Karawatha Park Notches Full Clearance and $3,004 Average at 24th On-Property Merino Ram Sale Near Kimba
Summary
The 24th Karawatha Park on-property ram sale near Kimba delivered a full clearance of all 150 rams offered, backed by a $3,004 average that ranked among the strongest in the state. The result marked a substantial lift on the 2025 sale, which also cleared 150 rams to a $6,000 top but averaged just $1,606, meaning the average almost doubled year on year.
The top-priced ram sold for $6,000 to a local commercial operation running a 500 ewe flock, with the buyer citing standout Australian Sheep Breeding Values. That ram posted a yearling clean fleece weight of 42.2 and WP, SM and FW indexes all sitting in the top five per cent of the breed, alongside solid fat, eye muscle and staple length figures. The same buyer secured three rams at a $4,133 average.
The lift in demand was linked to well-grown rams that benefited from a good season, with around 230mm of rain since shearing, and to firm sheep and wool prices. Volume buying was led by a long-standing client taking 55 rams at a $3,038 average, with further multi-ram purchases across South Australian districts. A stud lot sold in shares to two Poll Merino studs for $5,800.
Alongside the sale, Karawatha Park is offering clients DNA flock profiling support to track genetic progress and guide ram selection, reflecting a continued focus on measurable breeding gains and long-term client relationships across the Merino industry.
Key Data
| METRIC | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Rams offered and sold |
150 |
| Clearance rate |
100 per cent |
| Average price |
$3,004 |
| Top price (Lot 7) |
$6,000 |
| Top buyer average (3 rams) | $4,133 |
| Largest volume purchase |
55 rams at $3,038 |
| 2025 average price |
$1,606 |
| Rain since shearing |
230mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the 2026 Karawatha Park ram sale held?
The 24th on-property ram sale was held near Kimba on Friday last week. All 150 rams offered were sold, achieving a full clearance.
What was the top price at the Karawatha Park ram sale?
The top-priced ram, Lot 7, sold for $6,000 to a local commercial operation running a 500 ewe flock. It carried strong Australian Sheep Breeding Values, including a 42.2 yearling clean fleece weight and WP, SM and FW indexes all in the top five per cent of the breed.
What was the average price at the sale?
The offering averaged $3,004, which ranked among the best results in the state. This was a substantial improvement on the 2025 sale, where the average was $1,606.
How did the 2026 result compare with 2025?
Both years recorded a full clearance of 150 rams to a $6,000 top. However, the average almost doubled, rising from $1,606 in 2025 to $3,004 in 2026, reflecting stronger demand for higher quality animals.
Why did prices lift compared with the previous year?
The rams benefited from a good season, with about 230mm of rain since shearing producing well-grown animals. Firm sheep and wool prices, along with a numerically stronger offering, were also credited with driving increased demand and the higher average.
Who were the main volume buyers at the sale?
The largest volume purchase was 55 rams at a $3,038 average by a long-standing client. Additional multi-ram purchases were made across several South Australian districts, ranging from six to 13 rams per buyer.
What breeding traits did buyers focus on?
Buyers placed strong emphasis on Australian Sheep Breeding Values, including clean fleece weight, staple length, fat and eye muscle depth. The top ram illustrated this focus, combining high fleece weight with top five per cent WP, SM and FW index rankings.
What is Karawatha Park offering clients for genetic progress?
The stud is offering to help facilitate DNA flock profiling so clients can monitor genetic progress over time and guide ram selection. This service is being rolled out over the coming months in conjunction with an external agricultural genetics team.
