*140 of 163 rams sold to $6000 (twice), av $1986
IF IT ISN’T going to rain, it might as well be a sunny spring day, and it was exactly that for the Merriman family at their 19th annual on-property ram sale held at Beverley, Boorowa, NSW.
Merryville sold 140 of the 163 rams offered, reaching a top of $6000 on two occasions and recording an average of $1986.
The first ram to reach the top money was a March-shorn 24 month-old son of EM Super, who sold to John Blewitt, Wollondilly, Goulburn, NSW.
Parting with the equal top money were Pat and Andrew Davies, Demondrille Merino Stud, Harden, NSW, who secured a 12 month-old son of Merryville 14 2nd.
It was the rams presence that attracted Andrew, describing him as “an upstanding, square ram”.
“Sired by the 2016 Sydney Royal Show supreme exhibit, he had a rich wool with a really well nourished tip, and tested well,” Mr Davies said.
Demondrille purchased a second ram for $2500.
Local client Tom Booth, Kiola, Boorowa, NSW, led the volume buyers, putting together 12 rams in total for a $2000 average, paying to a top of $4500.
Mr Booth said there were a number of factors that keep bringing him back to Merryville.
“Being a local, the support I receive from Wal and George, the bright white wools Merryville is renowned for, and probably the biggest factor is the extra yield, the sheep record at sale time is very significant,” Mr Booth said.
Other volume purchasers included J Fitzgerald, Harrow, who purchased 11 rams in total for a $2405 average, and top of $3750.
While Checkers Pastoral Company, Cargo, NSW, purchased nine to average $2717.
Merryville principal Wal Merriman said “it’s a bloody good result considering the drought”.
“Lots of clients are spending their ram money each month on feeding sheep, so I’m very happy with the result,” Mr Merriman said.