North Ashrose on par with 2024 at Gulnare in another solid Poll Merino sale
Some handy rainfall, and good mutton and lamb prices appear to have put a jolt back into this season's ram sales, with North Ashrose the latest stud to enjoy a result on par with 2024.
The Gulnare Poll Merino and Merino stud had a full clearance of 160 rams on Wednesday, averaging $1928, in what was almost a carbon copy of last year when they cleared 160 at a $1935 average.
Bidding reached a high of $5500 for lot 3, which was purchased by RH Dunsford & Co, Redhill.
A son of Gunallo 463, the ram carried a 21.5 micron fleece, with 2.8 standard deviation, 13.2 coefficient of variation, 99.6 per cent comfort factor, and a greasy fleece weight percentage of 145.
The Ashby family again had strong support from a number of pastoral clients.
Volume buyers included long-term Qld clients running a large flock between Winton and Muttaburra, who have been sourcing North Ashrose genetics for more than 40 years.
Strong competition also came from major pastoral buyers in SA's north-east, including Minburra Station, Strathearn Station, Wadnaminga Station and Baratta Station.
The sale was officially opened by Juan Manuel Gonzalez of San Antonio Stud, Uruguay, with new and repeat buyers from four states in attendance.
North Ashrose principal Tom Ashby said the family was extremely satisfied with the outcome given the seasonal challenges faced by many clients.
"We were really pleased to average almost exactly the same as last year and to achieve a total clearance," he said.
"After such a tough 18 months for a lot of our clients, to see them come through and reinvest is very encouraging.
"The Merino industry is in a good position with both meat and wool prices, and the next two to three years look very positive."
Nutrien stud stock auctioneer Gordon Wood said the result reflected both depth and consistency in the catalogue.
"To offer the same number as previous years and clear the sale is a real testament to the North Ashrose program," he said.
"There was terrific strength right through, with the last lot of the day selling for $2000 - above the overall average - which tells you just what sort of a day it was here."
Mr Wood noted the influence of Gunallo 463, which combined with the North Ashrose ewes, has delivered extra staple length, width and muscling across the flock, alongside proven pedigrees long established in the stud.
