Interstate demand high, Sheepmaster Parent Stud rams head for WA, SA, Vic and NSW
A strong interstate contingent combined with local support off the back of recent rain helped boost the Sheepmaster Parent Stud's on-property sale at Woodstock on February 11.
All up, 45 of 50 rams averaged $2322.
The top-priced lot, Sheepmaster 34, was knocked down for $14,000 to Elders Dubbo, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed buyer.
Abbott Stacy, Elders Dubbo, said his client favoured the ram for its bone structure, skin rating, and long body.
He noted the April-2025 drop had plenty of time to grow and he expected the young ram to fill out nicely.
The ram, from the Masterbuild family, weighed 104 kilograms and had an eye muscle depth of 37 millimetres with 5mm fat.
It also recorded breeding values of +11.03 weaning weight, +17.92 post-weaning weight, and a terminal carcase production index of 151.63.
The ram marked the sole purchase for the buyer.
The second top-priced ram followed straight afterwards, with Sheepmaster 38 selling for $5000 to Blackwood Sheepmaster, Kulikup, WA.
From the Corrector family, the 100kg ram had 34mm EMD and 5mm, while also recording scores of five points from five for both temperament and skin, and three points of three for muscling.
There were several volume buyers operating online, with 35 of 45 rams heading interstate.
Leading the charge was Nicholas Johns, Rocklands, Vic, who secured a draft of 12 rams averaging $1542.
Another WA buyer, Andrew Sandison, Warradarge, selected 11 rams averaging $2000. His top pick was Sheepmaster 250355, an August-2025 drop weighing 73kg.
The ram also scored full points for temperament, muscle and skin.
Damon Groth, Bordertown, SA, bought four rams averaging $2375, while Liz Williams, North Beach, WA, also bought four to average $2875.
Zac Sales, Sheepmaster Parent Stud, said it was a great result. Seasonal conditions had been a challenge but the sheep had handled it well, he said.
"Good average, good clearance, and we're really happy with the lineup of sheep," he said.
The top ram had always been a standout and the stud expected him to attract some interest, but the price was unexpected.
"He's potentially one of the best rams we've ever bred here," he said.
Andrew Hodgson, Sheepmaster Parent Stud, added that the stud was still getting established in NSW and the breed was not yet very well known outside WA, where the parent stud began.
He said they were receiving good interest from producers looking to transition out of wool, who were impressed by the Sheepmaster's temperament and ease of management.
The sale was conducted by Elders with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, the guest auctioneer. StockLive provided the interface.
