QUALITY merino genetics were in hot demand at the Mount Ascot Merino Ram Sale today with a complete clearance of all lots.
The sale which attracted buyers from across Queensland and even New South Wales saw a total of 114 rams in 92 lots sold to an average of $1485. Total sales grossed $169,300.
Among the bulk buyers at the sale was Don Alexander, Willoughby, Barcaldine who purchased 16 head including the top price ram of the sale, a poll merino for $3500.
The sale was the first time the Brumptons had offered genetics from their new prime family which is built on producing large frame and high fertility animals with soft medium wool.
The first lot prime lot of the sale reached $3000 and Mt Ascot Merino Stud principal Nigel Brumpton said it was a great way to introduce the new family.
“They are just big free growing sheep with early maturity, fertility and growth rate and that’s what we are striving for on them,” he said.
“It’s something we have been playing with the last three years or so.”
He said the sale results were tremendous, especially for the Queensland sheep industry.
“That is a big average for a Queensland sale considering the way the dog population is in Queensland,” he said.
“The sheep industry in Queensland is down on its knees with the dogs and the drought so it’s tremendous.”
Repeat buyers Bob and Margie Little, Moonby Downs, Hughenden brought the top price horned merino for $3000, one of the 31 rams they purchased at the sale.
Their son Kane Little, Waverly Station, Cunna also purchased six rams.
Bob and Margie Little usually run between 8000 and 10,000 ewes and their progeny but were currently reduced to about 6000 due to dry conditions.
“It sought of broke for us about June last year so it’s starting to pick up a little bit,” Mr Little said.
“It’s sad when you get a bad drought and you have to get rid of some of those sheep.
“We are probably down to 6000 (ewes) and we will try to get that up in the next few years.”
He said he had been buying Mount Ascot rams for about 20 years due to their high quality wool.
“Normally we just go for frame and wool which usually you get here,” he said.
“It’s that premium wool...good wool sells.”
Michael Evans, Tambua Poll Merino Stud, New South Wales purchased the second top price poll ram for $3000.
Full sale report in next week’s Queensland Country Life.