$40,000 Hyfield ram

On day one of the Rabobank WA Sheep Expo & Ram Sale event, news broke of stud interest in the purchase of a $40,000 ram via private sale.

Hyfield senior livestock representative Neil Garnett confirmed that the Kojonup stud had made the acquisition of Mianelup 540 (ET), a Poll Merino ram sired by Collinsville Apollo and out of dam Mianelup 4 (by Moorundie Park B100).

Mianelup co-principal Ross Richardson, of Gnowangerup, said the 22.5 micron ram would be used in his family's stud after semen collection.

"We were intent on keeping the ram, but the price was too good and made for a Mianelup stud record price," he said.

Mr Garnett said the ram would be used at Hyfield to emphasise carcase constitution, therefore greater wool cut.

"We are conscious that the fine wool fever is over and the Hyfield Poll Merino stud will move towards increased body weight resulting in more wool cut which can only be achieved consistently with 22 micron types," he said.

As _Countryman _ became aware of the private sale, the Mianelup ram was being shown in the strong wool March shorn Poll Merino class with 17 entries.

In awarding the stud with the champion ribbon, judge Nathan Teakle said the ram was well structured, had beautiful wool from head to toe and stood well from behind.

"The ram won on size and shape," Mr Teakle said.