Ram reaches top price of $6400 at Stockman Poll Merino sale

An exceptional ram sold for $6400 at the Stockman Poll Merino Stud annual ram sale on November 7.

Lot 8 was the top-priced ram and purchased by Tom Shoobridgbe of Cleveland Pastoral Estate, Ouse, who was among the crowd of keen buyers from across the region.

With a fibre diameter of 17.9, near perfect comfort factor of 99.9 percent and great fat scores the wool quality and doability of the breed was not in doubt.

Stud manager Kip Gray said while some breeders have turned to cross-breeds, chasing cash flow while prices are high, the Stockman Stud principals, Tim and Andrew McShane, are strong believers in the value of their animals.

“Everyone was upbeat at the sale – especially with the rain around – and it was encouraging to see some new faces and hopefully some new clients for next season,” he said.

From an offering of 70 rams, 64 were sold at an average price of $2315, with Ferdie Foster of Rosedale, Campbell Town, Marcus McShane of Dalmeney Park and Fergus and Dougal Morrison of St Peters Pass among the volume buyers and long-term supporters.