Select rams average over $6000 at Jackson Farming sale

Strong competition from repeat buyers, new faces and a number of volume purchasers underpinned a successful 27th annual on-property ram sale for Jackson Farming at Moyston, with both Border Leicester and Poll Dorset offerings achieving a full clearance.

The Jackson family sold six select stud rams to a top of $8000 for an average of $6250.

This was followed by 90 flock Border Leicester rams that sold to an average of $2564, while 60 Poll Dorset rams sold to a top of $3250 and averaged $1937.

One select Border Leicester ewe sold for $2000.

Both the top prices and averages across the ram offerings were up on the 2025 sale.

Jackson Farming stud co-principal David Jackson said the family was pleased and appreciated the strong attendance.

"We appreciate everyone coming along, there were a lot of new faces and plenty of return buyers," Mr Jackson said.

He said the family was particularly pleased with the sheep offered this year following a strong season, describing the ewes as the best they had produced.

"The ewes are the best we have had," he said.

Mr Jackson also acknowledged the efforts of his family in preparing the sheep and conducting the sale.

Jackson Farming stud co-principal Carol Jackson said she was very happy with the results, particularly the strong averages achieved across both breeds and the complete clearance.

"It was a great average across both breeds and we had a full clearance," Mrs Jackson said.

"We're very happy with the results"

The sale's top-priced ram was Lot 13, an August-drop Border Leicester which sold for $8000 to the Koch family, Tallageira Pastoral Company, Frances, SA, via AuctionsPlus.

The ram had already impressed in the show ring, winning reserve champion Border Leicester ram at Hamilton Sheepvention.

The Koch family operates a 12,000-hectare enterprise and regularly invests in elite prime lamb genetics.

Competition remained strong among the leading Border Leicesters, with the second top-priced ram reaching $7000, purchased by Dalarossie Pastoral, while a further three rams sold for $6500.

The strength of the ewe offering was highlighted by Lot 1, which sold for $2000 after attracting the attention of Tom Ferry, Carapunga Border Leicester stud, Gnawarre.

The ewe had been reserve champion Border Leicester ewe at both the Australian Sheep & Wool Show (ASWS) and Elite Show & Sale.

Mr Ferry had seen her at both events before making the decision that he would not leave the Jackson sale without her.

"I loved her femininity," he said.

"As soon as I saw her, I knew I had to have her.

"I thought she would make more than $2000."

He said the ewe appealed for her overall type and structure, particularly praising her head, feet and fleece.

"I love her head, she's good on her feet and has a faultless fleece," he said.

"She carries herself beautifully."

Mr Ferry runs a flock of about 150 Border Leicester ewes and has recently also purchased another ram and ewes from Coolawang stud, Padthaway, SA.

Volume buyers also featured prominently throughout the sale, with three purchasers each securing 12 rams.

The Crawford family, Sierra Park, Victoria Valley, purchased a mix of Border Leicester and Poll Dorset rams, averaging $2583.

Benara Pastoral, Mount Gambier, SA, purchased 12 Border Leicester rams for an average of $2292, while the Buckley family, Buckley Innovative Farming, Mount Gambier, purchased 12 Poll Dorset rams at an average of $2250.

The Buckley family also secured the top-priced Poll Dorset ram, with Lot 119 selling for $3250.

Nutrien Ararat was the selling agents, alongside Elders Ararat.