Spirits and optimism were high amongst Merino Ram producers at the 67th annual Armidale Housed Merino Show and Sale which was held last week at the Exhibition Centre.
As expected, quality Merino Rams were on show with Woolbrook producer Hamish McLaren, “Nerstane Stud’, awarded Ultra and Super Fine Supreme Ram, edging out the tough competition. Special guest at this year’s show was The Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO who was on hand to present the ribbons to the winners along with Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay.
Her Excellency, a country girl from Narrandera in the Riverina district of New South Wales understands the importance and history of the Merino in rural Australia.
“I had the great joy of being born in sheep country down in the Riverina and I know just what these gorgeous animals have done for our nation,” said Marie Bashir.
“There has been quite an array of superb animals, reflecting also the richness of the countryside here in the New England and the excellent care these animals receive.
“The Merino sheep is part and parcel of the history and heritage of modern Australia. From the earliest days of the colony when wool went to London we made the world sit up and take note of what was happening here in Australia.
“There has been a real renaissance in wool fibre. I am overjoyed to observe that countries are realising that wool is the best fibre for warmth, protection and for many outstanding qualities that synthetics could never have.”
A total of 81 out of 103 rams were sold on Wednesday at the sale. The average price was $3500, with the highest being $22,000 for the Ultra and Super Fine Supreme winner from the Show on Tuesday. Tagged N582, the ram went to “Kurrajong Park Merino Stud” near Delungra, owned in partnership by brothers, Rod and Graham Kent.
The Armidale Housed Merino Sale yielded the top average and equal highest price for a ram sale in Australia so far this year.
Price trends indicated that breeders and woolgrowers are buying more dual purpose sheep to produce wool to suit the Chinese market, rather than the super fine, high-end wool styles bred for Italian wool buyers.
Story: Jo Harrison
