Low-input, high-output Merinos drive strong demand at Cassilis Park

More than three decades of repeat buying underpinned the Cassilis Park Merino ram sale at Cassilis on Wednesday, September 30, as commercial producers chased balanced, low-maintenance sheep suited to a range of environments.

The Armstrong family achieved a complete clearance, selling all 88 rams offered to a top of $5000 and averaging $2094.

The $5000 sale-topper was Coddington Uardry Poll ram 255352, purchased by Alan Nagorcka, Alpine Ag, Parkes.

The twin Poll ram weighed 80 kilograms and carried an 18.7-micron fleece, with a 2.9 standard deviation, 15.5 coefficient of variation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor. He recorded 117pc for greasy fleece weight and 111pc for weaning weight.

Mr Nagorcka said he was looking particularly for rams with "good frame, good body and low-micron".

Alpine Ag was active at the top end of the offering, buying four rams to average $3750, including rams at $5000, $4500 and $4000.

The second-top price of $4750 was paid by Najaky Pty Ltd, Dunkeld, for Coddington Uardry Poll ram 255436.

Long-term Cassilis Park clients Georgia and James White, Talbragar Holdings, Coolah, were among the strongest volume buyers, securing 12 rams to average $2250.

The brother and sister said their family had been buying Cassilis Park genetics for more than 30 years and continued to look for balanced, easy-maintenance sheep combining wool production, carcase and strong figures.

Georgia summed up their breeding objective simply as "low-input, high-output sheep".

They were looking for easy-care, non-mulesed sheep offering a balance of wool, shape and carcase suited to their commercial operation.

Merino classer Angus Munro said that commercial focus was evident throughout the Armstrong family's breeding program.

Mr Munro classed about 6500 Cassilis Park ewes this year and had a long association with principal James Armstrong, with the pair having worked together as jackaroos at Uardry earlier in their careers.

He said the Armstrong family remained strongly committed to wool while consolidating the strengths of a dual-purpose Merino that was fertile and productive, cut wool and carried plenty of meat.

Volume buying was spread across NSW and into Queensland.

Double Anchor, Young, was the equal-largest buyer by number, purchasing 15 rams to average $1617.

Sam Lelievre, Deerima, Louth, also secured 15 rams, averaging $1250.

Elders representative Phil Davis, who bought on Mr Lelievre's behalf, said the selection focused on sheep well suited to handling western conditions, with plenty of wool and meat.

AJ and SB Osborne, Caloola, bought six rams to average $3042, including Coddington Uardry Poll rams at $4000, $3250 and $3000.

Queensland buyers were also active, with Winning Pastoral, Bollon, purchasing six rams to average $2292, while WA and FL Rae, Tarawera, bought six at a $2000 average.

The sale brought together rams from Cassilis Park, Coddington Uardry Poll and Winyar, along with a draft of horned Cassilis Park Merinos.

The Armstrong family has bred and sold Merino rams since 1896 and today runs about 2500 stud ewes and 1500 commercial ewes.

Its breeding objective combines wool cut and quality with reproduction, growth, sound structure and easy-care traits, with the commercial flock providing a practical test of genetics across varying country and seasons.

The family's continued emphasis on wool was reflected in its recent clip result.

Carmichael and Macdonald Wool's Jason Carmichael said the grown sheep's wool averaged just over 19.5 micron, with the non-mulesed, Responsible Wool Standard-certified clip yielding 71.4pc.

The wool attracted a 6.25pc premium above market quotes and sold for just under $2900 a bale.

"Cassilis Park delivered a standout wool sale result," Mr Carmichael said.

Will Rae, Tarawere, Qld secured the charity ram for $2750, with proceeds donated to the Eleanor Bryant Foundation. A return Cassilis Park client, Mr Rae purchased six rams to an average of $2000.

Selling agents were Nutrien Livestock and Elders. Brad Wilson, Nutrien Stud Stock was the auctioneer and the online interface was provided by StockLive.