SALE SUMMARY
2016 2015
Offered 40 40
Sold 32 23
Top $3400 $1500
Av $887 $782
THERE were improvements across the board in the Millbrae Poll Merino stud’s third annual sale at Kimba last week, including increases in clearance rate, average price and top price from the 2015 sale.
The 32 rams sold averaged $887 – a $105 rise on last year – while the top price rose almost $2000 to $3400.
The sale topper was bought by Oak Farms Pastoral, Port Kenny, which was also the sale’s volume buyers, taking 12 rams at an average of $1158.
The top ram had fleece figures of 16.6 micron, 2.6 standard deviation, 16 coefficient of variation and 100 per cent comfort factor.
Millbrae stud principal Clint Rayner said the ram was long bodied, with a deep barrel and had long stapled, soft, nourished wool.
He was happy with the sale result and the mix of repeat and new buyers.
“Being our third annual sale, we’re pleased that we’re slowly starting to build a clientele,” he said.
Other bulk buyers included PT&CI Haskett, Kimba, who bought six rams averaging $583, while Leon Kloock, Coorabie, took four to $800, averaging $750.
On display at the sale were a sample of 2016-drop lambs, which were sired by Minta 251, and two recent ram purchases – Brimanna 150, which Mr Rayner bought for $7000 in July, and Minta 251 which he bought for $16,500 in August.
The Brimanna ram weighed 111.5 kilograms with an eye muscle depth of 42 millimetres and 6.7mm fat depth, while the Minta ram was a Collinsville Emperor 339 son, weighing 127kg, with a 6.1mm fat depth and 44.1EMD.
“These rams are to install confidence in buyers that they can find a square, structurally-sound sheep with a good quality and volume of wool,” Mr Rayner said.
Landmark conducted the sale, with Phil Arcus taking the bids.
