Mt Challicum rams top at $4200 during Southern Victorian Merino Field Days

Mt Challicum offered a quality line-up of Poll and horned Merino rams at its helmsman-style sale held during the Southern Victorian Merino Field Days, with the sale topping at $4200.

A total of 24 of 32 rams found new homes, averaging $2154.

The top-priced ram, lot 26, was purchased for $4200 by returning buyer Marg Williamson, S.A.M. Williamson, Morval.

Ms Williamson said the ram appealed for his combination of wool and structural attributes.

"I liked his rich wool, free-going skin, soft and good on his feet and he is structurally sound," she said.

The Duver family, Atlapa Pty Ltd, Rhymney, were the volume buyers, purchasing four rams at an average of $1200.

Mt Challicum principal Ben Hartwich said while the clearance was below expectations, he was pleased with the average achieved and the support shown by buyers.

"The clearance was a bit down, but I predict the average would be up," he said.

The sale drew what Mr Hartwich believed was possibly the biggest crowd Mt Challicum had seen, with a combination of new and returning clients.

"It was great to see some new clients and some returning clients," he said.

"It's probably the biggest crowd we've had."

The result followed a strong 12 months for the Mt Challicum flock, with Mr Hartwich describing the past year as a good one for growing sheep and wool.

The stud has also enjoyed considerable success in the show ring throughout 2026.

Mt Challicum secured grand champion ultrafine ewe at the Victorian Sheep Show, as well as grand champion ultrafine poll ewe and reserve August-shorn ultrafine wool ram at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show.

The stud's strong show results complemented its commercial focus, with the sale providing an opportunity for both existing and new clients to access the Mt Challicum genetics.

Nutrien Ararat was the selling agent.