Elders Stud Stock Tony Wetherall said North Cowie’s ram sale lineup, on Wednesday, was the best and most even they’ve ever had.

“The depth of quality was good right through the whole lineup. Wool quality and quantity on the sheep keeps getting better and better every year.” Mr Wetherall said.

“They’re (the Murdoch’s) are doing a great job and their genetics are sought after.”

Of the 150 rams offered at North Cowie’s (Warooka) sale on July 27, 140 sold to a top of $4600.

The top ram, purchased by the Parsons family, of Curramulka, Merino Ram Lot 10, with horn number 1.1, micron 19.8, S.D. 3.4, C.V. 17.7, C.F. 99.5, E.M.D 44.1, fat 6.5, GFW 6.03, weight 111kg sired by Glen 8.68 will be used to support their flock.

Andrew Parsons said they were very happy with Lot 10, and described it as a big robust horned ram.

“(we were) very impressed with all his figures. We just thought he was definitely going to be a great herd/flock ram. We are mostly focussed on wool but try to chase that dual purpose as well,” Mr Parsons said.

The family also purchased Lot 13 sired by NC 8.05 with horn number 1.4, micron of 20.5, S.D 2.7, C.V 13.2, C.F 99.7, E.M.D 40.4, fat score of 5.6, G.F.W 5.95 and weighed 98kg. Mr Parsons said while he wasn’t as heavy as Lot 10, he had bright white wool and “plenty of it” – exactly what they were after.

Second top purchaser Ballater Pty Ltd, of Curramulka took Poll Merino Ram Lot 6 for $4200.

Lot 6, sired by RC Imperial, with tag number 210023, had a micron reading of 20.2, S.D. of 3.1, C.V 15.5, C.F 99.2, E.M.D 42.5, fat score of 5.1, GFW 6.63 and weighed in at 111kg.

Matthew Pointon, of Ballater, said they ran a self replacing merino and prime lamb merino flock at their property in Curramulka.

Upon purchasing Lot 6 Mr Pointon said he had a good body, good wool and they were looking to maintain the wool cut and micron of their flock, traits he felt Lot 6 would continue to support.

“The wool and body were the main drivers. (he had) bright while wool, good body size and shape,” Mr Pointon said.

NutrienAg auctioneer Leo Redden said his pick for the day was Lot 6.

“He (Lot 6) was the sheep of the sale. Imperial sired sheep that had all those carcass qualities that you expect from that line of sheep. With a very sweet North Cowie wool on its back,” he said.

In the sale breakdown; the main auction Poll Merino Rams saw 39 offered and sold, to an average $1959, top of $4200 and Merino Ram auction 37 offered and sold, to an average of $1505 and a top of $4600. 

In the Merino mini auction 60 were offered and 56 sold to an average of $807 with a top of $1200, the Poll Merino mini auction saw 10 offered and 8 sold to an average of $1000 and a top of $2000.

The day’s volume buyer was Wirryilka Pastoral, through NutrienAg Broken Hill, who purchased 79 lots at an average of (just over) $900 per head to a top of $2000.

North Cowie’s 2022 sale celebrated the 35th for the Murdoch family of Warooka and Joe said it was nice to present the rams without COVID restrictions unlike the past couple of years.

This year saw an increase on the 2021 sale with an average price of $55/head at $1748, compared to $1693.

Mr Wetherall said he believed North Cowie invested heavily in their program.

“…their genetics certainly stand up against any genetics in Australia. They (the rams) are great value for money when you compare these sheep and the price paid against some other studs in Australia,” Mr Wetherall said.

Mr Redden said the Murdoch’s seemed to have hit the sweet spot with their breeding.

“There’s genetic progression every year with sheep studs of course, (but) every now and again there’s a year that makes a statement and I reckon the Murdoch’s have done that with this year’s offering,” Mr Redden said.

“The depth and the quality of wool goes right down into the mini auction this year and most impressive was the positive tests on the wool. You can have your cake and eat it, and they seem to be hitting the mark, so well done.”

“We were very pleased with the line up and how the sale went. We have put a lot of emphasis on measurable traits over the last few years, eye muscle, fat depth and wool cut whilst maintaining wool quality and frame size. I think this really reflected well in the quality and depth of our line up or rams at this year’s sale. 

It was also great to see so many of our regular clients back as well as a couple of new faces,” said Joe Murdoch, North Cowie Stud Principal.

It was positively noted that the Murdoch family implemented footbaths (in keeping with farm biosecurity) for its visitors.

While not compulsory (in response to the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease), Mr Redden positively commented on the move and said it was a great step forward and encouraged those present, and their friends, to use them.

Nutrien Ag’s Leo Redden and Elders Stud Stock auctioneer Tony Wetherall conducted the sale and streamed via AuctionsPlus.