Studs claim top genetics at Laraben Poll Merinos as average jumps on 2024

Stud clients chasing conformation and well-crimped wool set the floor at the Laraben Poll Merino ram sale, at Laraben, near Botobolar.

All up, 58 of 68 rams sold to $11,000 to average $2836, up $781 on last year.

Michael Corkhill, Grassy Creek Merinos, Reids Flat, secured the top-priced ram, Laraben 240073.

Son of Banavie 220004 and out of Laraben 210048, the ET-bred ram had recorded a fibre diameter at 18-micron, 2.3-micron standard deviation, 12.9 per cent coefficient of variation and 99.8pc comfort factor.

He also scanned at 36 millimetres for eye muscle depth and 5.5mm fat depth with an 8.1 kilogram fleece weight.

Mr Corkhill said the ram's combination of pedigree, data and physical traits made him hard to overlook.

"Physically, the ram is spot on, and the pedigree on both sides really appealed to me," he said.

"He's a well-balanced, well-packaged ram, with an impressive spread of data, particularly in his fleece weight."

AMG Grazing, Armidale, paid $8500 for Laraben 240365.

Sired by Laraben 200393, the 16.1 micron ram had 2.2 micron SD, 13.4pc CV, 99.9pc CF, 35mm EMD and 4.5mm fat with a 6.5kg fleece weight.

The purchase of two rams by Victorian buyer Brendan Ahsam, Round Hill Merino Stud, Omeo, marked the addition of Poll Merinos to his operation, a move he said had been a long time coming.

The decision follows growing interest from his clients for a Poll type.

A first-time buyer at Laraben, Mr Ahsam said he was drawn to the stud's sheep for their similarity to the Wurrook type and their fine, well-crimped wool, which he had seen at Bendigo earlier this year.

"When starting the polls, I wanted to make sure they had a similar background to my current sheep, which have always been horned," he said.

Mr Ahsam secured his top choice, Laraben 240051, son of Laraben 180090, for $6500.

The 18.7 micron ram had 2.7 micron SD, 14.7pc CV and 99.5pc CF with 38mm EMD and 6.5mm fat.

Volume and first-time buyer Luke Hall, Weeroona Pastoral Company, Bribbaree, secured five rams to $3500 to average $2650.

He sought good-framed rams with gutsy wool over 18 microns.

The mixed farming operation, comprising cattle, cropping and sheep, joins 40pc of their Merino flock to Suffolk sires.

While Mr Hall said they don't target a particular market, lambs are turned off to the heavy export market if the season depends.

Gavin Swords, Laraben, said he was pleased with the sale and the support from new and returning clients.

AWN conducted the sale with Andy Carter, McDonald Lawson & Co, Mudgee, as auctioneer.