Whitehill Poll Merino sale enjoys strong support from across the state

Whitehill Poll Merino's sixth annual on-property sale at Emu Downs on Friday set a new record for the stud, selling to $4500.

Overall, 80 rams sold out of the 100 offered, with a further five sold straight after the sale.

A solid average of $1521 was achieved across all the April/May-drop rams offered.

Stud co-principal Dale Button said it was a very pleasing result, although it was a challenging day to hold the sale, having the auction paused briefly when a hailstorm passed through, although no one was complaining about the rainfall.

"We were a bit worried early on because previous seasonal conditions meant a lot of our clients have had to cut back their breeding numbers and didn't need as many rams as normal, he said.

"But we were happy with how the sale went - it exceeded our expectations really."

The top price ram was knocked down to Bin Bin Station, Keilira, with the bidders starting the sale strong by securing lots 1, 2 and 3.

The top price ram - Sky 110 - weighed 106 kilograms and it was sired by a "Smithy" son, 173-34, which Whitehill bought from the Glenville stud at Cowell.

The long, deep-bodied ram's fleece measurements were 17.2 micron, 2.7 standard deviation, 15.7 coefficient of variation and 100 per cent comfort factor.

A heavy cutter with crimpy, bright white nourished wool, the ram cut 9pc more than the sale team's average, 6.45kg at five months growth at shearing time.

Then Lot 3, the second top-priced ram for $4400 - Sky 111 - was the top-priced ram's direct brother.

The 109.5kg ram had fleece of 19.1M, 2.5 SD, 12.9CV and 99.8pc CF.

It cut 15pc above the sale team average, at 7kg for five months' growth.

The major volume buyer was long-time client CS Mosey, Tothill Belt, taking 25 rams home with him.

There were five new buyers, including DA & BD Nutt Trading Trust, through Quality Livestock, who took five rams home to Orroroo.

Regular clients, the Milde family, Ellerina Farm Trust, Point Pass, took home six rams, while N&N Mosey, Robertstown, purchased five rams.

"We were really happy with the spread of buyers we had - from as far north as Orroroo, and as far south as Lucindale, as well as Kangaroo Island, proving our sheep handle every condition," Mr Button said.

"As well as a good geographical spread, there was a wide spread of ages in the buying gallery, from 80-year-old knowledgeable Merino stalwarts down to a young 15yo Bryce Heidrich securing lot 54 after some spirited bidding on previous lots.

"Client feedback confirms an even lineup of sheep in the catalogue, culminating with a $3000 purchase at lot 94. There were many good sheep sold within the $1200-$2400 range that would match the credentials of other higher profile studs.

"Whitehill thank all purchasers and underbidders and all those that attended on a day that it may have been easier to stay home by the fire."

The sale was conducted through Nutrien Eudunda, with Nutrien stud stock's Gordon Wood auctioneering.