New England stud secures 'true ultrafine type' at Grathlyn Merino sale

A "true ultrafine type with tremendous frame" led bidding at the Grathlyn Merino ram sale, held at Grathlyn, near Hargraves, on October 30.

Richard Gordon, West Lynne, Guyra, secured the top-priced ram, Grathlyn R183, for $4000.

The September 2023 drop Grathlyn Thor son had a 17.1 micron fibre diameter, 2.6 micron standard deviation, 15.4 per cent coefficient of variation, 99.8pc comfort factor, and 90.3 degrees per millimetre curvature.

Mr Gordon was impressed by the ram's high curvature, low standard deviation and coefficient of variation.

"He's a true ultrafine type with tremendous frame and a magnificent head," he said.

The ram will be joined to about 50 or 60 ewes in Mr Gordon's near pure Grathlyn-blood stud in April 2026.

With an average micron of 15, Mr Gordon hopes the sire will add more size and style to his wool clip.

Most of his clients are based in the New England region.

MD and KE Croake, Rylstone, bought the second top-priced ram, Lynford 24-17, for $2000.

The July 2024 drop, Merryville son had 18.2 micron, 3 micron SD, 16.8pc CV, 99.7pc CF and 60.7 deg/mm curvature.

Volume buyer Mont Waters, Beltana, Ournie, purchased five rams to average $1100.

His top ram, Grathlyn P280, September 2023 drop son of Grathlyn Josh, had 15.2 micron, 2.3 micron SD, 15.4pc CV, 99.9pc CF and 74.1 deg/mm curvature.

Heat Grazing, Yass, bought four rams for $1000 each.

After the recent loss of his father, Max Rayner, on October 5, Andrew Rayner, Grathlyn, acknowledged it had been a challenging few weeks for the family.

He thanked clients for their patience, kindness and support during a difficult time, and said it meant a great deal to them.

All up, 22 of 40 rams sold to average $1227.

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