Strong demand drives Karawatha Park's annual Poll Merino ram sale

Karawatha Park Poll Merino stud, Kimba, achieved a total clearance of 150 rams at its annual on-property sale on Friday, averaging $1606.

While a strong result, this year's average was slightly below last year's $1908.

Topping the sale at $6000 was lot 10, a June 2024-drop ram sired by Karawatha 230903.

The double polled ram sold to Glenville Merino Stud, Cowell.

Top-price buyer Glenville Poll Merino Stud Klay Smith said the ram stood out for its high post-weaning weight and elite wool.

"It's hard to find a ram with a post-weaning weight above 10 that still carries elite wool, and this one is just a safe, uncomplicated purchase," he said.

"We'll be using him in our stud program."

The ram carried Australian Sheep Breeding Values of 37.4 on yearling clean fleece weight, 13.9 yearling weight, 10.8 post weaning weight, 0.2 fat score and 0.3 eye muscle depth.

It recorded a 200 wool production index, and a 163 sustainable Merino index.

The sire's data placed the ram in the top five per cent of the breed for yearling clean fleece weight, yearling weight, post-weaning weight, WP and SM indexes, according to the Sheep Genetics database.

Stud principal Dion Woolford, Kimba, said the ram combined correctness and style with elite performance data.

"Lot 10 had all the figures, it's a correct ram with stylish, well-nourished wool," Mr Woolford said.

"The standout is his figures.

"Our sale generally consists of commercial clients, so it was good to see some interest from our peers."

Volume support came from repeat buyers, with Pandurra Pastoral Co, via Port Augusta, securing 32 rams, averaging $1018, Longtrail Farms, Parilla, taking home 20, averaging $1860, Moolooloo Station, via Blinman, buying 19, averaging, $1136, and Morris Pastoral, Thelga Station, securing 13, averaging $1030.

Nutrien stud stock auctioneer Gordon Wood said the sale again benefited from strong orders from long-term clients.

"Pandurra have been going there for as long as I can remember and have always been strong supporters," Mr Wood said.

"Longtrail have been buying for six or seven years now, travelling a fair distance, which shows their confidence in the rams.

"Along with Moolooloo and Morris Pastoral, those big orders certainly helped the clearance."

Elders stud stock auctioneer Tony Wetherall said the lineup was of a consistently high standard.

"I thought they had a very good sale, all things considered, given ewe numbers are down across the country," Mr Wetherall said.

"The rams were visually appealing, backed with good data, and genetics were strongly sought by return buyers.

"To clear 150 rams is an excellent result."