Old Ashrose rams in demand

In the main auction, 100 rams were offered and sold, the sale reaching a $4800 high and averaging $1826 - a $600 and $97 rise, respectively, compared to last year. Two new buyers joined a large contingent of long-time clients of Rob Ashby and Nick and Kate Wadlow.

The 70 Poll Merinos and 30 Merinos - all May/June 2014-drop - had average wool measurements of 21 micron, 3.5 standard deviation, 17.0 coefficient of variation and 99.3 per cent comfort factor.

The top-price ram was knocked down to the Wilkins family, Kanimbla Family Trust, Yaninee. The Poll Merino weighed 129 kilograms with wool measurements of 20.1M, 3SD, 14.9CV and 99.8CF.

"He's got good wool cover, and he's a good, square sheep," Gregor Wilkins said.

Mr Wadlow said the ram's white, bright, long-stapled wool and big frame could be traced back to his sire, PDM137.

"His sire has bred very well here," he said. "He's a wool sheep, with good frame and structure, and we've been very pleased with his progeny."

Gregor's father Barry first bought rams from Mr Ashby more than 50 years ago, and the family has been a regular client ever since, taking home between four and six rams each year.

Gregor, his wife Linda and their son Stefan run 1200 Merino ewes, and keep returning to Old Ashrose seeking large-framed sires.

"They're big bodied, uncomplicated sheep, with bright, soft-handling wool, and that's what we're after," Gregor said.

"We've been getting excellent wool cuts, averaging 7-8kg skirted.

"This year our highest price was 950c/kg - that's the best we've ever got."

The Wilkins family also bought the top-price Merino ram, paying $3800 for a 124.5kg sire measuring 22.6M, 3.6SD, 16.2CV and 99CF.

In total they bought five rams, averaging $3040, and picked up a spring 2013-drop Merino for $1900 in the mini auction.