A CATALOGUE of 199 outstanding Poll Merino rams sold to $7400 and averaged an outstanding $2100 at the 27th annual Leahcim Poll Merino ram sale at Snowtown on Friday last week.
The 12 to 17-month rams were like peas in a pod - balanced, structurally correct, carrying elite wools and supported by very good Merino carcase data.
In welcoming the huge crowd, including 79 registered bidders from all states, Leahcim principal Andrew Michael said he was "blown away'' by the dedication and passion of the many repeat buyers.
The total package of wool, skins and meat combined with functionality and fertility was certainly appreciated, with 197 of the 199 rams sold in just under three hours.
Forty-six rams sold for $2500 or better, of which only four made $5000 or better. Overall 74 per cent made between $1000 to $2400.
Stud buying support was strong with 11 studs registered bidders, eight of whom were successful, in purchasing 20 rams.
Bruce and Trudy Pengilly, Penrose Poll Merinos, Cascades, via Esperence, WA, paid the $7400 top for Leahcim 132464. They run 300 stud ewes in their 3500-head flock and selected the ram for his outstanding figures across the board, but were particularly attracted by his white, bright and well-defined wool. The Pengillys also bought two more at $2000 each.
The Goerling family, Lukin Springs Poll Merino stud, Boyup Brook, WA, were the underbidders on the top ram for the second year in a row, but picked up their second choice for $4000 on the next lot, bred the same way and with very similar figures.
Other prominent SA stud buyers were Ian and David Rowett, through Elders Roseworthy with rams at $4400 and $3800; the Prime family, Nantoura stud, Wharminda, two at $2500 and $3800; the Schwarz family, Pindari stud, Waterloo, two at $3000 and $3800; and the most active of all, the Woolford family, Karawatha Park stud, Kimba, six from $1800 to $3200.
Richard Bursford, Moonjaree Pastoral Co, through Landmark Cunamulla put Qld on the buying map with two rams at $3200 and $4000.
* Full report in Stock Journal, September 25, 2014 issue.
