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The Chrome Sheep Stud’s Summer Ram Sale has delivered a strong start to the year, recording 98% clearance and the stud’s best January average on record, while also marking the first stud ram sale of 2026 to utilise Sheep Genetics' Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) integration within the AuctionsPlus catalogue.
Held outside of Hamilton, Victoria, the sale marked the stud's largest January offering to date. With a total of 355 rams offered, with 347 sold for a 98% clearance rate and an overall average of $1,902 - the best January clearance and overall average on record for the stud.
The Sheep Genetics integration allowed bidders to view ASBV's directly within the online catalogue, giving buyers a clearer picture of each ram’s genetic merit. Online participation was strong throughout the sale, with 41 lots purchased by online bidders, including the sale topper.
Chromedale ram results included clearing in full, at an average of $2,731 and a top of $3,500 - the stud’s best January average and top price on record. Chromedale ram lambs also sold in full, averaging $2,390 and reaching a top of $4,100.
Chrome Shedder rams reached a 90% clearance, averaging $1,364 and peaking at $2,700, while Chrome Shedder ram lambs cleared 89% of the offering, averaging $1,621 and topping at $3,800.
The ICON offering was well supported, with ICON Southie rams clearing 100% at an average of $1,210 and a top of $1,600. ICON 25 rams also sold in full, averaging $1,830 and reaching a top price of $3,000. ICON Poll Dorsets recorded a clean sweep, averaging $1,635 and topping at $2,000.
The top-priced ram of the sale was Chromedale Ram Lamb Lot 81, which sold for $4,100 to AR & VJ Hunter, Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Chrome Sheep Stud principal Matt Tonissen said confidence had returned to western Victoria following a strong seasonal turnaround.
“There’s been an amazing turnaround in western Victoria over the last six or eight months,” Mr Tonissen said.
“It’s incredible the way confidence has changed. The season’s changed and I guess returns too - people are getting well paid for their product.”
Online bidding was particularly strong from Victorian buyers, with New South Wales and South Australia also well represented.
The result follows the success of Australia’s first ASBV-integrated stud ram sale, conducted by the Low Footprint Lamb Nudie Stud near Croxton East, Victoria, through AuctionsPlus in December 2025.
Ripley Atkinson: May 6, 2026
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