By Nathan O’Sullivan, The Land, Thursday September 22, 2016

Strong, consistent demand for Poll Merino genetics was evident at Monday’s Woodpark Poll Merino auction offering held at Jerilderie.

The Huggins family sold 137 of the 141 rams offered for an average price of $2202 – a 10 per cent increase on last year for the same number sold, with only a modest top of $5600.

Stud classer Michael Elmes, Smartstock, Narrandera, was active throughout the sale and secured the top-price rams on behalf of repeat Woodpark purchasers, Keith and Noelene Davies, “Gladys Park”, Carabagal, for $5600.

The son of lead Woodpark Poll sire 12-342 had 18.2-micron fibre diameter with a 2.8 standard deviation (SD), 15.4 coefficient variation (CV), as well as top 10pc yearling weight at 7.7, and in the top 10pc for both Merino production index and dual purpose index at 147 and 143 respectively.

Mr Elmes said the ram was selected for his correctness, good staple length and doability.

“He is a nice and square sheep and will be mated over as many elite ewes as possible,” he said.

The Davies also purchased a second ram from the front line for $3200, a 16.2-micron ram with 2.5 SD, 15.4 CV.

The second highest money of $4800 was paid for a 19.1 micron son of heavy cutting , broad-wool type sire 12-407 with 3.7 SD, 19.4 CV, biggest yearling weight and yearling clean fleece weight in the catalogue at 9.2 and 26.3 respectively. He was purchased by Bogo Merinos, Wee Jasper.

Bogo Merinos manager, Mal Peake, selected the ram for his constitution, good wool, and balance of figures.

Werona Park, Charlton, Victoria, paid $4600 for a 18.4-micron ram with 3.0 SD, and 16.3 CV, and $4000 for a 16.8-micronram with 3.0 SD and 17.9 CV.

Burrupa Partnership, Tatyoon, Vic, paid $4400 for a 162 micron ram with 2.5 SD and 15.4 CV as well as two others later in the catalogue to purchase three in total for a $3567 average.

Woodpark Poll co-principal Carol Huggins expressed the Huggins family’s delight with the result.

‘’A very solid sale with a good clearance, and a happy clientele who went away pleased with the rams they had bought,” she said.

The sale was conducted by Elders and Landmark with Ron Rutledge and Peter Godbolt sharing the gavel for their respective companies.