More than 40 years of pioneering work came to a close for stud breeders Errol and Candy Brumpton, Well Gully Poll Merinos, when 1806 elite Merino ewes sold through AuctionsPlus over four days.
The couple - who were initially going to hold a physical on-property auction at Well Gully near Mitchell but had to change their plans due to COVID-19 restrictions - were overwhelmed by the response.
The switch to AuctionsPlus was not without its hiccups - being the largest stud dispersal to use the platform - but the successful sale saw ewes heading to WA, South Australia including Kangaroo Island, Victoria, NSW, and parts of Queensland.
The catalogue was split into two sections with sale 1A and B averaging $998, and sale 2A and B averaging $1072, for an overall average of $925 with some lots still to be finalised.
The top priced ewe sold for $7225 while the second top priced made $6525, both bought by Jane Mactier and Rodney Neill from Tenterden Station, Guyra, NSW.
Ms Mactier said they had been repeat clients of Well Gully when they lived in the Surat district but dispersed due to wild dog problems before relocating to the New England district.
"We are now keen to head back into wool production as well as all purpose sheep, which Errol's breeding specialised in," she said.
Overall, the couple bought 149 ewes, weighing an average of 63 kilograms with 17 micron wool.
"We are yet to register our stud prefix, but we will be a Well Gully daughter stud, as our dream is to go forward and to continue Errol's legacy.
"He has made some amazing improvements with his incredible genetics and we think these sheep will perform in our New England country.
"Our plan is to utilise embryo transfer, artificial insemination and natural matings to increase our flock numbers."
Elders AuctionsPlus manager for the northern zone Bob Jakins said to sell sheep sight unseen is unheard of in the Merino industry and this result is testament to Errol's performance recording data, and his standing in the industry.
"When the COVID restrictions were enforced, Errol felt he could not delay the sale, as the sheep would be another 12 months older."
Mr Brumpton said the sale results have been overwhelming, with both their existing clients and new clients coming on board during the process.
"We are elated to say the least, it'is a fantastic result and we thank our agent, buyers and underbidders," he said. Selling agents: Elders, with AuctionsPlus
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Helen Walker
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
Helen is the Toowoomba-based journalist who loves nothing better than covering anything horse sport related, however she covers all commodities and personality yarns. Over the years she has lived in Brisbane, Rockhampton, Longreach and Roma filing stories for the 'bible of the bush'. Contact 0459 827414.
