2023 Annual Ram Sale

Held at the alternative wet weather venue “Cooneen” North of Boorooban due to the expected wet weather, the sale achieved a 100% clearance of the 115 Merino rams offered selling to a top of $5500 and average $2113.

The sale was briefly interrupted by a severe storm blowing through during proceedings, and a great joint effort by all and sundry to help secure anything loose ensured damage was minimised.

Top price was $5500 for lot 31 sired by a Merryanbone North ram. His figures of 17.7 micron with an elite CV of 14.6 and SD of 2.6 made him a natural target for spirited bidding.

Winning bidders were Travis and Lynette Fernandes of Winjallok Victoria via AWN agent Jacob Davies at Stawell to go into a flock of 2500 commercial ewes.

Mr Fernandes said “We’re looking for a quick growing type with a great micron and he hit the mark. We’re shearing every 6 months and his free growing staple length and well nourished skin made this ram a perfect choice for us” Mr Fernandes went on to add “We look for the ability to breed a sheep with a good body too, for the supplementary meat trade, plus we know East Loddon have great feet and can stand up to our climate”.

The Fernandes family have been clients of East Loddon for 20 years

Tom Hooke, East Loddon Principal said “We’re really happy with the total clearance for the sale. Our repeat buyers supported us well, but we can also see a few new faces here too. We know conditions are a bit challenging at the moment and this level of support is an indication we’re heading in the right direction. This was especially evident with the number of buyers with Non-Muelsed Merino flocks looking for rams.”