Kedleston Park's top progeny headed to Gippsland operation on stud duties

A central Victorian ram will make his way south for stud duties after achieving the top price at Kedleston Park's annual sale.

The top-priced ram made $7000 and was one of 33 that sold of 40 offered at the on-property sale at Calivil.

The Poll Merino rams averaged $3121, a $390 jump on last year when 36 rams averaged $2371.

The top ram, Lot 3, was purchased by Steve and Lisa Harrison, Bindawarra Merino stud, Giffard West.

The Harrisons couldn't make it to the sale in person but had sheep specialist Stephen Chalmers placing bids on their behalf.

Mr Harrison said they had received advice from a few people at the sale that Lot 3 would be suitable for their operation.

"He stands well and has white wool," he said.

"He will go to a mob of ewes to create another family.

"His data has the potential to increase eye muscle and fat in his progeny."

The ram recorded fleece measurements of 18.4 micron, 2.7 standard deviation (SD), 14.4 coefficient of variation (CV) and 99.17 per cent comfort factor (CF).

Kedleston Park stud principal John Humbert said the top-priced ram had been one of his favourites.

"He's got great structure, quality wool and plenty of it," Mr Humbert said.

"You always hope to make a price like that but we certainly didn't expect it."

He said he was pleased with the result of the sale, particularly how the top-end rams sold.

"It's amazing when you think about what a change we've had in the last 12 months," he said.

"Last year we were hanging out for the next drop of rain and this year we're hoping the next drop of rain will go past us."

He said he was very proud of how the rams had turned out this year.

"They've grown plenty of wool and plenty of meat - that's what we're striving to breed," he said.

Buangor sheep classer John McGrath purchased four rams, including the equal second top-priced ram for $6500, on behalf of Pyrenees Pastoral Company, Ararat.

Mr McGrath said while the operation was new to the scene, its family had been purchasing rams from Kedleston Park for some time.

"They're big, upstanding rams that will cut plenty of wool," he said.

"They know that the rams are going to do well for them in their area."

The second top-priced ram that Pyrenees Pastoral Company purchased was Lot 6, which recorded fleece measurements of 19.7 micron, 2.9 SD, 14.6 CV and 99.7pc CF.

Elders auctioneer Ross Milne said the top-end rams sold for some of the best prices Kedleston Park had ever recorded.

"There were some solid prices around that $4000-$6000 mark and some that went for higher than that," Mr Milne said.

"However, buyers still got good value on those $1500-$2000 rams."

He said it was an impressive offering of "modern, good-bodied" sheep.