While half the number of rams sold in 2014 went under the hammer at the 2017 Westech ram sale, Queensland Merino Stud Sheepbreeders Association president, Max Wilson said the day went to expectations.
Twelve pens, or 60 one-year-old rams, were sold, for an 80 per cent clearance and an average price of $837.50.
Mitchell Merino stud, Mt Ascot secured the highest price of the sale, $1000, paid twice, by John and Donna Sheales, Mahrigong, Winton, and by John and Lee Laidler, Kappa-Ki, Longreach.
They earlier took the judging honours, exhibiting the champion pen for NSW guest judge, Cam Munro, the general manager for HE Kater and Sons.
Mr Munro said he could see all the rams had “got out of the blocks well”, thanks to last year’s winter rain, describing the Mt Ascot rams as bigger and freer.
The stud recorded a $937 average, while sister Poll Merino stud, Jolly Jumbuck had a $900 average.
Their customers included the Egerton family, Hanley, Barcaldine, and Ilfracombe property, Newstead.
A fortnight after recording a $1062 average at their on-property sale, local stud Barcaldine Downs sold one Merino pen for $1000 and one Poll Merino pen for $700.
Pens from Lansdowne, Wyambeh, Coreena, Jolly Jumbuck, Barcaldine Downs Merinos and Poll Merinos, and Wattle Downs were on offer.
Mr Wilson thanked the Queensland studs, and their buyers, for participating while there were still “hard times all round”, seasonally.
“There were 120 rams sold last time so there’s room for improvement, but we’re in a transitional period here at the moment,” he said.
“Fences are going up but far too many people are still losing stock to wild dogs.
“And from what I’m hearing, some up this way have more rams than ewes on their country at the moment.”
Mr Wilson said stud sheep breeders weren’t going to get a result unless they put themselves out there, and they understood the need to foster a northern clientele.
Ram judge, Cam Munro, told the crowd there was no better time to be in Merinos, especially if they received an early spring break.
“Southern NSW is very dry and is offloading – I’d be looking for wethers while the wool price is so good,” he said. “The Merino is a wonderful package – just one kilogram of wool covers your shearing costs.”