sheep breeding

2024 Sale Wrap-Up: 14 new clients and 94% clearance

Haddon Rig has recorded a strong result at its 41st on-property sale at Warren on September 12, with demand solid throughout the catalogue.

All up, the stud sold 263 of 281 rams to average $2570.

In the breakdown, 122 horned rams sold to a top of $12,000 and averaged $2639, while 141 polled rams sold to $14,000, averaging $2510.

A further two lots sold straight afterwards.

The top-priced ram, Haddon Rig 230090, by Poll Boonoke 211016, sold to long-term return buyer James Morris, Bonanza Merino stud, Walgett.

Olivia Falkiner, Haddon Rig, Bonanza classer Andy McLeod and stud principal James Morris, John Settree, Nutrien, and Paul Dooley, Tamworth, with the top-priced ram. Picture by Rebecca Nadge

The ram recorded a fibre diameter of 19 micron, standard deviation of 2.8 micron, coefficient of variation of 14.9 per cent and 99.8pc comfort factor.

He weighed 124 kilograms with Australian Sheep Breeding Values in the top 5pc for post-weaning weight at +11.7 and yearling weight at +14.8.

Haddon Rig reserved the right to collect semen.

James Morris, Bonanza, said the ram was a standout.

"His size, his scale, he's very correct," he said.

"He's got a good style of wool on him - he's going to be a really good fit for our program."

Bonanza was in its second year of breeding polled rams and Mr Morris said he was aiming to get his sire numbers up, although he was still running horned rams, too.

He favoured Haddon Rig's plain-bodied, heavy cutting rams.

Mr Morris also paid $5000 for the horned ram, Haddon Rig 230232, by Wanganella 150610.

He said both rams were very good value and he had been prepared to pay more.

The top-priced Merino was Haddon Rig 230824, by W210704, who was purchased by Trynow Merino stud, Goolma, for $12,000.

Bill Honeysett, Trynow, Goolma, Brad Wilson, Nutrien, Olivia and George Falkiner, Haddon Rig, Paul Dooley, Tamworth, John Settree, Nutrien, and Andy Maclean, Haddon Rig, with the top-priced Merino. Picture by Rebecca Nadge

The ram, 104kg, was 18 micron with 2.9 micron SD, 16.3pc CV and 99.5pc CF.

Bill Honeysett, Trynow, favoured the ram's structure and pure head.

"The good-density wool on him - we're just trying to bulk our sheep up and he's got a good lock through him," he said.

"He's a big square sheep - that's the main thing."

The ram was the sole purchase for Trynow. Mr Honeysett said while it was slightly more than he had planned to spend, it was a worthwhile purchase.

Tyrone Pastoral company, Gurley, paid $10,000 for the poll, HR230053, by PB200780.

At 105kg, the ram was 17.4 micron with 3.5 micron SD, 20.1pc CV and 99.4pc CF.

Haddon Rig also reserved semen rights.

The horned ram, HR 23161, 111kg and 21.1 micron, by HR211283, also sold for $10,000, this time to MJ and JC Smith, Nevertire.

Olivia Falkiner, Haddon Rig, Bonanza classer Andy McLeod and stud principal James Morris, John Settree, Nutrien, Andy Maclean, Haddon Rig, Paul Dooley, Tamworth, and George Falkiner, Haddon Rig, with Bonanza's two purchases. Picture by Rebecca Nadge

Other volume buyers included the Currey family, Walgett, who took home 20 rams averaging $2050, and Rossgole Pastoral Company, Aberdeen, who selected a draft of 17 rams, paying to an equal top of $4000 to average $2735.

Scone-based Cuan Pastoral Company paid to $5000 and averaged $3231 across a draft of 13, while Merringreen Farming and Grazing, West Wyalong, paid to an equal top of $3500 to average $2792 across 12.

CC Francis and Sons, Gobothery, Forbes, averaged $2038 for 13.

Haddon Rig general manager Olivia Falkiner said it was a fantastic result with solid interest across both the polled and horned rams.

There was a lot more confidence this year, she said.

"We're very, very happy," she said.

"We had 14 new registered buyers from last year."