Show & Sale Highlights

1st Cross Success at Naracoorte 2011

(This is an abbreviated and amended version of the report that appeared in the Stock Journal on 17/11/11 and written by Miranda Kenny.)

Naracoorte’s reputation as southern Australia’s premier blue ribbon sale for first cross ewes was once again reinforced last Thursday (10/11/11) when the saleyard’s record was smashed. The sale’s 1.5 year old ewes topped at $310 which was $16 above last year’s national record breaking Naracoorte sale, and was only $6 below the current national record of $316 set at Ballarat, Victoria on January 12th 201.

The sale exceeded agent and vendor expectations, grossing above $5 million, with 20,388 ewes averaging $251.74.

Elders Naracoorte agent Tom Dennis said there was a real premium for vendor bred sheep of about $10 to $15.

“The Coolawang ewes were an incredible line-up of sheep; absolutely outstanding”, he said.
The James family’s top pen of 133 ewes went to Graeme Zilm of Lochaber. With being awarded the blue ribbon by judge Steve Jaeschke, Keith before the sale it was of no real surprise that they came through with the top price.

Their second pen of 131ewes sold to Will McDonald, Strathalbyn, a repeat Coolawang buyer. This gave them an average of $306.03 for their 264 ewes.

The James family have bred first cross ewes for the past 30 years and sold a previous national record of $248 for their ewes at Naracoorte in 2004, the first time they offered at this venue. Their 2010 offering averaged $288.

Coolawang scores again: pictured are Judy and Trevor James, Coolawang, Mundulla who with their son Lachie sold the top priced $310 first cross ewes at Naracoorte 1st cross ewe sale last Thursday (10th November 2011).Their outstanding line of Coolawang Border Leicester sired hogget ewes, out of Leahcim blood Merino ewes were also selected as the blue ribbon winners, awarded to the best presented pen of ewes at the sale, the fourth time the James family have won this prestigious award since they started selling at Naracoorte in 2004 (9 years).

Horsham Border Leicester Show & Sale 2011

Written By Ian Turner

November’s Horsham Border Leicester Show & Sale produced one of its best ever results, with 34 rams averaging $4323. This was the highest average for at least 10 years, but the overall clearance was slightly down on last year.

The large crowd included 50 registered bidders, but they were selective in their bidding. With 45 rams on offer and 50 prospective buyers, it was a little surprising that 11 rams were passed, but this is often the case with stud sales. However, in line with the current high demand for sheep including Border Leicester flock rams, the top end was very strong.

In the presale judging under highly respected NSW based judge, Mr Barry Harper, Ariah Park it was Trevor and Judy James, Coolawang stud, Mundulla who came out on top with the blue ribbon from 44 other rams.

>>Read the complete sale report

Judy and Trevor pictured with Mr Barry Harper (middle), Cadell stud, Ariah Park, NSW as well as the Coolawang ram he made his blue ribbon winner. Mr Harper later backed his judgement and bought the ram in the sale for $5500.

Royal Adelaide 2011

Adelaide Bonanza for 3 SE Studs - Written By Ian Turner

The just completed Royal Adelaide Show was a bonanza for south east studs, and in particular, the Coolawang Border Leicester stud.

Trevor and Judy James and family, Coolawang Border Leicester stud, Mundulla had an outstanding showing in the 2010 feature breed showing, but proved their quality runs deep with another outstanding showing this year. They were again the most successful exhibitors in the breed, with the highlights amongst their many awards being wins for both the junior and grand champion Border Leicester ewes. Their grand champion from the senior ewe classes then went on to further success in the interbreed classes, winning the champion longwool ewe of the show.

Trevor & Judy James hold their grand champion Border Leicester ewe and her twin lambs, this ewe then going on to be the champion longwool ram of the 2011 Adelaide Royal Show.

Royal Adelaide 2010
Border Leicester Feature Show

Border Leicester Feature Breed Royal Adelaide Show.

First Objective measurement class.
Junior Champion Border Leicester Ram,
Champion Border Leicester Ram,
Interbreed Longwool Champion Ram

Paternoster British Breed Interbreed Group
Royal Adelaide Show 2010

Hamilton Sheepvention 2010

LEFT: First prize Ram under 1 1/2 woolly ram class
** Lot 1 in 2010 Ram Sale

RIGHT: Reserve Champion Ewe