New clients support Manofield Australian White annual ram sale at Black Springs
Manofield Australian Whites, Black Springs, sold 22 of 37 rams offered to a top of $1265 at their online ram sale, returning an overall average of $970.
The sale was conducted by stud principals Ben and Kerry Heinrich through their own online platform, with support from Nutrien agent Glen Keast.
In total, seven new clients and three repeat buyers secured rams, reflecting both growing demand for Australian Whites and ongoing confidence in the Manofield program, said Mr Keast.
The top price of $1265 was achieved for Lot 14, a March 2024-drop ram by sire M-220095.
The single-born ram weighed 81kg and displayed impressive growth figures, with a 0.210 birthweight estimated breeding value, 7.5 weaning weight and 11.1 post-weaning weight.
His measurements, a Post-Weaning Fat Depth PFAT of 0.6 mm and a Post-Weaning Eye Muscle Depth PEMD of 0.6 mm, combined with strong carcass indexes including Total Carcase Production 122.7 per cent, Maternal Carcase Production Plus MCP+ 120.9 and Eating Quality EQ 122.1.
Lot 14 was purchased by Jason and Alicia Branson, Branvue, Tarlee, who run a commercial flock of 140 Australian White ewes.
Long-standing supporters of the Manofield stud since 2020, the Bransons secured two rams in total.
Mr Branson said Lot 14's structure and shedding ability stood out.
"He's well on his way to shedding and has a good structure, which were the two main things I was looking for," he said.
Volume buyers included M&L Liebeknecht, Robertstown, who took home six rams at a $1135 average, continuing their support after also purchasing in 2022.
Another highlight was new client Trevor Pluckridge, Marble Range, who secured three rams to an $800 average after following the stud's performance data online.
Mr Heinrich said the sale result was encouraging, given the season and the stud's relatively recent establishment.
"It's very good to be developing some long-term clients as a new stud," he said.
"It shows confidence in what we're doing, and people appreciate that we're producing paddock-raised, unshorn and low-maintenance sheep."
He said interest from new clients was also positive.
"We even had buyers like Trevor from Marble Range who we'd never met before, which shows people are finding us through our data and reputation," Mrs Heinrich said.
"That's a great sign for the future."
Mr Keast said the quality of rams presented was a credit to the Heinrich family.
"For the start of the year and how tough it was feed wise, the rams were in very good condition," he said.
"They're proving they can do it in any conditions, and I think the people that purchased will be very happy with them."
He said Manofield's commitment to recording Australian Sheep Breeding Values gave them an advantage in the marketplace.
"People are definitely coming back because they have got ASBVs where some other shedding studs haven't jumped on yet, and that gives buyers confidence in the genetics they are investing in," he said.
