Big clearance for SWM Merino ram sale

Many of the highs, including the $9200 sale topper were in the first 20 lots which had received some additional preparation but there were plenty of $4000 and $5000 rams throughout the catalogue.

All 120 of the April shorn rams offered by stud principal Richard Harkness in the main auction cleared for an outstanding $2846 average showing the demand for their white lustruous wool.

This was back on last year's $3184 average- although four more rams sold.

Momentum continued into the mini auction with 22 of these averaging $886.

All up 142 rams cleared for a $2538 average.

Lot 3, SWM 220081, an 18.2 micron ram with MerinoSelect ASBVs in the top 20pc for both yearling weight and weaning weight traits was the pick of many.

The April 2022 drop was a son of $20,000 Sohnic 200526- a ram which the Superior Wool Syndicate, of which SWM is a member, bought privately a couple of years ago.

Its other wool tests included a standard deviation of 3.0 and coefficient of variation of 16.2pc.

Putting in the winning bid of $9200 was Alison Henderson, Hendowie Poll Merino stud, Caltowie, who only registered her stud a few years ago but will hold her second sale later this month offering 40 rams.

Ms Henderson described the lot 3 ram as an "impact sire" and said it would be used over their best carcase ewes.

She was impressed by the staple and nourishment of the wool.

The second highest priced ram at $6600 was lot 11 which was snapped up by repeat Tas buyers the Wilson family, Formosa Estate, Cressy.

The 19.3M ram was even higher ranking in the weaning weight at 6.72 and yearling weight at 11.97- both in the top 5pc of MerinoSelect.

Andrew and Daniel Hansen, Hansen Farms, Coomandook, was the sale's largest bidder with 15 rams which averaged $3093 for them.

"They have the traits that we are chasing, fertility, growth and wool, we have customers buy our cast for age sheep because they are SWM genetics and they know they will perform," Andrew said.

First time buyers the Crawford family, Weekeroo Station via Mannahill went home with 11 rams averaging $1700, while Treetop Estate, Meningie, also secured 11 rams for a $1236 average.

Murrama Park put together 12 rams, although five of these came from the mini auction bought between $800 and $1400.

Mr Harkness said the depth of quality in catalogue was far deeper than previous years and was rapt with the bidding activity. He noted though that there were some opportunities for value on specific lots.

"It is a really good outcome because the sentiment is negative at this point for wool and sheep," he said.

"For commercial producers to be paying $4000 or $5000 is a reflection of their commitment to their breeding program.

"It was also a big clearance, we have never sold 140 rams at auction before."

Elders auctioneer Steven Doecke said the feedback from buyers was that the paddock rams had taken "another leap forward".

"People looked today for those eye muscle and fat figures as well as nice wools with wool cut," he said.

"The guys looking for those top end white wools with staple length had to be $4000 to $5000 which is fantastic for a commercial basis.

Quality Livestock auctioneer Dave Whittenbury said they were really proud to be a selling agent in the SWM sale for the first time, especially with the sale bucking the seasonal trend.

"The front 40 rams sold unbelievably well, there were lots and lots of commercial blokes that are reaping the rewards economically even in tougher seasons and the current economic climate and they are prepared to invest to get a return," he said.

He said SWM rams were renowned for their bright white, high yielding, weather tolerant wools as well as sheep that "not only survive but thrive".

"They get big lambing percentages no matter where you put them, their hoof integrity is second to none and what a lot of people that spent the big money are finding is a high heritability of those traits like muscle and fat."

SWM will also offer two rams at the Classings Classic ram sale at Murray Bridge on Monday.