With the Eastern market indicator sitting at 1849 cents to conclude the 2018 year, wool growers have had one of the best selling years for decades, according to Alfoxton stud principal Chris Clonan.
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“Similarly our lamb and mutton prices have been at record levels,” said Mr Clonan. “Merino lambs topped at 810c/kg over the hooks at Tamworth abattoir. Mutton has tracked between 400 to 500 c/kg for most of the year.
“The only down side has been this protracted drought, where proceeds from our good sales has been exhausted on buying fodder. However, we have been fortunate to receive good storm rain at Alfoxton in December.
Mr Clonan said the national wool offering was now down 18 percent when compared to the same time last year.
“With the current seasonal conditions it is hard to see wool production increasing which should mean solid demand from wool processors into 2019.”
Alfoxton Studs have again been busy throughout 2018 selling and exhibiting their genetics.
Alfoxton attended the Armidale Housed Show and Sale in February, where the stud won Champion poll ram of the show and first place in the production class.
Alfoxton again had the heaviest rams in the sale, topping at 139kgs with lot 10 Alf15-0760, he was purchased by the Schaefer family for $9000.
“This ram's sire Alf14-0018 won the production class at the Dubbo National in 2016 and weighed a massive 157kgs,” said Mr Clonan.
Alfoxton will offer two rams at the Armidale Housed sale on February, 6, 2019.
“We were thrilled, when our youngest daughter Cilla won the sheep junior judging competition, held in conjunction with the ram show and sale,” said Mr Clonan.
“Cilla represented the N.M.R.B.A at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and at 15 years of age she was the youngest competitor in Sydney.
“Cilla has gained a lot of experience from the competition.”
The stud’s on-property Merino Ram Sale will be held on February 11 where 70 Merino and Poll Merino Rams will be on offer.
For more information phone 0429 125 567 or visit the Alfoxton Merino Studs on Facebook.
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