Haddon Rig Merino marks total clearance, million-dollar-gross ram sale
High demand for Haddon Rig genetics pushed averages higher, and a gross eclipsing more than a million dollars on Thursday, September 10.
Buyers from across the district not only bought out the catalogue at Haddon Rig's 43rd annual two-tooth ram sale at Warren, but pushed demand to purchase a further 35 rams.
The 250 catalogued rams sold to average $4054, and reached a $30,000 top for the first ram off the rank.
The main sale grossed $1,013,500, with the 150 Poll Merino rams averaging $4560 and topping at $30,000, while the 100 horned Merinos averaged $3295 and reached $14,000.
Top-priced ram, tag 251190, was purchased by Joe and James Morris, Bonanza Merino stud, Walgett, for $30,000, with plenty of competition to push prices upwards.
"There was a lot of interest. I didn't know if we were going to get him or not," Mr Morris said.
The 110-kilogram poll ram, tag 251190, was by 230022 and tested 20.1 micron, with a standard deviation of 2.9, coefficient of variation of 14.3 and comfort factor of 99.7 per cent.
His Australian Sheep Breeding Values included -1.18 yearling fibre diameter, +18.71 yearling clean fleece weight, +5.89 post-weaning weight and +6.75 yearling weight.
The top-priced horned ram, tag 250249, sold for $14,000.
The 104kg ram, by W220310, tested 20.6 micron, with an SD of 3.4, CV of 16.5 and CF of 99.8pc.
His ASBVs included -0.69 YFD, +20.19 YCFW, +5.53 PWT and +7.33 YWT.
Demand was strongest through the Poll Merino offering, with all 150 rams selling to average $4560.
The 100 horned Merinos also achieved a complete clearance, but at an average of $3295, putting the Poll average $1265, or about 38pc, above the horned result.
The difference was also evident at the top end, with the $30,000 Poll sale-topper more than double the $14,000 top price for the horned offering.
Haddon Rig general manager Olivia Falkiner said the shift towards Polls reflected demand for a dual-purpose animal combining growth and carcase performance with wool.
"We're getting a lot of support for the Poll stud and that is backed by their above-average ASBVs," she said.
"They've just got a lot of size to them this year and some really, really quality wool right to the end."
Confidence was felt across the ring, and Haddon Rig stud manager Matt Kelly said the sale remained "strong", complimenting where the sheep and wool markets were sitting.
He believed there were signs of a broader turning point for the Merino industry.
Mr Kelly said stronger sheep and wool markets, combined with reduced numbers, were encouraging producers to look again at building their Merino flocks.
"It is a combination of numbers as well," he said.
"People are going to be building numbers."
Confidence was palpable across the sale, where volume buyers made the presence felt.
Volume buying was led by John Rae, Carwell Station, Quambone, who secured 23 rams, followed by CC Francis and Sons, Gobothery, Forbes, with 20, Rossgole Pastoral Co, Rossgole, Aberdeen, with 15, and the Patton family, Merringreen Farming and Grazing, West Wyalong, with 14.
Mr Kelly said the current market presented opportunities for producers who had remained in sheep.
"There's only opportunity in the livestock game at the moment," he said.
"I'm really excited for the future of it."
For an industry that has watched Merino numbers contract and shedding sheep gain ground, the complete clearance, stronger competition for poll genetics and enough demand to put another 35 rams through the ring gave Thursday's optimism added substance.
All 35 additional rams sold to average $2514, taking the total number of rams sold across the day to 285.
"It's a really exciting time to be in sheep," Mr Kelly said.
Legacy was front of mind during, the sale, where all in attendance observed a minute of silence in memory of former Bungulla stud Peter Capel, who was born at Haddon Rig to Edith and Geoff Capel.
Looking to the future, Ms Falkiner also acknowledged the team responsible for building on the success of sales year after year, including Paula Blake who received a special mention for her work and loyalty. Ms Blake is finishing with Haddon Rig after 20 years on staff.
Auction selling agents were Nutrien Studstock with Nutrien Wilson Russ, Warren, with Paul Dooley holding the gavel.
