Optimism after late winter rain leads to solid prices at multi-vendor ram sale

Good late winter rain and general optimism surrounding the sheep and wool industries led to solid demand at the Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day and Ram Sale at Balmoral.

With 12 western Victorian studs offering rams at the event, 69 out of 73 rams in total sold to an average of $2555.

Glenpaen Merino and Poll Merino stud, Brimpaen, took out the top price honours with Lot 1, which made $6000, selling to repeat buyers Lake Banks, Noradjuha.

The 16-month-old ram, which also took out the champion shortwool sale ram, had fleece that measured 17 micron, 2.2 standard deviation and 13.2 coefficient of variation.

Glenpaen and Kurra-Wirra Merino stud, Culla, recorded the equal-highest average across all 12 studs at $3875.

Glenpaen sold four out of rams averaging, while Kurra-Wirra sold four out of five and topped at $5000.

The biggest vendor of the day was Kevlyn Merino stud, Coojar, which sold 21 of 22 rams to a top of $5000 and an average of $2404.

The Millear family's Stud Park South Merino stud, Willaura, sold four out of four rams, averaging $3750 and to a top of $5000.

Wurrook Merino stud, Rokewood, sold all three of the rams it offered for an average of $2000 and top of $2000.

Melrose Merino stud, Nurrabiel, sold two out of three rams for $2000 each.

Rockbank South Merino stud, Hensley Park, sold two out of two rams for $1200 each.

Kalenea Poll Merino stud, Penshurst, sold all four of its rams with a top of $3000 and an average of $2025.

Glenera North Merino stud, Bungalally, sold all seven of its rams to a top of $3200 and an average of $2542.

Kerrsville Merino stud, Coojar, sold three out of four rams to a top $2250 and an average of $2166.

Gleneden Merino stud, Douglas, sold eight out of 10 rams to a top $3000 and an average of $2375.

Mount Yulong Merino stud, Telangatuk, sold six out of six rams to a top of $4750 and average of $2666.

There was a diverse group of buyers in attendance, with volume buyers from the southern Wimmera and up into central Wimmera regions.

The sale was also spiced up by interstate demand, not only from across the border in south-east South Australia, but from buyers from Goulburn, NSW.

Glenelg Regional Merino Field Day and Ram Sale president Warren Russell, Nurrabiel, said he was delighted with the day.

"We had some good rain over the weekend, generally around 15 millimetres for much of the local region, which was about a perfect amount given the wet winter," Mr Russell said.

"It will kick things along nicely and allowed a good crowd to get along for the day.

"We definitely felt like there was a top-notch parcel of rams offered, which is why this is one of the biggest multi-vendor ram sales held in Victoria.

"There is a proven track record with the breeders and their ability to provide the right rams for Merino breeders, not only in our local area but across the country.

"It was great to see a broad range of buyers from across a range of districts get along and support the event."