Near-total clearance at Old Ashrose annual Merino and White Suffolk ram sale

Buyers from across the pastoral zone in particular ensured a near-total clearance at the Old Ashrose annual on-property ram sale, Hallett.

Of the 193 rams offered, 192 were sold, with strong demand for both White Suffolks and Poll Merinos.

In the breakdown, all 80 White Suffolks cleared to a top of $2100 at lot 9, averaging $1025, while 96 of 97 Merinos sold to a top of $7250 at lot 12, surpassing last years top price, averaging $1816.

The mini-auction cleared all 16 rams to $2000, averaging $1175.

The $7250 top-price Poll Merino, lot 12, was purchased by Mutooroo Pastoral Company for stud duties.

Sired by Wallaloo Park PWP060, the 127.5 kilogram ram had 124pc body weight and 126pc greasy fleece weight figures.

It carried a 20.3 micron fleece, with 2.6 standard deviation, 12.8 coefficient of variation and a 99.7 per cent comfort factor.

Mutooroo's Ed Morgan said the ram had the structure and wool qualities they were seeking.

"I think he just really has that stud sire outlook," Mr Morgan said.

"He's very deep in his body, very good on his legs and very high in fleece weight.

"He's a really rich, stylish stud wool ram with terrific bone, carcass and exceptional wool cuts.

"All four rams we bought today were very consistent."

Mr Morgan said the rams would go directly into their 2000 stud ewe program at Mutooroo Station, which also supplies Mulyungarie and Lilydale stations.

Old Ashrose stud principal Nick Wadlow said the sale result exceeded expectations.

"We were really pleased with it, especially at the top end," Mr Wadlow said.

"Lot 12 stood out with his wool quality, a very long-stapled, rich, white wool on a big frame, from a family that has bred very well for us."

He said it was encouraging to see both repeat and new clients support the Merino offering.

The White Suffolk catalogue also drew strong support, topping at $2100 for lot 9, a ram purchased by CR Low and Son, Whites Range.

Lot 9 weighed 115.5kg and had Australian Sheep Breeding Values of 0.28 birth weight, 16.66 Post Weaning Weight, -0.46 PFAT, 1.70 PEMD, and a 142.02 Terminal Carcase Production index.

"He's a good type - nice and square on his feet, with good figures and doing ability," Mr Wadlow said.

"We were very excited to clear them all, it reflects the strength in the lamb market and confidence in the industry."

Buyer David Low said lot 9 impressed with its data and structural soundness.

"He's got a really good TCP, low birth weight, fast growth rates and just a well put-together ram," Mr Low said.

"It was a very even line-up - we were able to buy from the front row right through to the back."

In total, 35 of the 39 registered bidders took home rams.

CR Low and Son, Whites Range, was the largest volume buyer, securing 23 White Suffolks to average $1174.

RJM Pastoral, Port Augusta, bought 17 rams at an $800 average, Elders, Broken Hill, took home 13 at a $1000 average, while Oulnina Nominees, Manna Hill, secured 12 at $1283.

Elders auctioneer Tony Wetherall described the sale as solid across both breeds.

"The White Suffolks had depth of quality right through and the Merinos were outstanding for their balance, size and wool quality," Mr Wetherall said.

"They are sheep that will go out and perform across a range of environments."

The sale was conducted by Elders, with Mr Wetherall the auctioneer.