Despite a tough season, Charollais ram leads the charge for Redline studs

There was some fierce competition from ram buyers from Erigolia to Molong, Dunedoo to Mangoplah, and everywhere in between, at the annual Redline Poll Dorsets and Charollais studs sale on Friday, September 5.

Both new and returning clients were keen to get their hands on well-presented rams at the West Wyalong studs' sale, despite the drop in ewe numbers across the state.

Charollais rams led the bidding for the Sturgess family's studs, with the top-priced ram selling for $3600.

The tough season and smaller flocks did show, with competition slightly back for the first time. The Charollais clearance was 67 per cent, with 41 out of 61 rams sold for an average of $1930.

First-time buyers were keen to get in on the action, with Emohruo Ag, Rand, stepping in with some strong competition to secure the top-priced Charollais ram for $3600 and another for $2000.

Emohruo Ag's Bryce Jones was impressed with the top-priced ram's body shape.

"He had great muscle and weaning weights," he said.

Mr Jones uses Charollais rams over his Merino ewes.

"The Charollais-cross lambs put on plenty of weight early, and you can get them off as suckers."

Another first-time buyer, Blekemore Pastoral Co, Ballimore, purchased the second top-priced ram for $3200, and secured three rams in total.

Two local buyers and long-time supporters of Redline, the Bush and Cartwright families, secured their rams for a $2700 average.

Meanwhile, the Hoskinson family claimed an equal top price of $2900 for an exceptionally long and powerful Poll Dorset ram out of the Redline Justified line.

The Hoskinson family also secured another ram for $2800, while Rob Seaman, Barmedman, purchased a ram for $2900.

There was a 92pc clearance of the Poll Dorset sire draft, with 48 out of 52 rams sold for an average of $1840.

KB and PA Heinrich, Morangarell, purchased 17 Poll Dorset rams for an average of $1805, while returning client, Grange Farming, Barmedman, secured 22 rams across the two breeds.

Stud principals Kyle and Lisa Sturgess were proud to support rural mental health, donating the proceeds from lot 39 to Walk N Talk with a Farmer. Lot 39 made $1800 and was bought by K and K Tulloch, Wyalong.

Wayne Hueske introduced the ram and Walk N Talk with a Farmer, speaking about recently walking 235 kilometres from Walla Walla to Tallimba.

He also spoke about plans for next year's event, which will be 145km over six days from Tallimba to Ardlethan, across to Ariah Park and back to Tallimba.

Mr Sturgess said Redline stud was planning to make lot 39 an annual donation in support of rural mental health.

He said they were very happy with the outcome of the sale.

"We would like to thank returning clients and we welcome new clients," he said.

"We look forward to working with you all in putting the right genetics into the right markets. Thanks also to Will Dean and the team at Dean Stock and Land agents for Nutrien for their expertise and continued support."

Nutrien's Will Dean said despite the tough season, he was pleased with the Redline sale result.

"The rams sold well, but the best of them sold particularly well. The sheep looked as good as they've ever looked," he said.

"The Charollais produce good trade weight or export lambs, and they are low birthweight rams, so they are good to put over Merino maiden ewes.

"Redline's sheep keep getting better, and they are getting new buyers each year, so they are doing a fair bit right."