Return buyers claim both top and second top rams at Allendale Merinos

Merino breeders who have put their faith in the soft-nourished wools of Allendale stud rams returned to Tony and Penny Inder's annual on-property sale at Gollan on Thursday, September 18.

The sale resulted in 35 of 50 rams averaging $1257 for a top of $3600.

Continuing their buying strength and commitment to Allendale sires, the Doherty Brothers (Peter, Mark and Colin) of Klondyke, Gollan, returned and purchased both top and second-top priced rams of the sale.

Their top at $3600 was Allendale 32, a well-nourished 19.1-micron ram weighing 96 kilogram with a 99.8 per cent comfort factor, while second top at $3500 was an 18.5-micron ram with 100pc comfort factor weighing 98kg. Their four purchases averaged $2400.

The Doherty Brothers currently run 1700 ewes, of which 850 are the base Merino flock growing 18.5-micron wool and cut 7kg average at the last shearing in June.

The other 850 ewes are joined to Poll Dorset rams and the wether portion made $270 each at 11 months in early July through Dubbo saleyards.

Peter Doherty said they marked 125pc of ewes joined this year.

Larry and Helen Yeo, Murragega, Gollan, also repeat buyers, secured five rams this year while paying to $1400, twice, and a $1240 average for their flock growing an average 20 to 21 micron wool.

Mr Yeo repeated what he said last year that Allendale rams breed flock ewes that grow "bread and butter wool year in, year out".

Marra region woolgrower, Greg Woodlock of Tuscan Pastoral Company, Ilagoola, Girilambone, has also been a long-time Allendale client and returned this year to take home 10 rams while paying to $1400 twice and a $1100 average.

Mr Woodlock said the Marra seasons had hit a dry patch this year but his 3000 ewe flock were running well and in good condition.

"They're growing 20-micron wool and cutting six to 6.5kg of wool annually and I marked 100pc lambs which is excellent for my country," he said.

His cast-for-age ewes are joined to White Suffolk rams and progeny are sold at either Forbes or over the hook.

He said he returned to Allendale each year because the rams produced a good dual-purpose sheep.

"They'll fit within seasons and market trends," he said.

Peter Darlington from Westella district also returned and purchased three rams to $1800 to average $1267, while Mark Zell of Wattle Grove, Mendooran, picked up six rams at $1000 each.

Coolah district Merino flock breeders Anthony and Libby Jones of Springvale Pastoral returned to secure five rams for a top of $1400 and $1080 average.

They run an 1800 ewe Merino flock of 18-micron average.

The sale was conducted by MacWool, Dubbo and Milling Stuart, Dunedoo, with Angus Stuart the auctioneer.