After an enforced five-year hiatus, thanks to the double scourge of drought and wild dog attacks, Rick and Jenny Keogh have announced they are ready to once again begin their annual Terrick Merinos’ ram sale.
The Keoghs are planning to change up the revamped sale in a number of ways.
No longer will it be on-property at Amaroo, which is 110km south of Blackall; instead it will be held in town, at the Blackall saleyards in conjunction with the Lambert Charbray and Hereford bull sale.
For 2018, the sale date will be late August, to coincide with Blackall’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
“The town venue will be easier for clients to access,” Jenny said. “It will be more in the public eye as well, for school students to access.”
The Lambert connection is a special one for them, having bought the Lambert stud ewes three years ago when they dispersed.
“We’re all in the same valley, and it’s like a one-stop shop for buyers,” Rick said. “We’re very excited to be offering the sale again, and it’s a good opportunity to support the town in its 150th anniversary.”
He said they had come through a very tough 12 months, with three months on hay, but they were looking to the future with an AI program, using Charinga and Boonoke genetics, as well as some of their own.
“The demand dropped away for a couple of years but it’s coming back up,” said Rick. “The people who are in sheep and behind wire are looking to increase their numbers.”