from start to the very end typified the Tallawong Merino Ram Sale at Yass on Tuesday last week, with a very even and consistent line-up of industry leading genetics presented.
Many long-term clients battled hard with each other and with several new clients to secure their preferred choices .
A total of 158 rams cleared at auction from 165 offered, resulting in a 96 per cent clearance and a $4510 average - a rise of some $1238 on last year's result despite an extra 15 catalogued.
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The top price of $10,000 was paid by Michael Shanahan of Tidbinbilla Station, Tharwa, for a 17.1-micron son of Nerstane 404.
He had a Merino Production Plus Index (MP+) of 211 and Fibre Production Plus Index (FP+) of 198 which ranked him in the top one per cent, while his Dual Purpose Plus Index (DP+) was 197 and sat him in the top 5pc.
From a high rainfall area, Mr Shanahan said he was looking for rams that did not have too much wrinkle.
"He cut a heap of wool, had a nice crimp and a beautiful white wool and was the fine type I was looking for," he said.
"I was after a team of rams, and had to pay (top-dollar) for that ram."
A repeat buyer of Tallawong rams, Mr Shanahan bid strongly to secure 10 rams in total for an average of $6800.
He said he wanted to put together a team of rams with those attributes, and ended up paying a lot more than normal for what he wanted because of where the market is at, at the moment.
Mick and Don Reynolds of Toompang Pastoral Co, Young, were very active from the get-go, taking home a truck load of 21 rams for an average of $3333.
Mick has been impressed with the performance of the Tallawong strain in the Young district, and is intending to further increase numbers into the future.
Richard and Charlie Buckmaster from Roseville, Mullion, bought 10 rams after an impressive shearing and more recently a great lamb marking. They averaged $3900 for their selections.
New clients Markdale Station, Crooked Corner near Bigga, guided by Jason Southwell, purchased six rams with plainer bodies yet high indexing sire prospects to further develop the non-mulesed Markdale flock.
Long-term clients John and Anna Hyles of Booromba Station, Tharwa, purchased eight rams to average $5062, while Andrew Southwell of Eden Brae, Rye Park, also secured eight rams for an average of $4312 .
Andrew Leonard, purchasing on behalf of both Mulliondale and Esdale, took home a total of 12 rams averaging $2958.
Dave Thompson, impressed with the gutsy, stylish wools having not seen them before, purchased four rams for an average of $4200 to take back to Cootamundra .
Tallawong stud principal, Frank Kaveney, while ecstatic about the sale results and positive feedback by so many buyers, both new and long-term return clients, was concerned about the high average despite offering more rams.
However, he commented it is very satisfying to receive the praise and vindication of the studs direction by so many clients.
"It justifies all the hard work," he said.
He also indicated that a really good selection of high quality, grade rams are available for anyone requiring more rams.
The sale was conducted by Nutrien with Rick Power, Grenfell, taking bids as the auctioneer.
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