Wilgunya gets 100pc clearance

Selling all 86 lots for a 100 per cent clearance rate, the sale averaged $1447. 

Ross Hindle, Melrose Pastoral Company, Thallon, paid the top price of $4100 for Wilgunya W134-32, a big-framed ram boasting 19.9-micron wool, standard deviation (SD) of 3.41, co-efficient variation (CV) of 17.14pc, and a comfort factor (CF) of 99.59pc.  

The Butler family of Lightning Ridge paid a second top price of $3600 for Wilgunya V55-41. The ram boasted 20.7-micron wool, SD of 3.08, CV of 14.88pc, and a CF of 99.85pc. 

Two volume buyers dominated the sale, with Waroona Pastoral Company, Longreach, taking home 27 rams for a top price of $1300, to average $966, while Ross Hindle purchased 19 rams for a top of $4100, and average of $1810.

Wilgunya Merinos stud principal, Max Wilson, said it was a fantastic result. 

“We had no expectations, all we were hoping for was a clearance and that was going to be the hardest part, and we did that,” he said.

“The average is back on last year, but so is the season.”

Prepared on a supplement of grain, Mr Wilson said he was happy with the quality and presentation of this year’s draft. 

“Bar February, they've never seen a decent season since they were born, but they're a very even line of rams so I think we're gaining something there, and all I can say is bring on next year,” he said.

Auctioneer Steve Burnett said it was great to see clients coming back year after year despite the tough seasonal conditions.

“We've been droughted now for six years, with five of them being below half our average rainfall, so to get a 100 per cent clearance, break $4000 and get $1500 average, that's real good,” he said.

“The quality was outstanding, all the rams were extremely grown out, and wool quality improves every year and this year was no different.”

The sale was conducted by Landmark St George and Elders St George, with Steve Burnett, Dirranbandi Pastoral Agency, taking the bids.