O'Brien Dohne and Poll Merino ram sale lifts clearance with a $12,000 top at Wudinna
Summary
The O'Brien annual Dohne and Poll Merino ram sale at the Wudinna Showgrounds delivered a stronger result, with the main auction clearance rising by 11 rams year on year. A total of 64 of 75 rams were knocked down for a $2171 average, up from the 2025 outcome of 53 of 72 rams at a $2086 average. The sale topper, Lot 9, made $12,000 and was a Dohne-influenced ram carrying 74 per cent Poll Merino breeding, weighing 109 kilograms and single-born. It was a trait leader for growth, sitting in the top 5 per cent for both post-weaning and yearling weight at 10.81 and 13.47, the top 10 per cent for adult weight at 10.57, and the top 20 per cent for weaning weight at 6.09. Sired by Wallaloo Park 220960, the ram was secured by a buyer from Boothby Downs Partners, Tintinara, to breed rams for their own operation. A concurrent mini Helmsman auction sold 23 of 59 rams to a $1034 average and a $1600 top. Rams headed to Kangaroo Island, the South East, the Adelaide Hills, and across the Eyre Peninsula. The stud retained semen rights to the top ram, noting its promising genetics, relatively low fat, and high intramuscular fat. A volume buyer from Karingavale Farming, Warramboo, took eight rams at a $1325 average, while Omaroo Ag, Kyancutta, also secured eight at a $1150 average. The stud highlighted ongoing work on foot shape and PIRSA projects targeting higher weaning rates and reduced methane.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price | $12,000 (Lot 9) |
| Main auction clearance | 64 of 75 rams sold |
| Main auction average | $2171 |
| 2025 comparison | 53 of 72 rams, $2086 average |
| Top ram weight | 109kg, single-born |
| Top ram breeding | 74pc Poll Merino, Dohne influenced |
| Mini Helmsman auction | 23 of 59 sold, $1034 average, $1600 top |
|
Volume purchases |
two buyers took eight rams each, $1325 and $1150 averages |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the O'Brien ram sale?
The sale topper, Lot 9, sold for $12,000. It was a Dohne-influenced ram with 74 per cent Poll Merino breeding.
How did the clearance and average compare to last year?
The main auction sold 64 of 75 rams at a $2171 average, up 11 rams on the 2025 result of 53 of 72 rams at a $2086 average.
What were the top ram's figures?
The single-born ram weighed 109 kilograms and was a trait leader for growth. It sat in the top 5 per cent for both post-weaning and yearling weight, the top 10 per cent for adult weight, and the top 20 per cent for weaning weight.
What happened in the mini Helmsman auction?
A concurrent mini Helmsman auction sold 23 of 59 rams. That section averaged $1034 with a $1600 top.
Where did the rams go?
Rams travelled to Kangaroo Island, the South East, the Adelaide Hills, and across the Eyre Peninsula. New buyers came from the Upper South East and Kangaroo Island.
Did the stud retain rights to the top ram?
Yes, the stud retained semen rights to the top-priced ram, which it had already used as a ram lamb. It was noted for relatively low fat but high intramuscular fat.
Who were the volume buyers?
A buyer from Karingavale Farming, Warramboo, took eight rams at a $1325 average. Omaroo Ag, Kyancutta, also secured eight rams at a $1150 average.
What breeding projects is the stud pursuing?
The stud is involved in PIRSA projects aimed at lifting weaning and post-weaning rates using ASBVs and reducing methane through increased production. It is also researching foot shape with universities.
