LOYAL support from long-term buyers plus interstate interest ensured the success of Moorundie Park Poll Merino stud's fourth annual on-property sale recently, with prices soaring to a top of $16,000.
In a solid result, stud principals Tom and Laura Davidson achieved a total clearance of rams for an average of $1957.
With 54 registered buyers bidding, rams sold to a wide selection of stud and commercial producers from across South Australia, WA and New South Wales.
The sale-topping price was reached quickly, with lot one in the catalogue selling to $16,000, bought by De Irwin, Australian Wool Network, Port Germein, on behalf of Alex and Stephanie Willson, Kalaree Poll Merino Stud, Crookwell, NSW.
By the ram B306, which sold for $53,000 at the Adelaide ram sale in 2014, the 16-month-old sire weighed in at a hefty 120kg with 43.5mm EMD and 6.1mm fat and boasted fleece measurements of 19.2 micron, 2.9 SD, 15.1 CV and 99.7 per cent comfort factor.
According to Ms Irwin, the young stud sire's big frame and stylish, well-nourished wool attracted the Willson family's attention and its dual-purpose traits would be a perfect fit for the Karalee stud's breeding program.
The second top of $9000 was paid by Robert Farrow, Babirra Poll Merino stud, Stansbury, South Australia, for a 16-month-old ram, sporting fleece measurements of 19.1 micron, 3.0 SD, 15.7 CV and 99.4pc CF.
Also sired by B306, the young ram weighed 112kg with 40EMD and 4.2mm fat.
Interest from WA was strong with the Blight family, Seymour Park stud, Highbury, paying to $7000 for a 16-month-old ram which carried a 19.6 micron fleece with 2.5 SD, 12.8 CV and a 99.8pc CF.
The Blight family bought three other rams for an average of $2850.
The Patterson family's Woolkabin stud, Woodanilling, were also active taking home three rams to a top of $4000.
