Kilfeera Park Merino ram sale tops $5000 at Lurg for a $2305 average
Summary
A neighbour bought the top-priced Merino ram at the Kilfeera Park annual sale. The Lurg stud sold 42 of the 54 rams offered for an average of $2305.
The top ram, lot 12, made $5000 to a neighbouring operation based about three kilometres from Kilfeera Park that has used the stud's rams for more than 30 years. The price comfortably exceeded last year's $4000 peak.
The stud co-principal said the economic climate had improved on last year, with prices up for both wool and meat, noting that buyers had held back during a tough season. He described the top-priced ram as very correct with good conformation and a magnificent, beautifully defined, crimpy, white wool. The ram was by artificial insemination from Roseville Park 221194, and a brother that made more than $4000 helped generate strong interest in the artificially inseminated progeny.
The top-priced ram carried an 18.4-micron fleece with a standard deviation of 2.6, a coefficient of variation of 14.2 and a comfort factor of 99.5 per cent. His yearling weight figure was 7.05, with a yearling eye muscle depth of -1.65 millimetres and a yearling fat depth of -0.05 millimetres.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered, sold | 54 offered, 42 sold |
| Sale average | $2305 |
| Top price | $5000 |
| 2025 top price | $4000 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 18.4 micron |
| Top ram comfort factor | 99.5 per cent |
| Second volume buyer draft | 7 rams |
| New clients | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Kilfeera Park Merino ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $5000 for lot 12. The stud sold 42 of the 54 rams offered for an average of $2305. The top price easily exceeded last year's $4000 peak.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
A neighbouring operation about three kilometres from Kilfeera Park secured him. The buyers have used the stud's rams for more than 30 years. It was the only ram they bought this season.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
He carried an 18.4-micron fleece with a standard deviation of 2.6 and a coefficient of variation of 14.2, at a 99.5 per cent comfort factor. His yearling weight figure was 7.05, with a yearling eye muscle depth of -1.65 millimetres and a yearling fat depth of -0.05 millimetres. He was by artificial insemination from Roseville Park 221194.
Why did the top ram attract interest?
The stud co-principal described him as very correct with good conformation and a magnificent, beautifully defined, crimpy, white wool. A brother of his made more than $4000 at the same sale, which generated a fair amount of interest in the artificially inseminated progeny.
What will the top ram be used for?
The buyers run 350 Merino ewes within a 700-strong flock and hope the ram will maintain the wool quality and cut of their flock. Half the flock is joined to a Merino and the other half to a terminal sire. They cited his big, long body, nice width, good feet and upstanding, soft wool.
How did the market compare with last year?
The stud co-principal said the economic climate had improved, with prices up for both wool and meat. He noted that the tough season last year had caused buyers to hold back. The top price rose from $4000 to $5000.
Who were the volume buyers?
A Violet Town buyer took seven rams and Kithbrook Estates, Kithbrook, picked up six. The selling agent said a couple of extra volume buyers really set the pace at this year's sale.
Where did the rams sell to?
Rams went to Riverina, western district and local commercial operations. The selling agent reported a number of repeat buyers along with two new clients, and said the rams presented well on the back of a season that set the stud up to produce an even run.
