Toland Poll Merinos enjoy stronger sale as buyers invest in proven genetics

Toland Poll Merino stud recorded an improved result at its annual ram sale on Monday, with strong support from long-standing clients contributing to a higher average and top price of $6250.

The Violet Town stud sold 40 of the 46 rams offered to an average of $2050, an almost $400 increase on last year's result.

Toland stud principal Simon Riddle said the season had been phenomenal, providing optimism before the sale.

Mr Riddle said the stud was pleased with the structure and Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) of its rams, with an increasing emphasis now being placed on wool traits.

"We're happy with the bodies and ASBVs of the rams, and now our focus is turning towards the wool," he said.

Nutrien auctioneer Peter Godbolt said the lamb industry was experiencing a particularly strong period, presenting producers with an opportunity to invest in their flocks.

"The lamb industry is at a high time, and now is the time to invest in your investments," Mr Godbolt said.

The top-priced ram, Lot 7, sold for $6250 to long-term client Lyndon Kubeil, Violet Town, who also purchased Lot 4 for $4500.

Mr Kubeil has been buying rams from Toland for more than 20 years and said he continued to value the consistency and performance of the stud's genetics.

With a 1400-head Merino ewe operation, the Kubeil family joins about 40 per cent to Border Leicester rams, with the remainder joined to Merinos.

He said the focus was on breeding balanced Merinos with strong carcase traits while maintaining white, bright and weather-resistant fleeces.

He said Toland had consistently delivered on those traits, giving the family confidence in the performance of its sheep.

Another long-standing client, David Sleigh, Sleigh Farming, Ruffy, was the sale's volume buyer, purchasing 10 rams to average $1475.

Mr Sleigh has been buying Toland genetics for 35 years, having first become familiar with the sheep when the stud was previously at Bindawarra, near Omeo.

The purchase comes as the Sleigh family works to rebuild its flock following devastating fires that burnt out the farm and resulted in the loss of both rams and ewes.

Running about 3000 ewes, the operation sells its wether lambs through the store market at about 35 kilograms, with the lambs then entering feedlots.

The family retains its ewe lambs, which are progressively assessed through the classing process, with cull ewes sold.

Mr Sleigh said the purchase of the Toland rams would help replace lost genetics and support the continuing rebuilding of the operation.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders.