Mianelup ram ‘nearly perfect’

A close to perfect Mianelup Merino ram sold for a red hot $16,000 at last week’s Rabobank Sheep Show and Sale.

The 121kg, two-tooth ram attracted plenty of competitive bidding and was keenly sought after by Patterson brothers Chris and Eric, of Woolkabin Merinos.

It’s been almost 30 years since the Pattersons purchased a Mianelup ram. The last time was when their father, Elliot, paid $15,000 in the early 1980s.

Bidding on Thursday on the brothers’ behalf was marketing consultant Bruce Cameron who has been watching Mianelup’s progeny for 40 years.

“It’s the best ram they have ever offered for his size, scale, wool quality and he had all the virtues Woolkabin are looking for, ” Mr Cameron said.

“He’s very close to a perfect sheep.”

The ram was sashed grand champion March-shorn Merino ram, reserve grand champion Merino ram, champion medium wool March-shorn ram and junior champion.

He will be mated to an elite group of Woolkabin ewes.

Elliot Richardson, of Mianelup, said the ram was sired by Wallaloo Park 124 and a Mianelup ewe.

His figures included 19.4 micron, 99.9 comfort factor and yield of 75.4 per cent.

The second top priced ram, from Kolindale, sold for $8500 to TB Doney and Co, of Dudinin.

The third top price was $8000 for a Woodyarrup ram purchased by Glenelg Estate, of Amelup.

Two rams from Woolkabin and one from Angenup sold for $7000 each.

Elders stud stock representative Kevin Broad said the sale was successful and showed a trend for more quality two-tooth rams.

“The top prices were both achieved by two-tooth rams and stud breeders are preparing to purchase younger sheep for their stud requirements than the original days when it was all full wool four-tooths, ” he said.

Landmark stud stock representative Deane Allen said that the sale was strong but buyers had been selective.