Strong ram results prove true as hunger for data continues: The Last Lot
Nearing the pointy end of the state's ram sale season, early reports from agents forecasting strong results across the board have proved true.
With the Eastern Market Indicator increasing 385 cents a kilogram during the past 11 weeks, to settle at 1517c/kg on October 8, and meat prices also rising, studstock industry insiders say one thing is clear: the reliability of genetics matters now more than ever.
Grassy Creek led this week's Merino sales, followed by Greendale and Hazeldean kicking off the Monaro run.
Deepdale Dorpers, Merrinee, Victoria, set the highest-priced ram over the past month, with Deepdale Prime 242398 knocked down for $47,000 to Ben and Nicole Crozier of Blackjack Dorpers, Wilcannia.
They sold all 147 Dorper and White Dorper rams to average $5239.
Other shedding breeds included Etiwanda, Burrawang, Dell African Dumisa, Tattykeel, Red Hill, The Cliffs and Wild Oat.
Gooramma, Armdale Park, Tattykeel and Springwaters sold Poll Dorsets, while Border Leicesters included Normanhurst, Bauer and Retallack, and Gleneith.
Merinos have dominated the rostrum, with more than 45 sales held since September 15.
Many, said auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth, have seen stronger averages and higher clearances compared to last year.
"There was no doubt this season was going to be good, and with the upswing in the wool market, there's been a clear sense of optimism," he said.
Mr Dooley noted a strong interest from commercial buyers looking to lift flock performance, with many investing in top-end rams.
Such was the case at Egelabra, Warren, Lachlan Merinos, Warroo, and Roseville Park, Dubbo, where commercial buyers secured the top-priced rams at $20,000, $22,000 and $26,000, respectively.
John Kater, Egelabra, said the driver behind the wool market's rise was simple: tight supply against strong demand.
"Prices [have lifted] and for buyers this makes things clear; security of supply and the reliability of genetics matters now more than ever," he said.
"Alongside the wool market, the meat sheep sector continues to perform strongly, adding another layer of value for the Merino enterprise."
With drought conditions still limiting restocker demand in southern Australia, Mr Kater said competition would lift once those areas recover, adding further momentum to the Merino market.
Other notable Merino sales, with increased averages on last, included Mumblebone, Wanganella and Poll Boonoke, Towonga and Darriwell, Woodpark, Wilandra and Tara Park.
Scott Thrift, AWN, said buyers' appetite for data was hungrier than ever.
"Both studs and commercial buyers are chasing certain traits, such as early growth, fat and muscle, to improve their genetic base," he said.
"Lambs, 43 kilograms, on AuctionsPlus are making upwards of $200 per head to $240, and with the rise in the wool market, there's a real sense of confidence."
He said averages and clearances across the board had been outstanding, with all major studs performing strongly.
However, for smaller operations or those not integrating data, Mr Thift said clearances have been softer.
"The hunger for data has continued, and it's not going away," he said.
"It's the world we live in, and if you don't have it, you're going to get left behind."
