Yarram Park ram sale tops $3000 at Willaura as maternal average lifts $777
Summary
Soaring replacement sheep values drove maternal ram averages up $777 and terminals up $426 at Yarram Park's annual sale. The Willaura stud sold its complete drop of 99 maternal rams on Tuesday to a top price of $3000 and an average of $2055, while 93 of 100 terminal rams sold to a $2500 top at a $1634 average.
The figures mark a significant turnaround from last year, when the stud sold 144 of the 194 rams offered, averaging $1278 for maternals and $1208 for terminals. The stud manager said it was one of the highest clearances of rams sold by the western district operation.
He attributed the maternal support to the value in replacement sheep, noting producers are either breeding their own or have the flexibility to sell surplus sheep as numbers build and reinvest in rams. The terminals were more consistent in pricing, selling from $1500 to $2000.
The top-priced maternal ram, lot 25, Yarram Park 250077, sold for $3000 to ECH Schinckel & Son, Kybybolite, South Australia. The ram was in the top 5 per cent of the breed for post-weaning weight and the top 20 per cent for weaning weight and the maternal carcase production plus index. The top-priced terminal ram, lot 142, Yarram Park 251307, made $2500 to Livestock Consulting Victoria.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Maternal rams sold, top, average | 99 (all) to $3000 at $2055 |
| Terminal rams sold, top, average |
93 of 100 to $2500 at $1634 |
| Maternal average lift |
Up $777 |
| Terminal average lift | Up $426 |
| 2025 result | 144 of 194 at $1278 and $1208 |
| Maternal rams positive in fat | 41 of 99 |
| Largest terminal draft |
10 rams to $2250 |
|
Terminal price band |
$1500 to $2000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Yarram Park ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $3000 for a maternal ram, lot 25. The complete drop of 99 maternal rams sold at a $2055 average. The terminal rams topped separately at $2500.
How much did the averages rise?
The maternal average rose $777 and the terminal average $426. Last year the stud sold 144 of 194 rams offered, averaging $1278 for maternals and $1208 for terminals. The stud manager called this one of the highest clearances it has recorded.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
ECH Schinckel & Son, Kybybolite, South Australia, paid $3000 for lot 25. The buyers run a self-replacing composite operation of 4500 ewes plus ewe lambs and have bought from the stud for five or six years. They took five rams in total, including three at $2750 and one at $2250.
What was that buyer chasing?
They described the ram as one of the bigger in the catalogue for length and growth. They chase high post-weaning weights because they run a high stocking rate and finish rams in their own feedlot. Most of their lambs are sold directly over the hooks.
What did the terminal rams make?
Of the 100 terminal rams offered, 93 sold at a $1634 average, up $426 on last year. Pricing was consistent, with most selling between $1500 and $2000. The top-priced terminal ram, lot 142, made $2500 to Livestock Consulting Victoria.
Why is demand for maternal rams strong?
The stud manager pointed to the value in replacement sheep, with producers breeding their own or reinvesting in rams as numbers build. He also noted 41 of the 99 maternal rams were positive in fat, which buyers are looking at for early maturity, ewe lamb breeding and early fertility.
Who were the volume buyers?
Murdeduke Ag, Winchelsea, secured 10 terminal rams, topping at $2250. The buyers were updating an ageing terminal ram team, noting some of their older Yarram Park rams were over six years old and that the progeny meet market specifications at good weight for age.
Where did the rams sell to?
A majority went to primary producers in Victoria, with lots also heading to New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. The selling agent said the rises in both averages showed the stud was meeting commercial expectations, with the rams presenting extremely well and the data improving year on year.
