Glenlea Park Poll Merino stud marks its 50th ram sale at Keith with a $3321 average and a $16,000 top
Summary
The Glenlea Park Poll Merino stud marked its 50th annual ram sale at Keith with a standout result, the second under new ownership. A total of 101 of 109 heavy-cutting rams with soft, crimpy wools averaged $3321, up more than $800 on the previous year despite nearly 20 fewer rams catalogued, ranking among the highest South Australian on-property averages for the season. The sale high of $16,000 more than doubled last year's top, coming at Lot 5 for the AI-bred GP 25-0114, secured by a western Victorian stud. The 17.3 micron ram tested at 3.0 standard deviation, 17.1 per cent coefficient of variation and 99.5 per cent comfort factor, weighed 110 kilograms, and ranked in the breed's top 10 per cent for yearling clean fleece weight ASBV at 33.07 and top 20 per cent for Wool Production Index at 187.76. That buyer targeted the first draft of GP-230757 sons, adding another at Lot 18 for $6000. Beyond the topper no ram passed $10,000, with five making $6000, keeping the sale open across budgets. A two-decade client was the biggest buyer, taking 21 rams at a $2405 average and paying to $4000 three times, while a Mallee operation found value with 10 rams at $2350 and a neighbouring stud secured eight at $3813. Rams remained available in the $1500 to $2000 bracket. The genetics have performed across varied environments, and three rams are reserved for the Adelaide Merino ram sale on September 11. The sale was conducted by Spence Dix & Co, PPHS and Elders.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered | 109 |
| Rams sold | 101 |
| Average price | $3321 |
| Average increase on 2025 | more than $500 |
| Top price | $16,000 |
| Sale topper yearling clean fleece weight ASBV | 33.07 |
| Biggest buyer purchase |
21 rams at $2405 avg |
| Rams reserved for Adelaide sale | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the 50th Glenlea Park ram sale perform?
The sale averaged $3321 across 101 of 109 heavy-cutting rams, up more than $800 on the previous year despite nearly 20 fewer rams catalogued. It ranked among the highest South Australian on-property averages for the season.
What was the top price at the sale?
The sale high was $16,000, more than double last year's top. It came at Lot 5 for the AI-bred ram GP 25-0114.
What were the sale topper's figures?
The 17.3 micron ram tested at 3.0 standard deviation, 17.1 per cent coefficient of variation and 99.5 per cent comfort factor, and weighed 110 kilograms. It ranked in the breed's top 10 per cent for yearling clean fleece weight ASBV at 33.07 and top 20 per cent for Wool Production Index at 187.76.
Was the sale accessible to a range of budgets?
Yes, beyond the topper no ram exceeded $10,000, and five rams made $6000. Rams remained available in the $1500 to $2000 bracket.
Who were the biggest buyers?
A client of two decades was the biggest buyer, taking 21 rams at a $2405 average and paying to $4000 three times. A Mallee operation bought 10 rams at $2350 and a neighbouring stud secured eight at $3813.
What bloodline was the sale topper's buyer targeting?
The buyer was chasing the first draft of GP-230757 sons to add a different bloodline. They bought another 757 son at Lot 18 for $6000.
How is the stud performing under new ownership?
This was the second sale under new ownership, and the genetics have performed across a wide range of environments in Australia and most areas of South Australia. The result was one of the highest South Australian on-property averages for the season.
Are any rams reserved for another sale?
Yes, three rams are reserved for the Adelaide Merino ram sale on September 11. The sale was conducted by Spence Dix & Co, PPHS and Elders.
