Solid structure, consistent wools top priority for Minta Poll Merino buyers
A Wiringa Park son led the way as strong support from loyal clients underpinned the Minta Poll Merino ram sale at Mount Cooper on Monday.
Stud principal Jesse Hull offered a total of 90 rams in the auction, with 70 knocked down for an average of $1055, back from last year's average of $1185.
Mr Hull said while the sale had a reduced offering and clearance, he understood the current climate restraints for buyers and was pleased with his loyal client base supporting the sale how they could.
"We're really grateful for the support at the sale this year in what's been a really tough season for everyone," he said.
"In the pastoral areas they've had a bit more rain, so they're in the position to pick up a few more rams which is handy.
"Overall it was great to have a good turn out at the sale and see our clients backing our rams."
Topping the sale this year was Lot 5 for $3000.
The 90kg ram, which was sired by a Wiringa Park ram purchased by Minta in 2021, carried a fleece with a micron of 17.7, standard deviation of 3.2, coefficient of variation of 18.1, a comfort factor of 99.8, and a greasy fleece weight at 3.9.
The ram was purchased by Luke Kelsh, JP Kelsh Nominees, Streaky Bay.
A regular buyer at the stud, Mr Kelsh also picked up a further two rams for an overall average of $1933.
"I liked the combination of a big frame with the good wool traits - that's what we're looking for in our sheep," he said.
"Our new rams will go out in Marc,h with about 1800 ewes to lamb in August."
Eyre Peninsula Livestock auctioneer Ben Dohnt said the sale topping ram was a good dual purpose type.
"He's got really good body weight - probably the heaviest in the shed," he said.
"But also high comfort factor and low standard deviation which makes him a real standout. He had a lot of interest and there's good reason for it."
Paul Cousins, Mount Eba Station, was the volume buyer on the day, successful on 19 rams at $800 a head to take up to the pastoral property between Glendambo and Coober Pedy.
The sale was conducted by Quality Livestock auctioneer Cameron Petricevich and Mr Dohnt, with Quality Livestock the duty agents on the day.
Quality Livestock agent Damien Johnson said the tough year meant there were fewer buyers present at sales, but there was still demand for the quality offered at Minta.
"It's been hard for everyone, and although we've had a bit of rain now, it doesn't rain feed and people have pulled back their numbers, so it's not a quick fix," he said.
"But there's still positivity around and producers are still investing back into the programs by buying good quality rams like the ones Jesse offers.
"Jesse's breeding rams with good structure and nice bright, white wool and people are chasing that."
