Chrome unveils its new sheep breed, with two of the rams topping the sale
Chrome sheep stud unveiled its new sheep breed at its on-property summer ram sale this week.
The Yulecart stud offered 315 rams and sold 269, posting an overall average price of $1132.
The stud offered 33 of its new Chrome Shedders rams, selling 25 for an average price of $1676 and to a top of $3700.
Chrome stud principal Matt Tonissen said the new breed was the standout of the day.
"The success of this inaugural offering cements the Chrome Shedders' place as a breed to watch, blending performance, affordability and innovation," Mr Tonissen said.
"As Chrome sheep stud continues to raise the bar, buyers can look forward to future opportunities to invest in this exciting new breed."
He said the ram lambs were in particular demand, with 20 of the 23 2024-drop ram lambs selling for an average price of $1895.
"This was a clear indication of strong demand for this promising new line," he said.
The stud also offered 118 Chromedale rams and sold 96 to a top of $2100 and average of $1215, 16 Coopworths and sold six to a top of $1000 and average of $667, 64 ICON Southies and sold 59 to a top of $1400 and average of $954, 55 ICON Poll Dorsets and sold 53 to a top of $1500 and average of $1073, and cleared all 30 ICON 25s to a top of $2100 and average of $963.
The two top-priced Chrome Shedders rams were purchased by Wayne and Velia Munro, Branxholme, for $3700 each.
The first ram to make the top price, Lot 290, recorded Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) of 7.3 kilograms weaning weight (WWT), 10.9kg post-weaning weight (PWWT) and 1.8 post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD).
The second ram, Lot 293, recorded a 7.3kg WWT, 10.9kg PWWT and PEMD of 2.2.
The top-priced terminal rams, ICON 25s, lots 203 and 204, were sold for $2100 to long-term clients C, B, C & J Grant, Pigeon Ponds.
Lot 203 recorded ASBVs of 10.4kg WWT, 16.1kg PWWT and a PEMD of 1.7, while Lot 204 recorded an 11.8kg WWT, PWWT of 17.1.1kg and PEMD of 2.5.
A key volume buyer of the sale was Wattlebank, Toolondo, securing 23 terminal rams, consisting of 12 ICON Southies, four ICON 25s and seven ICON Poll Dorsets.
