*Full clearance of 20 stud rams to $28,000, av $11,150
THE fifth annual Tattykeel Australian White sale was held at the Gilmore family’s home at Black Springs, NSW, recently.
A large crowd of prospective buyers from New Zealand, Western Australia and local bidders gathered to view the even selection of rams and ewes.
In an emotional opening speech, stud principal, Graham Gilmore spoke fondly of his brother Martin, reminding everyone that without Martin’s input Tattykeel would not be what it is today.
On offer were 20 stud rams, 84 flock rams, 60 stud ewes and nine ewes with lambs.
A clearance of 100 per cent of stud, flock rams and ewes with lambs, and a 99pc clearance of the stud ewes, was recorded.
A top price of $28,000 was achieved for the stud rams, and in what is believed to be a record for a meat sheep breed auction, an average of $11,150 was made.
Three stud rams went for greater than $20,000 and another six made over $10,000.
Flock rams topped at $4000, averaging $2565.
Stud ewes topped at $3600 twice, and averaged $1944, while the ewes with lambs at foot topped at $2800, with an average of $2111.
Tattykeel 170704, sired by 160107, won first in the August-drop Australian White ram class at the New South Wales Sheep Show, Dubbo, in 2018. His sire was Sydney Champion in 2017 and has been used heavily in the stud.
He will be transported to NZ with three other rams.
Murray Sargent, Kaahu Studs, Taupo, NZ, who purchased four rams including the top and third top priced rams, was looking for better survival, temperaments and growth rates for his newly formed Wiltipoll and long-standing Coopworth studs.
Mr Sargent’s draft of four averaged $17,750.
The second top-priced ram went for $27,000. Tattykeel 171354 will move to Gamadale Australian Whites at Lascelles. They also purchased a full brother to 160488, who was the NSW Sheep Show Champion in 2017 for $14,000.
Timor Studs and Camden Valley Australian Whites purchased 171511 for $19,000. Touted by Tattykeel as a very strong October drop ram.
His sire, 161072 was sold to Kahmoo Australian White stud for $11,000. His dam 151457 was a twin. He will share duties between the studs.
Stud principal Graham Gilmore thought it was an amazing sale in dry conditions.
