New bidders, loyal clients produce top result at Nantoura Poll Merino sale

New bidders and loyal clients helped to produce an outstanding result at the 19^th Nantoura Poll Merino sale held on-property at Wharminda last week.

The average price was almost $700 up on the previous year at a healthy $2424.

The clearance was more than 90 per cent, with 91 rams sold out of 99 offered, to a top of $6000.

Making the top price was a ram bred from Ramsgate 230231, which Mr Prime purchased on-property in 2024.

Offered at lot two, the ram boasted fleece figures of 17.7 for micron, with a 17.6 coefficient of variation, 3.1 standard deviation and 99.4pc comfort factor.

Buying the top price ram, along with two other sires, was last year's highest bidder Scott Masters, Wharminda.

Mr Masters said the ram's wool qualities really stood out to him.

"The wool cut on it and the staple length stood out the most," he said.

"It also had good post-weaning weight and it's a solid, meaty ram."

Mr Masters said Nantoura sires produced quick-growing lambs, with long-stapled, quality wool.

The volume buyer of the sale was Steve Agars, SL&RJ Agars, Sheringa, buying 23 rams.

Nantoura principal Chris Prime said he was very pleased with the sale result.

"Some new clients came through recommendations, others had seen us at different events, and others hadn't bought for a few years but returned this year, so it was a real mixture," he said.

"It was really good to see a few new faces."

Mr Prime was particularly happy with the clearance.

"I think if you have eight to 10 rams left over, you're in a good spot, because then the prices aren't artificially inflated by demand," he said.

"I think everyone walked away with what they needed."

Producing plain-bodied sheep with good growth and muscle, and quality wool, is a focus for Nantoura, and the stud hasn't mulesed since 2008.

"I'm trying to make sure I'm not sacrificing one trait for another," Mr Prime said.

He said it was a great time to be in sheep.

"I'm really excited about where the Merino industry is at the moment," he said.

"Those who are really putting effort into their breeding are being rewarded."

Auctioneer Ben Dohnt said to sell almost an extra 40 rams on last year's sale and have such a strong average was a great result for the stud.

"There was plenty of competition, it didn't matter if it was lot 70 or lot three, there was interest right through the selection of rams," he said.

"There was a really good line-up that was very even and had very similar wool types. They were hard to split from one to another."

Nantoura has two rams for sale at the Classings Classic sale at Murray Bridge on Monday, September 7.

Mr Prime will also be taking part in the Royal Adelaide Show for the first time, with two entries in a new performance class.