An Edenhope stud taking part in Sheep Week for the first time, was met with instant success at this year’s open day, selling one of its top rams for $4000.
In the event’s second year, Sheep Week covered three states, with 63 studs of multiple breeds opening their gates to prospective and existing clients, as well as other interested industry representatives.
Curlew Merinos, Charam, sold the 17.5 micron Merino ram to Australian Wool Network (AWN) agent Russell Macgugan.
The ram had Australian Sheep Breeding Values of a yearling clean fleece weight (YCFW) of 33 per cent, a Yearling Worm Egg Count of -60 and a Yearling Fibre Diameter of -0.4.
Curlew stud principal, Bernie Kealy, said the ram was principally from Curlew genetics but also had Anderson and Nerstane bloodlines.
Mr Kealy said he aimed to produce fine wool Merinos for the Western Victorian environment.
“He was a stand out ram that caught everyone’s attention,” Mr Kealy said.
"He has a dense wool that is bright, white and bold crimping, with a beautiful skin underneath. We are hopeful that the number of visitors will result in ram sales later in the spring.”
Curlew’s Elise Kealy said the animal was aesthetically pleasing, in every way, and had the figures to back him up.
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Nedelle Southdown’s Ned Nagorcka had a busy open day, with about 40 people coming to visit, including many prospective clients.
“A lot of people came through that were interested in trying Southdowns because they’ve seen that the breed can meet their targets,” Mr Nagorcka said.
“Sheep Week was a great opportunity for people to come through and have a look without any obligation to buy.”
Selling all of his rams privately throughout the year, Mr Nagorcka established new contacts at his open day.
Wallaloo Park stud principal John Carter said Sheep Week was held in what is a great time in the Merino and sheep industries. The Marnoo-based stud was shearing at its open day, of which they do on an eight-month interval.
They were able to show visitors that by shearing more frequently, they have been able to sell wool more often and capitalise on the high prices but also getting 80-millimetre staple length and rear a lamb.
Mr Carter said Wallaloo Park had always been renowned for its wool quality and cut, and had now resurrected the Walladale genetics - a meat family started 20 years ago.
