Bulk buyer secures almost a third of draft at Mt Ascot's western ram sale
The demand for quality rams in the state's west was so strong that the Brumpton family of Mt Ascot Merinos and Jolly Jumbuck Poll Merinos, Mitchell, added another 20 rams to their catalogue of 122 lots just prior to the start of their northern ram sale on Friday, August 29.
Held at the Wellshot Hotel, Ilfracombe, the family sold all 142 rams at auction to average $1511.
In the breakdown, the Jolly Jumbuck prefix sold 83 to top at $3100 and average $1637, while Mt Ascot sold 59 rams for a top price of $4000 to average $1335.
In 2024, all 117 stud rams sold for an average price of $1428 and a top price of $3000.
Mt Ascot stud principal Nigel Brumpton said they were extremely happy with the sale results.
"For us to catalogue 122 rams and then add the extra 20 on sale day morning was essential to maintain supply and demand on the day," Mr Brumpton said.
"We sold to all repeat buyers, and to get this result in north west Queensland where Merinos are diminishing, is a tremendous result."
Paying $4000 for the top priced Mt Ascot ram was Bill and Peta Graham, Tijuana, Muttaburra.
Mr Graham, who has been a client for the past 30 years, said it was the ram's conformation and quality wool that attracted them to buy him.
In all, the Grahams finished with 11 rams to average $1618. These rams would be joined to the Graham's 1700 breeding ewes.
The top priced Jolly Jumbuck poll ram at $3100 was bought by Clayton and Lou Hannay, Overton, Aramac.
"He was a good all-round ram with weight for age and appealing micron that will fit into our breeding program perfectly," Mr Hannay said.
In all, they signed off on 16 rams to average $2112. These rams were set to be joined to their 1200 ewe breeding flock.
Volume buyer was John Beattie, Arno, Isisford, who bought 50 rams to average $1182.
Other volume buyers included John and Maree MacMillan, Ilfracombe, who finished with 17 rams to average $1600.
- Selling agent: Elders
