Haddon Rig Poll Merino rams are becoming popular among clients with 53 selling to the sale’s top price of $14,000 to average $2887. Merino rams totalling 135 head sold to $11,000 to average $2148.
In his welcome to buyers and bidders stud principal, George Falkiner, said the company had taken a positive step forward during this prolonged dry period investing in technology and infrastructure with the establishment of a 3000 head fully automated lamb feedlot backed by a centre pivot irrigation system for rams and wethers.
“As well, we have also increased our genetic base with semen from Poll Boonoke and Moorundie Park to enhance the quality of our poll flock,” Mr Falkiner said.
With decades of Haddon Rig breeding behind their stud, Charlie and Harry Pye of Gingie Merino flock at Walgett, purchased the top-priced $14,000 ram, a 20.1 micron poll sired by Moorundie Park NE 073 weighing 126 kilograms.
Gingie Stud sells Merino and Poll rams in NSW and Queensland, however with the fertility, size, increased meat values coupled with wool production the Pye’s see the poll rams as the way of the future.
Twelve sons of Moorundie NE 073 averaged $4625 while 20 sons of Poll Boonoke 150338, by Wallaloo Park 003 (Real Deal) averaged $2613.
Top-priced Merino ram at $11,000, a 20.8 micron son of HR130136, was purchased by Mal and Jenny Smith, Roaming, Nevertire, for the stud that Mrs Smith’s father, Ted O’Brien conducted which the Smiths have taken over. That stud was established by the O’Brien family in 1918 based on Haddon Rig blood.
Mal Smith said the ram was a well-structured Haddon Rig medium wool type which stood up well on his feet, a trait necessary for survival in the western country environment which Haddon Rig sheep were noted for.
John Kirkpatrick Farming Pty Ltd, Warrawong, Stockyard Hill, Victoria, paid the next highest price of $8000 for a poll ram also sired by Moorundie Park 073, growing 21.4 micron wool and weighing 120kg.
Another established loyal client, John Wheaton, Boorooma Merino stud, Walgett, returned to buy three stud sires for a $4417 average with the top at $5000 being an 18.2 micron son of HR 150095 by HR 130136.
Twelve rams sired by HR 130136 averaged $3229 while seven sired by his son, HR 150095 averaged $3000.
Returning to secure five rams topping at $5500 to average $3900 was Michael and Pauline Ricketts of Ralf Holdings, Tumbleton North, Young, while Wellington based Landsgrove Partnership of Campbell and Angus Gregory and families, paid a $3700 average for 10 Poll Merino rams selling to $5500.
Terry and Ken Williams of Terra Pastoral, Dubbo, clients of more than 30 years, returned to buy three rams topping at $5000 and averaging $3667.
Gulargambone-based Ian Lambell of Weenya Merinos also long-term clients, secured four rams to $5000 to average $3438, while the Thornton family, Lemon Grove, Nyngan, paid an average $3357 for seven Poll Merino rams topping at $5000.
The Sweeney family, Pinehurst, Merrygoen, also returning clients bought five poll rams for a $2850 average and top of $4500 and The Patton Family of Merringreen Farming and Grazing, West Wyalong, purchased eleven rams averaging $1886.
Frank and Arthur Bragg, Rossgole, Aberdeen, returned to buy five rams while paying to $3500 and a $2550 average.
Purchaser of the most rams was the Harris family’s Miralwyn Cotton, Walgett, who bought 24 rams to average $1427 while paying to $2250, to join to Haddon Rig blood ewes on Brewon Station, Carinda.
The sale was conducted by Elders, Dubbo and Landmark Wilson Russ, Warren, with Paul Jameson, Elders and John Settree of Landmark the auctioneers.
FULL ARTICLE HERE: https://www.theland.com.au/story/5653967/haddon-rig-rams-to-14000/
