Both top-priced rams at Felix are destined for interstate stud duties
Interstate studs stepped into the market at Felix Rams, recognising the dedication to type and data throughout the catalogue on Thursday, September 3.
The Watt family's Greenthorpe stud achieved a clearance of 130 of 146 Poll Dorset rams selling to a top of $10,500 for and average of $2761,while 60 of 64 White Suffolk rams sold to $8500 with an average of $3223.
The second last Poll Dorset ram offered of the day, Felix 241442, overtook the rest, reaching the top price of $10,500, purchased by Bundara Downs, Western Flat, SA.
Originating from the stud's spring Poll Dorset ram draft, the Felix 231129 son recorded a birth weight Australian Sheep Breeding Value (ASBV) of -0.9, with a post-weaning weight (PWT) figure of +17.7, ranking in the top 20 per cent, while also having a post-weaning fat (PFAT) value of +1.7.
The twin-born ram continued the high percentile traits, ranking in the top 1pc for his post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD) value of +6, as well as his terminal carcase production (TCP) and lamb eating quality (LEQ) figures of 169.3 and 168.4, respectively.
The top-priced White Suffolk ram Felix 241270 was sold for $8500 to the syndicate of Bundara Downs, Western Flat, SA, Gemini Prime Lamb Sires, Werneth, Vic, and Booloola White Suffolks, Baringhup, Vic.
The August-drop, twin-born ram, by Felix 231354, ranked in the one per cent for his TCP and LEQ with 168.2 and 179.2, respectively, while being in the top 5pc for his PWT figure of +20.2.
He went on to rank in the top 10pc for his PEMD figure of +3.6, while also recording a PFAT figure of +0.4 and a post-weaning worm egg count value of -39.
One of the purchasers, Craig Mitchell, Gemini Prime Lamb Sires, said the top-priced ram was structurally sound with good data.
There were several volume buyers active throughout the catalogue, with one being Medway Family Partnership, Gunning, who secured 14 rams via AuctionsPlus for a top of $4000 to average $2871.
Felix Rams' stud principal, Rodney Watt, said the family was happy with the sale, with the results proving to be solid.
"Our bread and butter is flock rams, and studs have come looking because the figures have been very good," he said.
"So there has been a bit more stud interest the last few years, but that's not our target market.
"You could tell from the positioning of the two highest-priced rams in the sale."
Rams were sold into four states, including South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and NSW.
The sale was conducted by Allan Gray and Co Pty Ltd, Cowra, with Rory Brien and guest auctioneer Harry Waters, Elders Gundagai, sharing the bids.
AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
