Capel legacy continues as Bungulla Merino rams set record average
Merino rams displaying muscle depth, desirable fat cover and strong wool-cutting credentials attracted solid buyer demand at the 24th annual Bungulla Merinos on-property ram sale at Manilla on Friday, October 9.
In a strong result for the Capel family, all 108 rams offered found new homes, achieving a 100 per cent clearance and a top price of $7000, reached on two occasions.
The record average of $2958 represented a $767 increase onlast year's sale, reflecting strong competition for the stud's Merino genetics and continued demand for well-grown, productive rams.
Tag 250185, a Poll Merino ram weighing 103.5 kilograms sired by Bungulla 55, was knocked down for $7000 to long-standing clients JF and AJ Hunt, Niangala, who secured two rams for an average of $5250.
The ram recorded a rib fat measurement of 6.5 millimetres, an eye muscle depth of 40.5mm, a greasy fleece weight of 4.5 kilograms and a comfort factor of 99.67 per cent.
Richard Hunt said the family had been purchasing Bungulla genetics for more than 15 years, with staple length, fleece weight and bright wool remaining key priorities when selecting their sires.
"We were looking for good frame, staple length, fleece weight and nice bright wool," Mr Hunt said.
Tag 250199, a Poll Merino ram weighing 115.5 kilograms sired by Bungulla 553, was knocked down to first-time Bungulla ram buyers BC and AJ Swain, Gunnedah, who were seeking a sire combining strong carcase attributes, structural soundness and wool production.
The ram recorded a rib fat measurement of 6 millimetres, an eye muscle depth of 41mm, a greasy fleece weight of 4.3 kilograms and a comfort factor of 99.33 per cent.
The Swain family, who operate Kilphysic Merino stud near Gunnedah, said Bungulla's breeding objectives closely aligned with their own, making the ram a suitable addition to their stud operation.
"We were looking for a ram with good conformation, strong carcase traits and plenty of wool on him," they said.
"We have purchased bulls from the Capel family over the years and wanted to support them by purchasing a ram. He was one that ticked a lot of boxes for us.
"He will go back into our stud operation, and we are looking forward to seeing what the Bungulla bloodlines can contribute to our breeding program."
The purchase marked the family's first investment in Bungulla Merino genetics, building on their existing relationship with the Capel family through previous cattle purchases.
Bungulla Merinos stud representative Jock Capel said this year's sale draft was arguably the strongest the stud had presented, with significant improvements in wool-cutting ability, muscle depth, fat cover and overall balance.
"We believe this is the best offering of rams we have ever presented in terms of wool cut, capacity, muscle depth and fat cover," Mr Capel said.
"They are probably the most balanced rams we have bred, and we hope to continue building on those traits throughout the Bungulla breeding program."
Mr Capel said the family was overwhelmed by the level of support received at the sale, with strong competition from both returning and first-time buyers reflecting confidence in the stud's breeding direction and the broader sheep industry.
"We are absolutely ecstatic with the support shown. It is really uplifting to see so much support, and it is great to see people have confidence in the industry, particularly with where the wool and meat markets are at the moment," he said.
"We have a lot of faith in the product we produce, and it is rewarding to see that recognised by both our repeat clients and new buyers.
"We hope to continue building on that support and confidence into the future."
The sale carried special significance for the Capel family following the recent passing of Peter Capel, whose dedication to the Bungulla breeding program helped shape the stud's success.
Before his passing, Mr Capel had expressed his pride in the quality of this year's sale draft.
"I think this is the best lot of rams we've ever bred," he was published as saying on the back of their catalogue.
Volume buyer Ramsey Ag, Warren, secured a total of 15 rams for an average of $2566, reaching a top price of $3500 on three occasions.
Selling agents were Elders Stud Stock, with Paul Dooley as auctioneer. The sale was also interfaced online via AuctionsPlus.
