Mokoreta Genetics achieves near complete clearance as buyers respond to Suftex, Romney-Texel and Coopworth-Texel offering with enthusiasm.

The inaugural on-farm ram sale for Eastern Southland stud Mokoreta Genetics was greeted by an enthusiastic gallery of buyers in mid-December.

Owner Matt McRae did his best to go into sale day with zero expectations.

“We’ve been going for eight years and each year have sold rams privately. This year, to give everyone an opportunity, we put up all of the rams on auction day. In the end, a few people missed out, suggesting there is still room for growth” he says.

Comprising Suftex, Romney-Texel cross and Coopworth-Texel crosses, Mokoreta sold 141 of 143 rams offered, averaging $2064 per head. Matt was pleased they were so well sought after.

“After a couple of lean years in the sector, this season is really shaping up. Farmers have some confidence to invest in quality genetics, which is good to see. It was a positive atmosphere, which was refreshing to be part of. We are happy with the quality of the stock we put up,” he says.

When renowned breeder Garth Shaw of Wharetoa retired and held a dispersal sale in February, Mokoreta Genetics picked up some of the terminal and maternal lines on offer.

“Some people who have bought from Garth in the past like the auction system and followed those genetics to the Mokoreta sale. They purchased similar rams from us,” says Matt.

PGG Wrightson national genetics manager Callum McDonald conducted the sale.

“Being the first on-farm sale for the team at Mokoreta, it was a bit of the unknown for them. For PGG Wrightson, being part of their process from the start and setting it all up was extremely worthwhile.

“Having such a good crowd of buyers present was a pleasing indication of where the sheep industry is at currently. With schedules and pricing at industry highs, clients were looking to buy quality rams, and the auction gave them a chance to see everything Mokoreta has to offer on one day. As young breeders gaining a favourable reputation, Mokoreta Genetics is investing in, and has the passion for the sheep industry, which is positive for a new generation in the sector. This sale was an important, and positive, milestone for them,” he said. 

While most of the Mokoreta rams went to farmers throughout Otago and Southland, some of the lots sold to Canterbury. bidr also featured, enabling people who couldn’t make it on the day the opportunity to buy.

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