Global demand for Parkdale SRS genetics continues with formidable UK buyer

Parkdale SRS Merinos proved their international appeal as a returning overseas buyer snapped up the top ram at their sale, held at Parkdale, near Dubbo, on Tuesday, September 23.

Martin Howlett and Jana Grossman, Folly Farm, Bath, England, secured Parkdale-240017 for $9500.

The purchase builds on his $19,500 investment in Parkdale-230372 and Parkdale-230714 last year.

Son of Parkdale-221134 and out of Parkdale-200162, the twin-born ram recorded a fibre diameter of 18.8 micron, 3.3 micron standard deviation (SD), 17.7 per cent coefficient of variation (CV) and 99.5pc comfort factor (CF).

He also ranked in the top 20 per cent of the breed at 154.77 sustainable Merino index.

Scott Mudford, Parkdale, said Mr Howlett had been impressed with how Parkdale progeny performed under his conditions.

He particularly valued the stud's mules-free, flystrike-resistant, high-growth Merinos, while aiming to fine down his wool clip.

Mr Howlett joins about 400 Romney ewes, and last year, he used Parkdale 230372 and 230714 via artificial insemination.

This year, their progeny will go back to Parkdale 240017.

Tullatula Partnership, Merriwa, paid $4000 for the second top-priced ram, Parkdale-240032.

The 17.4 micron ram had 2.6 micron SD, 14.8pc CV and 99.9pc CF.

He also ranked in the top 10pc at +10.5 post weaning weight and +5.64 carcase weight and top 20pc at +6.28 weaning weight, and +11.95 yearling weight.

Volume buyer Waverley Station, Scone, secured 13 rams to $3500 to average $2269.

Waverley Station NSW operations manager, Heath Eslick, said the consistent performance of Parkdale progeny kept them coming back.

"We're focusing on improving our wool at the moment, so we chased staple length and white fleece to complement strong carcase traits," he said.

The station runs 2000 Parkdale-blood Merino ewes, averaging 19 micron in their mature flock, with a lambing percentage of 140pc.

Ewes are shorn every six months, cutting 3.5 kilograms a head, and joined in March for six weeks. Cull lambs are finished to 22kg or heavier and sold to Thomas Food International.

All up, 62 of 85 rams offered averaged $1688.

Noel and Norma Mudford, Curban, purchased five rams to $3750 to average $2050.

Ben Lehmann, Jamestown, South Australia, averaged $1333 for three rams.

The sale was conducted by Hartin Schute Bell, Narromine, with Jason Hartin as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.