CONFIDENCE in the wool market isn’t slowing down anytime soon with the price boom flowing into the selling ring at the Mount Ascot Ram Sale at Mitchell yesterday where the top price ram sold for $5500.
Of the 48 single lots of horned rams offered by Nigel and Rosemary Brumpton of Mount Ascot Merinos, 46 of them sold under the hammer for a 95 per cent clearance and an average of $1841, up from $1538 last year.
The Jolly Jumbuck Poll Merino Stud of Felicity, Charlie and Lachie Brumpton sold 30 of their 32 single rams for a 93 per cent clearance and an average of $1371.
Another eight lots of three rams were also offered with six of them selling for an average of $958/hd.
The top price of $5500 was reached for lot 16, the only son offered by the Jordan sire, who recorded test figures of 102 kilogram body weight, 19.6 micron, 12.8 co-efficient of variation, 99.8 per cent comfort factor and 60 score curvature.
He was one of 24 horned rams purchased by repeat buyers Bob and Margie Little who operate two sheep properties, Moonby Downs at Hughenden and Waverly at Cunnamulla.
The couple also purchased the second top price ram for $5400 and another for $5000.
Mr Little said the top price ram was the pick of the yarding.
“Just his density, softness and good cover,” he said.
“There is nothing wrong with him.”
All of their 24 new rams will head to their Cunnamulla block which is currently understocked due to tough seasonal conditions.
While he sold his wool during August and September and missed the Christmas bonus, Mr Little said it was great to see the market booming.
Stud principal Nigel Brumpton was pleased with support sold throughout the sale and said it was up there as one of their best sales.
“We are overwhelmed with a sale like that, especially when it is so dry out west,” he said.
“The top price ram was by a ram called Jordan who was runner up to our ram of the year in 2015. He went back to One Oak 304.
“His wool quality was outstanding, he had beautiful supple skin and good fibre alignment.”
In a generous gesture from the Brumpton children, all the proceeds from the last single poll ram of the day were donated to the Dolly’s Dream Foundation in honour of 14-year-old Dolly Everett who took her own life after being a victim of bullying.
Felicity had come across Dolly’s father whilst working away in the Northern Territory and the children felt it was important to help support the cause and stop bullying.
The 21.9 micron ram was the top price poll ram selling for $2000 to John and Mary Shephard, Myla, Barraba, NSW.
A total of 17 bid cards were registered for the sale.
Other bulk buyers on the day included Graeme Winks, Tilquin, Bollon who purchased 16 rams averaging $1490 while the Glasson family, Greenlaw, Yaraka bought eight rams averaging $1143.
Another 60 flock rams sold privately after the sale
Selling agents: Elders