Harry's Well ram sale clears 170 head at Caliph for a $1595 average
Summary
A season some have described as once in a lifetime in the Mallee, along with strong genetics, underpinned an outstanding result at the Harry's Well White Suffolk and Australian White sale at Caliph on Friday. There was a full clearance of all 170 rams across the two breeds for an overall average of $1595.
On the White Suffolks, 120 were offered and sold to a top of $4000 at a $1636 average, up $648 on 2025. On the Australian Whites, 50 were offered and sold to $2800, averaging $1496, an increase of $329 on last year.
The top-priced White Suffolk at $4000 went to long-time client CA Hampel & Partners, Nadda. Offered at lot three and the heaviest sire in the catalogue, the ram weighed 144 kilograms. Sired by Wingamin 23/0528, the May 2025-drop ram recorded a weaning weight of 13.75, a post-weaning weight of 20.48, a shear force measurement of 3.91, a lean meat yield figure of 4.98 and a terminal carcase production index of 155.14, with a post-weaning eye muscle depth of 42 millimetres and a fat score of 5.5 millimetres.
The same buyer also took lot one, the second highest-priced ram at $3800, which weighed 139 kilograms and shared the same sire.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total rams offered, sold | 170, full clearance |
| Overall average | $1595 |
| White Suffolks sold, top, average | 120 to $4000 at $1636 |
| Australian Whites sold, top, average | 50 to $2800 at $1496 |
| White Suffolk average lift | Up $648 |
| Australian White average lift | Up $329 |
| New buyers | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Harry's Well ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $4000 for a White Suffolk at lot three. All 170 rams across both breeds sold for a full clearance at an overall average of $1595. The Australian Whites topped separately at $2800.
What did each breed make?
The 120 White Suffolks all sold to a $4000 top at a $1636 average, up $648 on 2025. The 50 Australian Whites also cleared fully, reaching $2800 at a $1496 average, up $329 on last year.
Who bought the top-priced White Suffolk?
Long-time client CA Hampel & Partners, Nadda, has bought since the stud's inception. The buyer also took lot one at $3800, the second highest price, with both rams sired by Wingamin 23/0528. He said the stud's White Suffolks were proven performers and that he knows the quality he will get year to year.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
The 144 kilogram May 2025-drop ram was the heaviest sire in the catalogue. He recorded a weaning weight of 13.75, a post-weaning weight of 20.48 and a terminal carcase production index of 155.14. His post-weaning eye muscle depth was 42 millimetres with a fat score of 5.5 millimetres.
Who bought the top Australian White?
A new buyer, Pinevale Acres, Kapunda, was both the top-price and volume bidder on the Australian Whites, purchasing eight at a $1950 average to a $2800 high. The $2800 ram was sired by Baringa 22A232, weighed 101 kilograms and recorded a post-weaning eye muscle depth of 35 millimetres. The buyer has run Australian Whites for close to a decade and cited their low maintenance and easy care.
Who else bought in numbers?
Among the White Suffolk buyers, a Noora operation took six at a $1400 average and Jachmann Ag, Loxton, five at $1920. The stud principal reported 10 new buyers attending the sale.
How did the season affect the result?
The stud principal said the Mallee had been very kind and that the paddock-run rams showed it, noting the White Suffolks averaged over 120 kilograms. The local agent said the rams were a good 20 kilograms heavier than last year's sale, with great depth of quality and evenness. The top buyer contrasted it with last year, when they were blowing dust at seeding.
What is driving demand for the Australian Whites?
The stud principal said clients new and regular love that the rams are not shorn, so there are no nasty surprises next summer. He also noted the stud is one of only a couple of Australian White studs offering full breeding values backed by DNA accuracy, which clients value when making decisions. A new selling format, running rams through the ring with pick of the pen rather than selling in the pens, also worked well.
