SPURRED on by clients’ confidence in the meat and wool markets, prices at the Rock-Bank Merino annual on property ram sale jumped $569 per head on last year’s average.
The Victoria Valley-based stud sold a total of 39 Merinos and Poll Merinos for an average price of $1794 and a top of $10,500.
The top price was paid for an impressive Walter son, from Rock-Bank’s successful Ringmaster family, paid by Bevan and Tiffany McKnight, Merino Ridges, Ida Valley, New Zealand.
The stylish, ultra-fine ram measured a weaner micron of 16.5, a standard deviation of 2.6m, a co-efficient of variation of 15.5m, 99.9 per cent comfort factor and a curvature of 71.
He was one of nine rams purchased by the McKnight family, which averaged $2956, which included two Pemcaw Poll Merino sons.
The second top price $3750 ram was one of two rams purchased by the Venning family, Kilmarnock, Morgiana, who have been Rock-Bank clients for 33 years.
Selected for his scale and wool cut, the ram was a Big Walter son, and recorded a weaner micron of 17.1, a SD of 2.6m, a CV of 14.4m, 99.9pc CF and a curv of 73.
Rock-Bank stud principal John Crawford said the industry’s buoyant mood due to solid meat market, upbeat wool prices and seasonal conditions was evident at the sale. “People have hung on through the past ten years of drought and we’re seeing a surge of people jumping back in to Merinos.
“They’re selective with their genetics now and we’re seeing a lot of clients chasing that high quality edge in a ram. Clients can shop within the stud because we offer a solid genetic base that is predictable, with the largest body size in the ultrafine and superfine Merinos in Australia.”
Naracoorte-based Ian and Fiona Zippel were volume buyers at the sale, purchasing seven rams for an av $1250. The rams were Walter, Big Walter and Prince sons, and will be joined to Rock-Bank ewes. Ms Zippel said the sires, which av 17.6m, were selected to influence their flock’s 16m av and fleece cut.
“These rams perform well in our country, are hardy to wet conditions and produce beautiful wool that is white, bright and free flowing,” she said.
Kevin Wilde, Bayindeen, was another volume buyer on the day, purchasing five rams for a $920 av.
The Hinchcliffe’s of Ararat were the top bidders on a superfine son of Tim, at $3500. He was one of three purchased by the Hinchliffe’s which av $1900.
The Crawford family expect to have a substantial Poll Merino offering next year, which will include sons by the 2016 Australian Sheep and Wool Show grand champion Poll Merino ram.
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
