Stud Park South Merino sale tops $11,000 at Willaura for a $3020 average
Summary
A ram with an unusual genetic makeup sold for the top price at the Stud Park South Merino and Poll Merino stud's annual on-property sale at Willaura. The stud recorded a total clearance of 50 rams for an average of $3020, an increase of $543 on last year.
Rich Avon, Donald, bought the top-priced ram of the sale, lot 7, a 17.8-micron Poll Merino, for $11,000. The buyer described him as an exceptional dual-purpose Merino, noting he had unusual DNA with the lowest micron wool in the sale alongside an unusually high fat score, a combination he said anyone in the industry knows is hard to achieve.
The 17-month-old ram was sired by Glenlea Park 312 and weighed 124 kilograms, with a 3.4 standard deviation, an 18.8 coefficient of variation and a 99.4 per cent comfort factor. He recorded an eye muscle depth of 41 millimetres and a fat measurement of 6 millimetres.
The stud principal said it was one of the best averages the stud had achieved in its 15 years of on-property auctions, with lots of people coming back because the rams suit their programs really well.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered, sold | 50, total clearance |
| Sale average | $3020 |
| Top price | $11,000 |
| Year-on-year average lift | Up $543 |
| Top ram fibre diameter | 17.8 micron |
| Top ram eye muscle depth | 41 millimetres |
| Top ram weight | 124 kilograms |
| Sale edition | 15th year of on-property auctions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Stud Park South Merino sale top at?
The sale topped at $11,000 for lot 7, a Poll Merino. All 50 rams offered sold for a total clearance at a $3020 average. That was an increase of $543 on last year.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Rich Avon, Donald, secured him. The buyer described him as an exceptional dual-purpose Merino and said that because of his production he is better suited to the Wimmera, which is where he is going. The ram will be used to produce flock rams, as the operation needs to replace some rams every year.
Why was the top ram's genetics unusual?
The buyer said the ram had unusual DNA, combining the lowest micron wool in the sale with an unusually high fat score. He noted that anyone in the industry knows that combination is hard to achieve. He also described the ram as exceptionally well balanced with a great side and rear end, which he said vindicated the measurements.
What figures did the top-priced ram record?
The 17-month-old weighed 124 kilograms and tested at 17.8 micron. His standard deviation was 3.4, coefficient of variation 18.8 and comfort factor 99.4 per cent. He recorded an eye muscle depth of 41 millimetres and a fat measurement of 6 millimetres, and is sired by Glenlea Park 312.
How did the stud rate the result?
The stud principal said it was one of the best averages achieved in the stud's 15 years of on-property auctions. He said lots of people came back because the rams are suiting their programs really well, and that the sheep looked good.
What is the stud breeding for?
The principal said the stud continues to focus on frame and carcase while trying to get the best wool it can, breeding sheep to be as productive as possible for the environment. He described the top-priced ram as a good all-round and very modern sheep, which is what buyers are looking for. The stud retains 30 to 50 rams each year for its own commercial use where it can.
Who were the volume buyers?
Mount Talbot, Toolondo, purchased eight rams and Callawadda Farms, Donald, purchased seven. Rams also went to buyers throughout the western district, Bendigo, Ballarat, the north-west and South Australia.
What did the selling agent say?
The agent said clearance is king in the majority of these sales, and that a number of new clients attending was really encouraging for the program. He noted buyers were present who had been on the stud's genetics since the first sale. He said the sheep are known in the local area for wool cut and body size, and that they are performing.
