Carricowie Poll Merino lifts clearance, top and average with a $2800 top and $1415 average at its 31st annual ram sale
Summary
Carricowie Poll Merino held a successful 31st annual ram sale at Brentwood on Wednesday, with clearance, top and average prices all lifting on the previous year. A total of 48 rams sold from 59 offered, a clearance of more than 80 per cent, well up on last year's 70 per cent. The average price reached $1415, an increase of $175 on the previous year's $1240, while the top price of $2800 was $400 above last year's high of $2400. The top-priced ram, offered at lot 11, carried a fleece of 18.1 micron with a comfort factor of 99.9 per cent, weighed 99 kilograms and showed an eye muscle depth of 40 millimetres. It sold to a long-time local buyer at Brentwood, who also secured the second-highest ram at $2600. The buyer, who shears every six months, valued the ram for its staple length as well as the stud's longevity, structure and wool-cutting ability. The vendor was pleased with strong local support and a good crowd, noting more buyers and onlookers than in prior years. The breeding focus is on producing good fibre length and stylish wool on animals with strong structure, eye muscle and cover, targeting both wool and meat markets that are trading strongly. Two volume buyers each took six rams, one from Minlaton and one from Yorketown, underlining solid district demand for the stud's Poll Merino genetics. The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders, reflecting the enduring appeal of locally proven, dual-purpose Merino bloodlines for nearby producers.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 48 of 59 |
| Clearance | over 80% |
| Average price | $1415 |
| Top price | $2800 |
| Second top price | $2600 |
| Top ram fibre | 18.1 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.9% |
| Top ram weight | 99kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the 31st Carricowie ram sale compare with last year?
Clearance, top and average prices were all up on the previous year. Clearance rose above 80 per cent from 70 per cent, and the average lifted to $1415 from $1240.
What was the top price and how much did it rise?
The top-priced ram made $2800, which was $400 above last year's high of $2400. The same buyer also secured the second-highest ram at $2600.
What were the top ram's measurements?
The top ram, offered at lot 11, had a fleece of 18.1 micron and a comfort factor of 99.9 per cent. It weighed 99 kilograms and had an eye muscle depth of 40 millimetres.
Why did the top buyer choose that ram?
The buyer, who shears every six months, valued the ram for its staple length. Longevity, structure and wool-cutting ability were also key attractions.
How many rams sold overall?
A total of 48 rams sold from 59 offered. That equated to a clearance of more than 80 per cent.
What is the stud's breeding focus?
The stud focuses on good fibre length and stylish wool on structurally sound animals with strong eye muscle and cover. With both wool and meat trading strongly, it concentrates on both traits.
Who were the volume buyers?
Two volume buyers each purchased six rams. One was based at Minlaton and the other at Yorketown.
