Mt Challicum Merino ram sale tops $4200 for a $2154 average
Summary
Mt Challicum offered Merino and Poll Merino rams at its helmsman-style sale held during the Southern Victorian Merino Field Day on Friday. The Ararat-based stud sold 24 of the 32 rams offered to a top of $4200 and an average of $2154.
The top-priced ram, lot 26, was bought by returning buyer S.A.M. Williamson, Morval. The buyer said the ram appealed for his combination of wool and structural attributes, citing rich wool, a free-going skin, softness, good feet and structural soundness.
The stud co-principal said that while the clearance was below expectations, he was pleased with the average achieved and the support shown by buyers, noting the clearance was a bit down but the average was up. The sale drew what he believed was possibly the biggest crowd the stud had ever seen, combining new and returning clients.
The result followed a strong 12 months for the flock, with the past year described as a good one for growing sheep and wool. The stud has also enjoyed considerable success in the show ring through 2026, taking grand champion ultrafine ewe at the Victorian Sheep Show along with grand champion ultrafine poll ewe and reserve August-shorn ultrafine wool ram at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered, sold | 32 offered, 24 sold |
| Top price | $4200 |
| Sale average | $2154 |
| Volume buyer purchase, average | 4 rams at $1200 |
| Sale format | Helmsman-style |
| Breeds offered | Merino and Poll Merino |
| Victorian Sheep Show result | Grand champion ultrafine ewe |
| Australian Sheep and Wool Show result | Grand champion ultrafine poll ewe |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Mt Challicum ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $4200 for lot 26. The stud sold 24 of the 32 Merino and Poll Merino rams offered for an average of $2154. It was a helmsman-style sale.
Where was the sale held?
The rams were offered at a helmsman-style sale held during the Southern Victorian Merino Field Day on Friday. The stud itself is based at Ararat, and Nutrien Ararat was the selling agent.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Returning buyer S.A.M. Williamson, Morval, secured lot 26 at $4200. It was the highest price of the day, well clear of the $2154 sale average.
Why did the top-priced ram appeal?
The buyer said the ram appealed for his combination of wool and structural attributes. She cited his rich wool and free-going skin, describing him as soft and good on his feet as well as structurally sound.
Who was the volume buyer?
Atlapa Pty Ltd, Rhymney, was the volume buyer, purchasing four rams at an average of $1200. That draft sat well below the $2154 sale average, reflecting the spread of prices through the offering.
How did the stud rate the result?
The stud co-principal said the clearance was below expectations but the average was up, and he was pleased with both the average and the support shown by buyers. He said it was great to see new clients alongside returning ones.
How big was the crowd?
The stud co-principal believed it was possibly the biggest crowd Mt Challicum had ever seen. It combined new and returning clients, which he described as great to see.
What show results has the stud had in 2026?
The stud has enjoyed considerable show ring success through the year. It secured grand champion ultrafine ewe at the Victorian Sheep Show. At the Australian Sheep and Wool Show it took grand champion ultrafine poll ewe and reserve August-shorn ultrafine wool ram. The result followed what the stud described as a good 12 months for growing sheep and wool.
