Talbragar's raw data focus and consistency pays off with strong sale result

Consistency and raw data built up over 17 years of breeding drew longstanding, repeat clients to the Talbragar Ram Sale at Leadville on Tuesday, September 8.

Stud principals Ben and Brooke Simmons were pleased to sell 102 of 115 Border Leicester and White Suffolk rams to average $1288.

In a breakdown, 79 of 80 Border Leicesters sold for a $1342 average and a top of $3400, while in the White Suffolks, 23 of 35 sold to a top of $2400 and averaged $1170.

The top price ram of the day, a Border Leicester, was secured by Brad Wilson, Nutrien, Dubbo on behalf of Woolana Borders, Holbrook.

Talbragar 250103, a twin by Geraldine G210008, weighed 92 kilograms with a 31.53 square centimetre eye muscle area, eight millimetres of fat and 1082 Stockscan index.

The top priced White Suffolk ram, Talbragar 250093, was knocked down to first-time buyer, Peter Pether of Omeo White Suffolks, Goolma.

Bidding on behalf of Mr Pether was Sam Norris.

Mr Norris said they were chasing rams that displayed thickness, length and depth.

The August-drop ram, a son of Rangeview 222085, weighed 107 kilograms, 7.5 millimetres in fat, 38.86sq cm EMA and 1520 Stockscan index.

The Talbragar show team was what impressed Mr Norris, he said, and enticed him to the sale to secure the 250093 ram who will now commence stud duties.

Christine Smith, CMS Rural, Nyngan was the bulk buyer, securing 20 Border Leicester rams for an average of $1430.

Bidding on behalf of Ms Smith, Harry Thuaux said they had been purchasing 15 to 20 Talbragar rams each year for the last 10 years.

The Nyngan operation aims to breed high quality first-cross ewes, which are sold each year via AuctionsPlus.

Mr Thuaux said they kept returning to Talbragar for not only the stud's figures but for its raw data and pure performance.

Long-time supporter and second largest bulk buyer, Andrew Seaman, runs a Merino first-cross enterprise near Bathurst.

He secured 14 rams, with a mix of Border Leicesters and White Suffolks, for an average of $992.

Mr Seaman said the quality, consistency and high fertility of sheep at Talbragar were what brought him back year after year since the stud first started.

Nutrien's Brad Wilson said he was very happy with how the Border Leicester rams sold to new and repeat buyers.

He highlighted how dry conditions in Queensland were impacting ewe numbers and, as a result, some bulk buyers.

"White Suffolk volume buyers were missing due to lack of rain in the north," he said.

Mr Wilson said rams found homes from Scone, Nyngan, Bathurst and into the Tablelands.

"Overall it was a really good day and the rams were presented well," he said.

Stud principal Ben Simmons was pleased with the result and the consistency of the rams, with all of the White Suffolk offering by the one ram, Rangeview 222085.

He said the 2027 sale would include some new and upcoming genetics from rams kept out of the 2024 drop.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien Dubbo with John Settree and Brad Wilson as auctioneers.