2024 December Newsletter
Macquarie year in review
As 2024 winds down the improvement in the lamb market looks like continuing into 2025. Last week’s Eastern State Trade Lamb Indicator (ESTLI) averaged 884c up 15% on the 5-year average. Heavy lambs are making up to 800c and lightweight lambs have hit 1000c. Restockers have underpinned the store lamb market showing confidence for 2025. MLA is predicting a 1% drop in lamb production in 2025.
Macquarie Dohnes enjoyed another highly successful year objectively and subjectively.
Coonong Sire Evaluation 2024
Macquarie 16-2966 was the highest Dohne Index sire. Remarkably, he was a trait leader (and the only Dohne) in all Indexes performed; Dohne Index, Merino Dual Purpose Plus, Merino Production Plus and Merino Fibre Production Plus.
I think this is a first for a Dohne sire.
2966’s son, 19-1457, was also a Merino Dual Purpose Plus Index trait leader (along with many other traits) in the Balmoral Merino Sire Evaluation.
Australian Sheep and Wool Show 2024
Macquarie continued its exemplary success at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) where the Dohne was feature breed.
Of the 29 broad ribbons on offer in the sheep and fleece showing, Macquarie won 22 including the Supreme exhibit. Macquarie has now won all 3 supreme exhibits at the ASWS; 2016, 2023 & 2024.
In the fleece section Macquarie won the best 3 fleeces 6-8 months growth for a record sixth time in succession and won all other categories.
Thank you to all those who helped us during a very hectic few days; Tanya Barton, James Nadin, Peter Nadin, Robyn Nadin, Eliza Bucknell, Abby-Jean Doyle, Magnus Aitken, James Koster, and clients Chris and Helen Carrigan, John Elliot, Neville Triplett, John Buxton and Rob McAuliffe.
21st On Property Production Sale
A better-than-expected sale with rams selling to $6000, averaging $2191 with a 100% clearance.
Rams went to four states, NSW, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
Thank you to all buyers and underbidders, the selling team of Nutrien Clemson Hiscox, Bruce Bryant of Peter Milling & Co and auctioneer Paul Dooley.
Flock rams are available in 3 grades and delivery is free to most areas. Wishing all clients, supporters and Macquarie staff a Merry Christmas and thank you for your continued support.
John and Greg.
Australian Sheep and Wool Show 2024
21st On Property Production Sale
Rams fly out the gate to four states
Buyers sought drought-tolerant rams with high growth rates at the 21st annual Macquarie Dohne Production ram sale, held on-property at Carinya, Ballimore, achieving a full clearance of 141 rams to a top of $6000 to average $2191.
Thomas and Sophie Holt, Coonong Station, Urana, purchased the top-priced ram, MD230708, for $6000. He was their sole purchase.
CA and JM Ross, Balmoral, Victoria, bought the second top-priced ram, MD231038, for $5000. The Ross family also purchased two other rams to average $4333.
Scott Warby, Ross Common Farming, Mungindi, bought four rams to $5000 to average $3500.
Volume buyers Michael, Annie and Tom O’Brien, Brigalows, Carinda, bought 14 rams to atop of $3000 to average $1964.
Justin O’Brien, Cryon Station, Walgett, secured 12 rams to $4500 to average $2791.
The O’Brien family operate a mixed farming enterprise which includes broad-acre cropping, a 4000 head Dohne ewe flock and on-farm feedlot. They have used Macquarie genetics for more than two decades.
AH and NA Evans, Martindale, Walgett, purchased 11 rams to $4000 to average $2681.
JG and SK Currey, Walgett, paid a top of $3500 for 12 rams to average $2458.
John Witts, Mungaro, Collarenebri, secured a draft of nine rams to average $1222.
The sale was conducted by Nutrien Clemson Hiscox and Co with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
The Land By Elka Devney
