Dual-purpose traits on 'big, bold' Ballatherie rams attract western buyers
Resilient rams with the ability to deliver wool cut, quality and sirey attributes were high in demand at the Ballatherie Poll Merino ram sale at Hillston.
The sale had 138 of 150 Merino rams sold to a top of $4600 and average of $2021 at the on-property sale held on Friday, September 4.
The top-priced ram went to repeat top-end buyer Edward Park Pastoral, Moulamein, for the 102-kilogram Ballatherie 753.
The ram's fleece figures include 17.1 micron, 2.7 standard deviation, 15.6 coefficient of variation and a 99.65 per cent comfort factor.
Edward Park Pastoral's Robert Glenn said the top price ram was "probably the best in the yard".
"That was proven to be the case since everyone wanted him," he said.
"When we pick the rams we want, we go for them - you regret it otherwise."
The ram forms part of their "team", built with the guidance of classer Colin McCrabb based on wool type, wool cut and wool length.
In all, Edward Park Pastoral selected 22 rams, which were "peas in a pod", according to Mr Glenn.
They aim for a 19.5-micron average across their flock, ranging from 18.5 micron as one-year-olds with some six-year-olds still in the flock at 21.5 micron.
They also shear twice a year, cutting about four kilograms each time.
Mr Glenn said the breeding from Ballatherie was paying off in the wool as well as fecundity.
"This year was a case in point, we had 124 per cent lambing from ewes joined," he said.
"Ballatherie rams are big, bold sheep.
"They're dual-purpose with lots of meat in the hindquarter so we achieve two aims."
Also buying in bulk was Thomas Pastoral Co, Ivanhoe, which selected 36 rams, while HA and JM Watkin, Ivanhoe, bought 12 rams and Jaydean Pastoral, Eremerang, took home 12 rams.
Ballatherie principal Mark Peters said he was happy with the result, which had lifted on 2025.
"The industry is starting to realise we need Merinos," he said.
Ballatherie backed up its strong result on Friday by topping the Hillston sheep sale on Monday, selling ewes to $495.
Nutrien's Geoff McDougall said the sale was "strong from the get-go", with plenty of interest from returning buyers with big orders.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien with James Kennedy and Rick Power sharing the gavel.
