White River Poll Merino stud smashes records with a $3099 average and full clearance at its Eyre Peninsula ram sale
Summary
The White River Poll Merino stud auction at Minnipa on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula delivered the operation's strongest result to date, with the average climbing to $3099 across a full clearance of all 125 rams offered. That marked a sharp lift on the 2025 sale, when 117 of 125 rams sold for an average of $1952. The top-priced ram reached $14,000, purchased by a Gulnare buyer, and carried impressive wool and carcase figures including 17.9 micron, a 2.8 standard deviation, 15.6 coefficient of variation and 99.7 per cent comfort factor, alongside a 7.2mm fat depth and 44.1mm eye muscle depth. Weighing around 130 kilograms, it was sired by a Moorundie ram bought for $60,000 in 2023, and the stud retained rights to 200 semen doses. A Hay, NSW operation secured the second-top ram at $12,000, one of four Moorundie-bloodline rams it bought to build an even line, with figures of 22.2 micron, 3.2 standard deviation and 45.4mm eye muscle depth. Key volume support came from an Elliston client buying 34 rams at a $1432 average and a Nhill, Victoria buyer taking 30 rams at a $3673 average, topping at $6400. There were 25 registered on-farm bidders plus online bidding, with rams still available in an affordable $1600 to $2000 band. The stud confirmed it would offer progeny of a sire bought for $70,000 at Bendigo in 2025.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Sale average | $3099 |
| Clearance | 125 of 125 rams (100%) |
| Top price | $14,000 |
| 2025 average | $1952 |
| Top ram micron | 17.9 |
| Top ram eye muscle depth | 44.1mm |
| Second-top price | $12,000 |
| Largest volume buyer | 34 rams at $1432 average |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What average did the White River Poll Merino ram sale achieve?
The sale reached an average of $3099 across a full clearance of all 125 rams offered. This was a significant lift from the 2025 result, where 117 of 125 rams sold at an average of $1952.
What was the top price at the sale?
The top-priced ram sold for $14,000 to a Gulnare buyer. It carried wool figures of 17.9 micron, a 2.8 standard deviation and 99.7 per cent comfort factor.
Where was the sale held?
The auction was held on-property at Minnipa on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. It was described as the best South Australian ram sale to date on both average and clearance.
What were the top ram's carcase measurements?
The top ram recorded a fat depth of 7.2 millimetres and an eye muscle depth of 44.1 millimetres. It weighed about 130 kilograms and was sired by a ram bought for $60,000 in 2023.
How much did the second-top ram sell for?
The second-top ram made $12,000 and went to a Hay, NSW operation. It was one of four Moorundie-bloodline rams the buyer secured to establish an even line.
Who were the major volume buyers?
An Elliston client bought 34 rams at a $1432 average, while a Nhill, Victoria buyer took 30 rams at a $3673 average with a top of $6400. Both repeat and new buyers supported the sale.
Were affordable rams still available?
Yes. Despite the strong overall average, rams remained available in an affordable $1600 to $2000 range. There were 25 registered on-farm bidders plus online bidding.
What genetics will the stud offer next year?
The stud plans to offer progeny from a sire purchased for $70,000 at Bendigo in 2025. Those young rams were recently weaned and reported to be developing well.
