Queensland and western NSW buyers underpin Red Hill Aussie White ram sale

Queensland and western NSW buyers proved a formidable force at the annual Red Hill Australian White autumn sale, held on property at Red Hill, near Wongarbon.

Red Hill sold 57 of 69 rams to a top-price of $8000, to average $2693.

Following spirited bidding, the sale-topper, Red Hill 240208 was knocked down to interstate buyers David and Harry Packer, Merino Downs, Surat, Qld.

Son of Red Hill 220591, the 10-month-old single born ram weighed 109 kilograms with an eye muscle depth (EMD) of 47 millimetres, fat depth (FAT) of 9.5mm and post weaning weight (PWT) of 44kg.

The Packer family's mixed operation includes cropping, cattle, and an Australian White ewe base of 7000 head.

They have purchased Red Hill rams for three or four years, and favour their carcass quality.

"[The top ram] had good EMD, carcass and growth, which are important to us," Harry Packer said.

"Red Hill rams throw bigger bodied lambs, they're good quality and they suit our country well."

The Packer's also purchased Red Hill 240298 for $2250.

Clyde and Pat Cook, Park View, Nyngan, secured the second top-priced ram, Red Hill 240319, for $7500.

Sired by Tattykeel 210210, the nine-month-old twin born ram weighed 97kg with an EMD of 45mm, FAT of 9mm and PWT of 38kg.

Also, the underbidders of the top-priced ram, Mr Cook said he thought the quality of the offering was excellent and improved year after year.

The Cooks run a mixed farming operation comprising of Australian Whites, Merinos and cropping.

Using Red Hill genetics for eight years, Mr Cook said they transitioned into Australian Whites after destocking their cattle in the drought. Their flock currently consists of 1000 ewes.

"[We sought] bigger framed rams with solid weights and post weaning weights because of our country, they do a lot more walking," he said.

All up, Mr and Mrs Cook bought four rams to average $5125.

Volume buyer Patrick Sullivan, Yoe Lake Station, Wilcannia, secured 12 rams to $2500, twice, to average $1875.

Mr Sullivan has purchased Red Hill rams for about four or five years and said that, structurally, they could not be faulted.

Beginning with Dorpers and Wiltshires, Mr Sullivan transitioned his flock to include 5000 Australian White and 500 Dorper ewes.

"Rams walk such long distances out our way, and we found that with Dorpers especially, we had problems with their legs and feet," he said.

"However, with Red Hill Australian Whites their structure suits our country, they have really good growth and their carcase hung up is really impressive."

The Sullivans run a USDA certified organic operation, selling to the likes of Arcadia.

"We're really impressed with Red Hill's genetics, they survive well where we are, and we've tried a few different studs...their survivability is fantastic," he said.

Given that his draft is still quite young, Mr Sullivan said the rams would be joined in five or six months.

Red Hill stud co-principal Robert Endacott said he was extremely pleased with the sale's result and thanked the support of returning clients.

Tim Houston, Sandholes Farming, Mungindi, bought six rams to $3250 to average $2625.

MG and KL Plum, Tarcutta, purchased two rams for $3500 and $4250.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien, with Brad Wilson and Sam Thomas, Nutrien Milling Thomas, as auctioneers. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.