Toland Poll Merino ram sale tops $6250 at Violet Town for $2050 average
Summary
The Toland Poll Merino stud recorded an improved result at its annual ram sale on Monday, with strong support from long-standing clients lifting both the average and the top price. The Violet Town stud sold 40 of the 46 rams offered for an average of $2050, an increase of almost $400 on the previous year, with the top ram making $6250.
The top-priced ram, lot 7, was secured by a long-term client at Violet Town who has been buying from the stud for more than 20 years. The same buyer also purchased lot 4 at $4500. That operation runs 1400 Merino ewes, joining about 40 per cent to Border Leicester rams and the remainder to Merinos, and focuses on breeding balanced Merinos with strong carcase traits while maintaining white, bright and weather-resistant fleeces.
The stud reported being pleased with the structure and Australian Sheep Breeding Values of its rams, with an increasing emphasis now being placed on wool traits.
Sleigh Farming, Ruffy, was the sale's volume buyer with 10 rams at a $1475 average. That operation has bought the stud's genetics for 35 years and runs about 3000 ewes, selling wether lambs through the store market at about 35 kilograms. The purchase supports a rebuild following fires that burnt out the farm and cost both rams and ewes. Nutrien and Elders conducted the sale.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered | 46 |
| Rams sold | 40 |
| Top price | $6250 |
| Average price | $2050 |
| Increase on last year's average | Almost $400 |
| Second purchase by the top-priced buyer | $4500 |
| Largest single draft | 10 rams at $1475 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Toland Poll Merino ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $6250 for lot 7. The same buyer also took lot 4 at $4500. The overall average was $2050.
How many rams sold?
The stud sold 40 of the 46 rams offered. Support came largely from long-standing clients.
How did the average compare with last year?
The $2050 average was an increase of almost $400 on the previous year's result. The top price also lifted.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
A long-term client at Violet Town secured the ram, having bought from the stud for more than 20 years. That operation runs 1400 Merino ewes, joining about 40 per cent to Border Leicester rams and the remainder to Merinos.
Who was the volume buyer?
Sleigh Farming, Ruffy, took 10 rams at a $1475 average. That operation has bought the stud's genetics for 35 years and runs about 3000 ewes.
What is the stud focusing on?
The stud reported being pleased with the structure and Australian Sheep Breeding Values of its rams. Its focus is now turning towards wool traits.
Why were buyers investing?
The auctioneer noted the lamb industry was experiencing a particularly strong period, presenting producers with an opportunity to invest in their flocks. The stud also reported the season had been phenomenal, providing optimism ahead of the sale.
Who conducted the sale?
The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders. It was held as the stud's annual ram sale on Monday.
