Mallee Hill marks 20th ram sale with special RFDS donation
MALLEE Hill Poll Merino Stud celebrated its 20th on-property ram sale with a strong result last Friday.
Overall, 64 rams of the 68 offered sold to a top of $4000, averaging $1131 - an increase on the 2024 sale.
Stud principal Warren Beattie described the sale result as "pleasantly surprising" given the season, with a strong clearance, four new clients, and the average "well above expectations".
The top price was achieved at lot 9, purchased by Michael Glynn, MM&NA Glynn, Senior, north of Bordertown.
Mr Glynn had seen the 120-kilogram Glenlea Park-sired ram at the South East Merino Field Days and like its depth, length and wool quality.
It had figures of 20.8-micron wool, with 13.3pc coefficient of variation, 2.8 standard deviation, 99.9 per cent comfort factor, as well as 42.7mm eye muscle depth and 6.3mm fat depth.
"We've been using Glenlea Park genetics for a long time, and when I saw him, I knew I wanted him," Mr Glynn said.
"I've been following Warren a bit with his purchases; he's certainly investing in the genetics for the type of sheep we like."
Mr Glynn purchased a second ram for $1800.
The second-highest price of $3000 was paid by Reece Hull, Elliston, for a 119.5kg Mallee Hill-sired ram with 20.9M wool.
Volume buyer NR&G Siemer of Koonawarra Station secured 20 rams to $1000, while Clint Oswald of Green Oaks Ag also bought a few, taking home eight to $2200.
This included lot 17, which Mallee Hill offered as a charity ram in commemoration of the stud's 20th anniversary. It sold for $1800 with the proceeds going to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Bloodlines by Glenlea Park and Kamora Park sires were among the standouts of the sale.
Mr Beattie noted that two rams by Kamora Park sires will be offered at the Adelaide Ram Sale this year, marking the stud's first time selling at that event.
"The rams seem to be improving every year, and that's why I'm selling two in Adelaide for a stud to purchase," he said.
Damien Johnson of Quality Livestock said the Mallee Hill sale result was pleasing after a tough year.
"The rams presented very well - Warren's done a great job in a trying season," he said.
