Data-rich, high-indexing genetics lift Hannaton's Kaniva spring sale, with a first-time client paying $8000 for the top Poll Merino ram.
Summary
Data-rich genetics drew strong competition at Hannaton's annual spring sale at Kaniva, where a first-time client paid the top price for a high-indexing Poll Merino ram. The stud sold 87 of 100 Poll Merino rams to an $8000 top and a $3028 average, alongside 73 of 76 White Suffolk rams to $3800 for a $1964 average. The $8000 sale-topper, Lot 3, had caught the buyer's eye when its sire was displayed at the Victorian State Merino Field Days at Marnoo the previous month. The 18.6-micron ram, by Ella Matta 210170 and out of Hannaton Poll 230170, recorded a 0.72-kilogram birth weight, a 7.07-kilogram weaning weight, a 10.02-kilogram post-weaning weight and a 12.42-kilogram yearling weight, with a 1.43 millimetre yearling eye muscle depth. It will be used across better ewes in a 230-head self-replacing flock to diversify genetics and breed future rams. The top White Suffolk, Lot 39, sired by Gem 240031, posted a 0.32-kilogram birth weight, a 12.79-kilogram weaning weight and a 20.6-kilogram post-weaning weight, with a 3.88 millimetre post-weaning eye muscle depth. Rams sold into three states, from South Australia's Eyre Peninsula to central New South Wales, attracting new and established clients drawn by improving estimated breeding values for fertility, carcase and wool cut. The sale reflected a positive period for the sheep industry as figures improve year on year.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Poll Merino rams sold |
87 of 100 |
| Poll Merino top price |
$8000 |
| Poll Merino average |
$3028 |
|
White Suffolk rams sold |
73 of 76 |
|
White Suffolk top price |
$3800 |
|
White Suffolk average |
$1964 |
| Top Poll Merino micron |
18.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the headline results at the Hannaton sale?
The stud sold 87 of 100 Poll Merino rams to an $8000 top and a $3028 average. It also sold 73 of 76 White Suffolk rams to $3800 for a $1964 average.
Who bought the top Poll Merino ram?
A first-time client paid the $8000 top price for Lot 3. The buyer had noticed the ram's sire at the Victorian State Merino Field Days at Marnoo the previous month.
What were the top Poll Merino ram's figures?
The 18.6-micron ram, by Ella Matta 210170 and out of Hannaton Poll 230170, recorded a 0.72-kilogram birth weight and a 12.42-kilogram yearling weight. Its yearling eye muscle depth was 1.43 millimetres.
How will the top Poll Merino ram be used?
The ram will be joined to better ewes in a 230-head self-replacing flock. The aim is to diversify genetics and breed future rams.
What did the top White Suffolk ram offer?
Lot 39, sired by Gem 240031, posted a 0.32-kilogram birth weight, a 12.79-kilogram weaning weight and a 20.6-kilogram post-weaning weight. Its post-weaning eye muscle depth was 3.88 millimetres.
Where did the rams sell to?
Rams sold into three states, from South Australia's Eyre Peninsula to central New South Wales. The sale attracted both new and established clients.
What is driving demand for these genetics?
Buyers were drawn by improving estimated breeding values for fertility, carcase and wool cut. The program's figures have improved each year as it evolves.
