BLOODLINES of the Gippsland Merino group have recorded a range of successes in 2012, more recently picking up the Elders Supreme Clip of the Year at Sheep-vention among its accolades.
Lexton wool producers John and Val Stepnell, Illalangi, were awarded the Elders Clip of the Year at Sheepvention, with a March/April-shorn clip that measured 17.9 micron, 78.1 per cent yield, a tensile strength of 43 newtons kilotex, a staple length of 85 millimetres and 0.3pc vegetable matter.
The clip sold in May for up to 1351 cents a kilogram.
It was the first time the Stepnell family had won the accolade, with Mr Stepnell putting it down to good stud bloodlines behind his flock, including Gippsland stud Stockton.
Fellow Gippsland stud Pendarra was also successful in the competition, taking out the monthly Clip of the Year in November.
Stockton and Pendarra will be among the seven studs offering 162 rams at the 24th annual Gippsland Merino ram sale on Tuesday, September 4.
Other studs involved include Bindawarra, Giffard West; Round Hill, Omeo; The Fringe, Briagolong; Nicholson River, Nicholson; and Gracemere, Bengworden.
Elders wool specialist Malcolm Nicholls said the season had been excellent in Gippsland, with a lot of rain but had cleared up nicely and set producers up for a good spring.
"I've seen all the rams and they are looking terrific," he said.
"Well-grown and pushing out good staple lengths."
At last year's sale, 154 Merino and Dohne rams sold to $7500, with the top price going to a Bindawarra Merino offered by Murray and Janet Toland, Cobungra.
The large crowd in attendance ensured a 97.5pc clearance rate was achieved, with rams averaging $1800 – a new record for the sale.
Previous sale toppers, Stockton Merinos, Bairnsdale, recorded the highest sale average of $2433 and all 24 rams sold, topping at $3800.
* Details: Malcolm Nicholls 0408 345 086
Source: farmonline.com.au
Back to News Headlines