Westray and Genanegie Merino studs sell 142 rams to average $3745 as Westray marks its 50th annual sale at Peak Hill
Summary
Westray and Genanegie Merino studs sold 142 rams to average $3745 at their combined on-property sale at Peak Hill on Friday, September 11. The fixture marked Westray's 50th consecutive annual Merino and Poll Merino ram sale, held alongside Genanegie's 33rd annual sale, and drew a large crowd with buyers registered from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Poll Merinos led the offering, with 94 head averaging $3940 and reaching a sale high of $16,000, while 48 horned Merinos averaged $3360 and topped at $10,000. A charity ram also sold for $2500, with proceeds directed to CanAssist Peak Hill. The $16,000 sale-topper was a Poll Merino from the stud's Regal breeding line, measuring 20.1 micron with a 99.6 per cent comfort factor and a 125 per cent greasy fleece weight, purchased by a Gunnedah Merino stud. A second leading Poll Merino sold for $13,000, measuring 19.1 micron with a 99.6 per cent comfort factor and a 130 per cent greasy fleece weight. The top horned Merinos each made $10,000, both measuring 19.8 micron with comfort factors of 99.5 to 99.6 per cent. Volume buyers were active, with one securing 14 rams to average $4393 and another building a total of 20 rams across the auction and follow-up purchases. Buyer commentary centred on wool cut, body depth, structure and constitution as key selection priorities, with several long-standing clients returning. The result was described as stronger than anticipated, reflecting firm markets and favourable seasonal conditions across the Central West.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 142 |
| Overall average | $3745 |
| Sale top price | $16,000 |
| Poll Merinos average (94 head) | $3940 |
| Horned Merinos average (48 head) | $3360 |
| Horned Merino top price | $10,000 |
| Charity ram for CanAssist Peak Hill | $2500 |
| Westray milestone | 50th annual sale |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many rams sold and at what average?
The combined sale sold 142 rams to average $3745 at Peak Hill on September 11. Buyers came from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
What was the top price?
The sale topped at $16,000 for a Poll Merino from the Regal breeding line. It measured 20.1 micron with a 99.6 per cent comfort factor and a 125 per cent greasy fleece weight.
How did Poll Merinos compare with horned Merinos?
The 94 Poll Merinos averaged $3940 and reached $16,000, while the 48 horned Merinos averaged $3360 and topped at $10,000.
What milestone did this sale mark?
It was Westray's 50th consecutive annual on-property Merino and Poll Merino ram sale. It was held alongside Genanegie's 33rd annual sale.
Was there a charity component?
Yes, a charity ram sold for $2500, with all proceeds going to CanAssist Peak Hill.
Where did buyers come from?
Buyers were registered from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Both interstate and local buyers competed strongly.
What fleece figures did the $13,000 ram record?
The second-leading Poll Merino measured 19.1 micron with a 99.6 per cent comfort factor and a 130 per cent greasy fleece weight.
