North Ashrose Premier 1742 son makes $10,000 top at on-property ram sale

North Ashrose has enjoyed a strong result at its annual ram sale, clearing all 146 Merino and Poll Merino rams offered to average $2275 and reach a top of $10,000.

This was a $347 rise on average compared to 2025, when a full clearance of 160 rams topped at $5500 and averaged $1928.

Lot 2, a son of Premier 1742, attracted the top bid from long-term clients Mutooroo Pastoral Co.

The ram measured carried a 19.1 micron fleece, with 2.9 standard deviation, 15.4 per cent coefficient of variation, 99.5pc comfort factor and a 117 per cent greasy fleece weight.

Mid-August measurements recorded a 105kg body weight, 43.6 millimetre eye muscle depth and 7.6mm fat.

Mutooroo Pastoral Co operation manager Ed Morgan said the ram would be used in their stud program.

"We thought he was a really good type and really well balanced sheep and good white wool and plenty of it," he said.

"He just oozes stud sire from his well nourished wool and structure."

Mr Morgan said wool cut and structure were particular features of the ram, which would be used across Mutooroo's 2000-ewe stud program.

Mutooroo also purchased Lot 5 for $5500, with Mr Morgan describing it as another balanced sheep with long-stapled white wool, good depth of body and strong fleece weight.

The Mutooroo operation runs Merino sheep across its stud and commercial programs, with the stud supplying rams to its Lilydale, Mutooroo and Mulyungarie properties.

Volume buyers provided strong support throughout the sale, with Minburra Pastoral Co, Orroroo, purchasing 24 rams, averaging $1800.

John Easling, Hindmarsh Island, bought 21 rams, averaging $2538, while Belmont, Winton, Qld, purchased 29 rams, averaging $1676, and SM&AH Wandel, Cummins, secured 11 rams, averaging $2545.

North Ashrose principal Tom Ashby, Gulnare, said the sale was buoyant, with strong bidding throughout .

Mr Ashby said the structure and bodies the stud had been working on were evident throughout the line-up, alongside strong wool production.

Describing the $10,000 ram, he said its rich, high-volume wool, spring of rib, eye muscle and carcase traits helped set it apart.

Mr Ashby said the support from the volume buyers was particularly pleasing, with all being repeat clients from a range of regions including Qld and SA's pastoral country.

"The sheep are doing them well," he said.

Looking ahead, North Ashrose will maintain its focus on quality Merino genetics, with Mr Ashby saying the stud did not need to push frame size further at present.

"It's all about carcase shape now, and maintaining that really high quality fibre on it," he said.

Nutrien stud stock auctioneer Gordon Wood said the sale was strongly supported by return buyers.

He said pastoral buyers had lifted their sights after a strong season, while the North Ashrose sheep offered robust wool-producing animals with substantial carcase traits.

Elders auctioneer Steven Doecke said pastoral support was particularly strong.

"The North Ashrose line-up are perfect for the commercial producer from start to finish," he said.

The sale was conducted by Elders in conjunction with Nutrien, with Elders Jamestown as the duty agent.