Big repeat orders lift Kelvale Poll Merino ram sale average past $2000 in its 60th year
Summary
Big repeat orders were central to a strong annual on-property ram sale for Kelvale Poll Merino stud at Keith, where six returning buyers took home 75 per cent of the catalogue. The result delivered a clearance of 128 rams from 138 offered — 16 more than in 2025 — and lifted the average by more than $700 to $2069. Fittingly for a stud marking 60 years, the May and June 2025 drops presented well after a tough, drought-affected season. Kelvale ranks among the nation's top Poll Merino flocks for staple length, a strength reflected in the $7000 sale-topping lot 3. The 20.1 micron ram, Kelvale 251261, ranked in the top five per cent for staple length ASBV at 23, the top five per cent for both post weaning and yearling weight at 11.9 and 14.3, and the top 20 per cent for yearling clean fleece weight and breech wrinkle. Volume support came from several directions: one long-time client secured 15 rams for a $2873 average through Greenwood Park, another operation took 23 rams for a Stewart Range property, and the sale's biggest bidder bought 25 rams in the main auction to an $1800 high plus another 10 in a mini auction. A pastoral buyer secured 15 rams for an $840 average. A charity ram, lot 10, made $5000, with proceeds again donated to a memorial scholarship fund supporting Limestone Coast students. The lift was underpinned by two or three volume buyers happy to go at least $700 above their 2025 average. Nutrien Keith was the sole selling agent.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 128 of 138 |
| Sale average | $2069 |
| Average lift on 2025 | more than $700 |
| Top price (lot 3) | $7000 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 20.1 micron |
| Staple length ASBV | 23 (top 5%) |
| Charity ram price (lot 10) | $5000 |
| Stud anniversary | 60 years |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the average at the Kelvale Poll Merino ram sale?
A1: The sale averaged $2069, a lift of more than $700 on 2025. A total of 128 rams sold from 138 offered, 16 more than the previous year.
Q2: What was the top price and which ram made it?
A2: Lot 3 sold for the $7000 top price. The 20.1 micron ram, Kelvale 251261, was noted for its Merino Select figures.
Q3: What made the top ram stand out on figures?
A3: It ranked in the top five per cent for staple length ASBV at 23, and the top five per cent for both post weaning and yearling weight at 11.9 and 14.3. It was also top 20 per cent for yearling clean fleece weight and breech wrinkle.
Q4: Who were the biggest buyers at the sale?
A4: Six repeat buyers took 75 per cent of the catalogue. The largest single order was 25 rams in the main auction to an $1800 high, plus another 10 in a mini auction, while other volume buyers took 15 and 23 rams.
Q5: How did the charity ram perform?
A5: The charity ram, lot 10, made $5000. The proceeds were again donated to a memorial scholarship fund that assists Limestone Coast students pursuing agriculture-related tertiary study.
Q6: What is Kelvale known for in its breeding?
A6: The stud ranks among the nation's top Poll Merino flocks for staple length. It also emphasises clean fleece weight, muscle, fat and growth on unmulesed sheep.
Q7: What drove the stronger result in 2026?
A7: The lift was underpinned by two or three volume buyers prepared to pay at least $700 above their 2025 average. The rams also presented in good condition despite being raised in a drought.
