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

Mt Challicum offered Merino and Poll Merino rams at its helmsman-style sale held during the Southern Victorian Merino Field Day on Friday.

The Ararat stud sold 24 of 32 rams to a top of $4200 and average of $2154.

The top-priced ram, Lot 26, was purchased 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 and free-going skin," she said.

"[He was] soft and good on his feet and he is structurally sound."

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

Mt Challicum stud co-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 the average is up," he said.

The sale drew what Mr Hartwich believed was possibly the biggest crowd Mt Challicum had ever 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 & Wool Show.

Nutrien Ararat was the selling agent.