Cressbrook Merino post $6250 top

The Armidale stud posted an average of $1884 from 77 combined Merino horned and polled rams. From the 77 rams offered, 65 sold to a top of $6250 to a return buyer of over 20 years in Eastern Fall Grazing, Guyra.

There were 15 registered bidders were in attendance with a strong New England support.

The Fullon family of Cressbrook have now came in with the fifth highest sale average among the New England Merino on-property sales for the year to date among other studs Yalgoo $3405, Nerstane $2738, Alfoxton $2150 and Lorelmo $1950 at the completion of their sale.

Results were slightly back on last year's $2805 average from 70 rams at a 90 per cent clearance rate but up on the $5000 top.

Before the ram sale kicked off, 484 Merino surplus ewes cleared for an average of $59 going to local buyer Neil Clayton, Armidale.

Forster & Sons, Uralla, placed a floor in the sale and completed their draft with 15 rams to average $1666.

UNE Rural Properties, Armidale, bought 10 rams to average $1175.

Long term return buyer Golland Partnership, Quirindi, purchased seven rams to average $3000.

The top-priced ram sold to local return buyer of over 20 years Tom Schaefer from Eastern Fall Grazing, Guyra.

The horned ram tested in the top 10pc in the breed for fibre production plus and the top 20pc for yearling clean fleece weight.

Mr Schaefer rounded out his sale draft with five rams averaging $2550. They will be a new addition to his 1100 head Merino ewe flock.

From the 77 rams offered, 55 rams tested in the top 20pc or higher within the breed for fibre production plus.

Cressbrook Merino stud principal Lachlan Fulloon reflected on the sale having "a strong presence of return buyers" to assist them to their 85pc clearance rate.

"We had several of our clients comment that this year was probably our most even line of rams we've offered with figures to match," Mr Fulloon said.

The sale was covered by Nutrien Armidale with John Settree as auctioneer.