Full clearance for Lachlan Merino progeny as buyers target industry's future

Rams viewed by buyers as the 'future of the Merino industry' met strong competition at the annual Lachlan Merinos sale at Meadow Bank, near Warroo, on September 17.

All 160 rams sold to a top of $22,000 to average $4560, an increase on the 2024 result, which averaged $3780.

The first 10 lots of the sale averaged $11,750.

Sid Dickens, Booligal, secured the top-priced ram, LM240775, ET bred by TW200094 and out of LM170001.

The August-2024 drop recorded a fibre diameter of 17.8 micron, and ranked in the top 10 per cent with +32.3 yearling clean fleece weight (YCFW), the top 20pc at +25.8 adult clean fleece weight (ACFW), and the top 30pc for -1.5 yearling fibre diameter, and +177 wool production index (WP).

Donald and Will Grant, Bundabarrina, Collarenebri, bought the second top-priced ram, LM240365, for $20,000.

By Wiringa 220450 and out of LM212086, the April-2024 drop, 21 micron, was in the top 1pc with +52.8 YCFW and +40.1 ACFW.

He also ranked in the top 5pc for +198 WP, top 10pc for +158 sustainable Merino index, and top 20pc for +8.6 post weaning weight and +11.3 for yearling weight.

Mr Grant said the ram's long, dense and beautiful staple was a key attraction, describing him as an outstanding sire that reflected the direction the Merino industry must take.

"He represents the future of the Merino industry, and if you breed sheep like that, you'll survive everything," he said.

The purchase builds on their $21,000 investment in LM230012 last year, with Mr Grant praising the continual lift in the quality of Lachlan's rams.

His family-owned, mixed farm has been breeding its own Merino rams for more than four decades, with the flock averaging 19 micron and lambing rates of 110 to 115pc.

The ram will be joined to 60 to 80 ewes in March 2026.

Volume buyers Mark, Carol and Brad Jones, Booroola, Condobolin, purchased 24 rams to a top price of $6500, twice, to average $4687.

The family, who have used Lachlan genetics for more than 20 years, purchase a significant draft at the sale each year.

They run about 5000 head of Merinos, selecting on nourishment, wool quality and meat-focused size.

While they typically join more than 2000 ewes in early October and shear in mid-June, Mr Jones said they were shifting to a March shearing and early November joining.

He hopes the change will reduce the impact of heat at lambing time.

Mr Jones added that lamb survivability had been challenging with wedge-tailed eagles common in the area.

Mitch Rubie, Lachlan, said progeny of Wiringa 220450 and LM220118 were highly sought after throughout the sale.

"We've kept two full brothers [of the top-priced ram] out of the same ET flush," he said.

"His dam has produced many top-end rams over the last five years that continue to perform."

Come 2026, Mr Rubie said the stud would have more than 200 head of progeny from Wiringa 220450 and LM220118.

Forest View Farming, Dumtries, Girral, bought six rams to $5500 to average $4500.

MH Stockman, Forest Lodge, Gubbata, secured seven rams to $5500 to average $4428.

Nutrien conducted the sale with John Settree, Dubbo, as auctioneer.