CONTINUED investment in top-quality genetics is bearing fruit for Minta Merino and Poll Merino stud, who celebrated an improved clearance and average at their annual ram sale at Mount Cooper on Monday.
While some of the early averages and clearances at SA Merino sales have been a shade back on 2021, the Hull family witnessed a $46 rise in average and six more rams sold under the hammer to finish with 128 of 130 rams sold at a healthy average of $1864.
There was good competition across the entire catalogue and particularly on some of the early offered sons of sires Lightning Moorundie NE008 - purchased at the Adelaide ram sale in 2020 for $70,000 - and Wallaloo Park 226, a $76,000 ram which Minta bought semen shares from.
Minta principal Jesse Hull said he was stoked with how the sale went, expressing his gratitude for the support from loyal clients.
He said the Lightning Moorundie and Wallaloo Park sires had had a positive impact on the direction of the stud.
"They've helped get good growth into the sheep, freed them up, and without losing too much wool cut," Mr Hull said.
It was a Lightning son that received the most strikes from bidders, with lot two reaching the sale high of $7000 to GV Hull Nominees, Mount Cooper.
The 102-kilogram ram possessed all-round figures, boasting a greasy fleece weight percentage of 132.7pc, as well as an eye muscle depth of 42.4 millimetres and fat depth of 4.8mm.
It carried a 20.6 micron fleece, with a 3.0 standard definition, 14.5 coefficient of variation and 99.1pc comfort factor.
Buyer Rohan Hull, who runs a self-replacing Merino flock, said the ram's wool and structure encouraged them to bid up in order to secure him.
"He is a well-made ram, with good white, long-stapled wool," he said.
"We thought he was the best ram here and you want to take the good ones home."
The Hulls were strong bidders, securing nine rams in total to $7000, averaging $2800.
MORE READING: Sandalwood Poll Merinos sells to wide area
Volume buyer again in 2022 was Mt Eba Station, via Woomera, through Paul Cousins, Cousins Merino Services, Burra, taking 17 rams to $1000, av $947.
Malleeview Pastoral, also through Mr Cousins, bought nine rams to $1700, av $1267, while KJ&RN Hammat were successful on eight to $2400, av $1875.
Courtabie Pastoral, Port Kenny, bought seven rams to $1400, av $1043, while Hebbermann Bros Farming Trust, Kaldoonera, took six to $3600, av $2700, and Carey Bros Farming Trust bought six to six to $1800, av $1383.
A host of buyers were successful on five rams, including JP Kelsh Nominees, Streaky Bay, to $3200, av $1880, D&M Wendland, Minnipa, to $2000, av $1720, R&G Rowe Props to $1900, av $1520, Nylor Park, Streaky Bay, to $1500, av $1160, and Pineslope Pastoral to $1900, av $1640.
The sale was conducted by Eyre Peninsula Livestock and Real Estate and Quality Livestock, with Ben Dohnt and David Whittenbury sharing the selling rostrum.
"It was a really good free-flowing sale and with the average and clearance both a little bit up at the end of the day, I don't think Jesse and Courtney could have hoped for too much more," Mr Dohnt said.
"The quality of the rams shone through today, right from top to bottom."
MORE READING: Ripper Roemahkita Poll Merino sale averages $2628
Mr Whittenbury said it was a balanced sale on the 130-head offering, with the success stemming from a "pretty simple recipe".
"Jesse's an outstanding stud master who puts a lot of time into classing and the relationships he holds with clients, and he's got an outstanding product to go with it.
"That combination of factors has led to a great result."
