SOUTHROSE Merino and Poll Merino stud was given a fitting farewell at its dispersal sale at Tintinara on Monday, thanks to strong support from some of Australia's leading studs.
In a marathon four-hour sale, Jono and Zel Ashby achieved a total clearance of nearly 2700 ewes and rams.
The 73 registered bidders hailed from the Eyre Peninsula to Central NSW in show of appreciation of the stud's dedication to breeding top-quality fine wools with frame and carcase.
Demand was particularly strong on the top-end ewes, the best hoggets making $900.
The 2012-drop hit $800 and the best of the 2011-drop made $350. There was also a chance for commercial breeders to buy 1.5yo to 3.5yo at $150 to $240.
The elite ewes of each age group were offered in pens of about 10 under a three-hammer system, the first two buyers given the pick in the pen and the third taking the rest. The remainder of each age group was offered in groups of 20 to 30.
Graham Coddington, Coddington Poll-Uardry stud, Yeoval, NSW, paid the $900 top for a 2013-drop ewe with an impressive pedigree, growth and wool cut, and good spread of ASBVs including a fleece weight figure of 11.5. Among his buys were the highest-price 2012-drop ewes - three at $800.
"We were the losing bidder when Southrose bought the $110,000 Billa Burra ram years ago, so we have always liked the same sheep they have liked," he said. "They have been great supporters of the industry so I wanted to support them."
The 622 ewe lambs from a wide range of semen sires and natural matings sold particularly well, averaging $131. Among those most keenly sought were progeny of Coddington Poll 115035, which fellow SA stud Orrie Cowie bought for $28,000 in 2013.
Colin, Julie, Katelyn and Wade Boughen, Kamora Park, Karoonda, bought four of these daughters at the $525 top ewe lamb price.
The $3000 top-price ram lamb was also sired by Coddington Poll 115035 and knocked down to Geoff and Bernadette Davidson, Moorundie, Keith.
AP&S Millear, Stud Park South stud, Willaura, Vic, were among the top-end volume ewe buyers, taking 96 from various age groups including the top-price 2011 drop ewes at $350.
Many SA studs were in the action, including the Keynes family, Lorelmo Keyneton Station, taking about 130 rams and ewes, and the Dalla family, Orrie Cowie, Warooka, buying 50 ewe lambs, ram lambs and ewes.
Another sale highlight was one of the 16 stud sires making $5200, paid by Paul Blanche, Brightling Park, Bathurst, NSW.
Mr Ashby said it was pleasing to see the large number of studs and the presence of many of their loyal commercial clients.
"We are sad to be winding up a stud that has been a passion for our family for many years but happy to see what we have created and to know that our genetics will continue to play their part in the Merino industry for years to come," he said.
Southrose was established in 1988 by Jim and Hilary Ashby, but has a much longer history in Merino breeding - foundation ewes were from the division of the iconic Ashrose partnership and stud founded in 1910.
Catherine Miller
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
Stock Journal's livestock editor and South East correspondent.
