A SIRE with "stud wool" and an admirable bloodline attracted plenty of attention at the Rices Creek sixth annual Mid North on-property sale at Saddleworth, achieving the top price of $6000.
The sale had full clearance of the 130 Poll Merino rams, and continued its yearly lift in the average - up nearly $50 to $2342.
The top price was paid by Luke and Andrew Saegenschnitter, Sharlu Park stud, Truro, for the 107 kilogram, Imperial 20 grandson, which had a 22.1 micron fleece with 2.7 standard deviation, 12.1 coefficient of variation and 99.4 per cent comfort factor.
The twin ram also had a greasy fleece weight of 112 per cent, measured against the remainder of the drop, eye muscle depth of 45.4 millimetres and a 5.3mm Cfat.
Luke said they had been seeking some of the Imperial 20 bloodlines for their own stud, and this one stood out.
"It had real stud wool on the back, with good feet, good spring of rib and a nice width between the hip and shoulders," he said.
"There was real breeder's wool and hopefully it will mix with our wool."
Rices Creek's James Vandeleur said the ram had exceptional wool with "exceptional staple length and crimp".
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The sale's volume buyer was repeat client Walmona, Truro, with 17 rams to $2600, averaging $1888.
Dunira Prime Lambs, Manoora, bought nine rams to $2800, averaging 2022.
Lake Hawdon, Kingston SE, returned for a second year and selected eight rams from the top end of the catalogue, bidding to $4800 and averaging $4150.
GJ&JG Sampson & Sons, Warramboo, bought six rams to $3200, averaging $2767.
JW&ALA Alison, Broken Hill, NSW, bought six rams at $800.
Koomaburra Pty Ltd, Streaky Bay, bought five rams to $3000, averaging $2380; GA&DJ Giddings, Cummins, five to $2600, averaging $2160; Fromm Trading, Minnipa, five to $2600, averaging $2240; and Francis Capowie, Quorn, bought five rams to $1800, averaging $1600.
Mr Vandeleur said it was great to see the sale result, despite the impact of the tough season and the reduction of ewe numbers across the industry.
Jim Vandeluer said the sale still offered good value at all levels of the sale, from the top end through to several lots sold between $800 and $1000.
He was also pleased with the spread of buyers from across the state - representing almost all areas, including the pastoral zones.
Quality Wool auctioneer Simon Seppelt, Jamestown, said the number of repeat buyers - and new faces - was testament to the growing reputation of the Rices Creek sheep.
"The Imperial 20 and Imperial 20 syndicate sheeps were ones that people were chasing hard, but it wasn't restricted to only those," he said.
The sale was conducted by Quality Livestock and Landmark with Mr Seppelt and Leo Redden sharing the gavel.
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Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
