Loyal buyers with confidence underpinned the success of Ramsgate Poll Merino stud’s ninth annual on-property sale yesterday at Tintinara, where the average lifted $413 on 2016.
Stud principals Jed and Nicole Keller and Craig and Heidi Keller sold 60 May 2016-drops from 65 on offer for a $1638 average.
The $3600 top price ram was sold to Stuart and Jenny Schneider, Grenfell, NSW, through Bill Walker, Classings Limited, Murray Bridge.
It was one of the heaviest rams on offer at 112 kilograms, and had wool measurements of 19.4 micron, a 3.0 standard deviation, 15.4 coefficient of variation and a 99.6 per cent comfort factor.
The Schneider’s also bought the second highest price ram for $3500.
It weighed 98kg and had fleece figures of 18.9M, 2.7SD, 14.2CV and a 99.4CF.
Return volume buyer Jason Holloway, Keilira Proprietors, Kingston SE, bought 10 rams to $1700, averaging $1240.
Mr Halloway runs 6500 breeding ewes and said Ramsgate genetics were attractive because of body type and evenness.
He said the draft of rams stood well and suited SE region.
“They were a line of solid and heavy sheep with nice clean faces.”
New volume buyer Scott Davidson, M&H Davidson, Lucindale, bought five rams to $3000, averaging $2400.
Mr Davidson said he selected Ramsgate genetics because of wool type and frame size.
“Each ram I chose had the nice bright white wool I look for but they also held the size too, which is important,’ he said.
Mr Davidson runs a Dohne ewe base of about 1800 head and attended the sale to source new genetics to boost wool production.
“I chose the Dohne breed because of high lambing rates, but the wool quality is not there, Mr Davidson said.
“I chose Ramsgate because of their plain bodied sheep, I want wool growth without a wrinkly body type,” he said.
Mr Davidson said provided the selected rams progeny suit his operation, he hoped to continue buying the stud’s genetics in future seasons.
The rams will be put in with replacement ewes on January 22.
M Guthrie & Sons, Mount Pleasant, secured five rams to $1500, averaging $1360, while Mount Boothby Pastoral Company, Tintinara, operating at the top end of the sale, took five to $3000, averaging $2000.
Stud principal Jed Keller said the sale clearance was a vote of confidence in their breeding program.
“I was extremely happy with the result and it was a tick of approval for what we achieved in the draft up for auction,” he said.
“We had at least three new buyers who wanted to try our genetics and that is a sign of being recognised for the quality progeny we are helping our clients to produce.”
Mr Keller commended the top price ram for its fibre and carcase traits.
“Its an all-round package that ram, along with easy-care and high fertility,” Mr Keller said.
“His sire is known for throwing lambs with good fat and eye muscle traits,” he said.
“I think in time Merino meat traits are definitely going to rival the British breeds and because of the way the industry is headed, that is very important for us as a stud to breed for.”
Elders Keith auctioneer Dean Coddington said Ramsgate had improved genetics each season and provided a ram for every buyers market.
He said buyers were attracted to the well-structured and deep boned traits of the top sires.
“The wool style of not only the top ram, but all the Ramsgate lots up for auction was brilliant, it was bright white and not too open with great coverage.
“These rams will cut a good power of wool and breed quality ewes and lambs.”
The sale was conducted by Elders Keith with Dean Coddington and Steven Doecke both of Elders as auctioneers.
