Old Ashrose Merino stud's annual auction tops at $11,500 for a station-bound Poll Merino ram
Summary
The Old Ashrose Merino and Poll Merino stud's annual auction delivered strong results, headlined by a Poll Merino ram that sold for a top price of $11,500 to a pastoral operation destined for station country. Offered as Lot 4 and sired by Manunda 470, the top ram weighed just under 140 kilograms and carried standout fleece figures: 20.8 micron, a 2.8 standard deviation, a 13.5 per cent coefficient of variation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor. It was also one of the heaviest wool cutters at 133 per cent and shares its sire with the stud's 2026 Royal Adelaide Show supreme Merino ram. The buyer secured four sires for a pastoral stud program, averaging $7937 across the group. In the main auction, 94 Poll Merino rams sold to a top of $11,500 for a $2687 average, while six Merinos reached a top of $2200 to average $1666. A mini auction saw all 20 Poll Merino rams clear to a top of $3000 and a $1645 average. The sale also marked the final offering of White Suffolk rams after a decade, with 73 of 79 selling to a top of $4200 and averaging $1299 as the business restructures to focus on Merinos. Volume buyers were active across the pastoral zone, with one operation taking 18 rams to average $1777, another nine to average $2538 and a third eight to average $1712. Strong seasonal conditions, firm wool prices and solid lamb values combined to underpin buyer confidence throughout the day.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Top ram price |
$11,500 |
|
Top ram micron |
20.8 |
|
Top ram weight |
just under 140 kg |
| Comfort factor |
99.8% |
|
Poll Merino rams sold (main auction) |
94 to average $2687 |
|
White Suffolk clearance |
73 of 79, top $4200, average $1299 |
| Mini auction Poll Merinos |
20 sold, top $3000, average $1645 |
|
Top buyer four-ram average |
$7937 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Old Ashrose annual auction?
The top price was $11,500, paid for a Poll Merino ram offered as Lot 4. It was sired by Manunda 470 and purchased by a pastoral operation for its stud program.
What were the fleece figures of the top-priced ram?
The top ram measured 20.8 micron with a 2.8 standard deviation, a 13.5 per cent coefficient of variation and a 99.8 per cent comfort factor. It weighed just under 140 kilograms and was among the heaviest wool cutters at 133 per cent.
How did the Poll Merino rams perform overall in the main auction?
In the main auction, 94 Poll Merino rams sold to a top of $11,500 and averaged $2687. Six Merinos also sold, reaching a top of $2200 and averaging $1666.
What happened with the White Suffolk rams?
The White Suffolk rams were offered for the final time, with 73 of 79 selling to a top of $4200 and averaging $1299. The stud is restructuring to focus on its Merino operation after a decade with the breed.
How did the mini auction Poll Merinos sell?
All 20 Poll Merino rams in the mini auction sold, reaching a top of $3000 and averaging $1645. This reflected a complete clearance across the smaller offering.
Why was the top-priced ram sought after?
It was valued for bright, well-crimped wool suited to pastoral conditions and a high fleece weight relative to body weight. The buyer secured four sires in total, averaging $7937.
What conditions supported buyer confidence at the sale?
Recent rain, a good season, and firm wool and lamb prices combined to lift confidence. Buyers from across the pastoral zone were active, including several volume purchasers.
