Pepper Well Poll Merinos sell to $4200 at on-property sale at Keyneton

The top and average were up at the annual Pepper Well Poll Merino sale at Keyneton on Wednesday last week.

The average of $1538 was up on last year's $1445.

Overall, 20 rams sold out of 37 offered.

The top price ram made $4200 and was knocked down to long-time clients RG&TA Hentschke, Tungkillo.

Offered at lot 5, the May 2024 drop ram weighed 79.5 kilograms and was sired by Richmond 220339.

It had figures of 8.7 for yearling weight, 6.5 for post-weaning weight, 1.6 eye muscle depth, 20.94 clean fleece weight, -0.9 for fibre diameter and 18.6 for staple length.

The ram's fleece measurements were 18.9 micron, 3.0 standard deviation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.

RG&TA Hentschke also bought a further four rams.

Also buying near the top of the catalogue was new buyer T Clarke, Warialda, NSW, taking lot 1 at $4000.

The May 2024 drop ram weighed 106.5 kilograms and was also sired by Richmond 220339.

It had figures of 13.9 for YWT, 11.9 for PWT, 1.8 YEMD, 20.52 YCFW, -1.1 for YFD and 21.8 for YSL.

The ram's fleece measurements were 18.3 micron, 2.8 standard deviation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.

David Holt, Eden Valley, bought lot 7 for $3200.

The May 2024 drop ram weighed 88.5 kilograms and was sired by Pepper Well 222047.

It had figures of 6.8 for YWT, 5.4 for PWT, 2.4 YEMD, 8.61 YCFW, -2.5 for YFD and 14.3 for YSL.

The ram's fleece measurements were 16.0 micron, 3.0 standard deviation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.

Dean Schirmer, Cambrai, bought four rams, averaging $950.

Stud principal Hansi Graetz said while the sale results were disappointing, it was to be expected due to the tough seasonal conditions clients were facing, particularly in the Mallee.

"Our loyal clients got some really good sheep this year at fair prices, but instead of buying two or three rams like they normally would, they bought one," he said.

"There was still really good competition on the top sheep."

Mr Graetz said it was pleasing to have four new clients bid.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien Fawcett Livestock Mount Pleasant and Elders.

Nutrien Fawcett Livestock Mount Pleasant's Ashley Fawcett was the auctioneer.

Nutrien Fawcett Livestock Mount Pleasant agent David Schultz said the stud presented a great selection for bidders.

"Condition-wise and size, it was one of Pepper Well's best lineups," he said.