Detpa Grove's record White Suffolk ram tops at $60,000 as stud sales impress nationwide

Stud sales interfaced through AuctionsPlus this week delivered exceptional results across several breeds, with standout performances from leading White Suffolk, Merino, Dorper and UltraWhite studs. The strength of online participation was evident across all sales, with solid clearances and competitive bidding helping vendors achieve outstanding averages and top prices nationwide.

Detpa Grove’s 37th Annual White Suffolk Sale

Detpa Grove’s 37th Annual White Suffolk Sale in Jeparit, Victoria, once again reinforced the stud’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality White Suffolk sires. Overall, 197/246 offered, averaged $2,667. In the breakdown, 30 elite White Suffolk rams sold with full clearance, which averaged $9,700. The stud sold 111/150 flock rams to a top of $2,800 and an average of $1,524. Meanwhile, 56/67 ewes offered to a top price of $3,400, averaging $1,164. 

The top-priced ram, Lot 70 (DG.240715ET), reached $60,000, setting a new on-property record, purchased by a syndicate of studs including Valma Poll Herefords and Poll Dorsets, Days Whiteface, Anden Stud, Rangeview Poll Dorset and White Suffolk Studs, Cheetara Stud, Mullinger Park and Kinellar Stud.

Online participation via AuctionsPlus was highly active throughout the sale with the top online price reaching $6,000. Across the duration of the event, 316 users logged in, with 19 active online bidders (12 of whom were successful), taking home 26 lots.

Hillcroft Farms’ Annual UltraWhite Ram Sale

To Popanyinning, Western Australia, where the Hillcroft Farms’ annual UltraWhite Ram Sale attracted wide-ranging interest from online buyers across four states, cementing the breed’s position as a high-performing and low-maintenance option for commercial producers.

In the breakdown, 196/260 lots sold for an average of $4,183. The top price reached $23,000 for Lot 42 (Hillcroft Farms 24-7717). 

Online activity was particularly notable, with AuctionsPlus accounting for $283,400 in online takings at an average of $4,571. The online top price of $21,000 was achieved for Lots 50 and 64.

The sale attracted 160 logins, including 17 active online bidders, 14 of whom were successful. A total of 809 online bids were placed across 119 lots, with 62 lots secured to online bidders. 

Deepdale Dorper and White Dorper Ram Sale

To Merrinee, Victoria, where the Deepdale Dorper and White Dorper Ram Sale delivered a standout performance, achieving a 100% clearance with all 147 rams sold. The sale averaged $5,239, with a top price of $47,000 achieved for Lot 32.

In the breakdown, the 50 Dorpers sold to an $11,000 top to average $5,288, while 97 White Dorpers sold to $47,000 to average $5,214.

The result reflected ongoing enthusiasm for Deepdale's breeding program and strong confidence in the quality of Australian Dorper and White Dorper genetics.

Online participation contributed to the sale’s success, with 75 users logged in to the auction, including three active online bidders (two of whom were successful), taking home six lots.

Charinga and Banavie Merino Ram Sale

To Berrimal, Victoria, where the combined Charinga and Banavie Merino Ram Sale concluded with 167/188 rams sold for an average of $3,442.

In the breakdown, Banavie sold 94/101 rams to an average of $4,160 with Lot 1 selling for $52,000 to Manunda Merino Stud. Meanwhile, Charinga cleared 75/87 rams, to an average price of $2,574 with Lot 46 selling to $9,000 to Chris Stapleton of Capree Stud. 

Lot 1 (Banavie 240009), was purchased by Manunda Merino Stud, with a semen share going to Arra-Dale Merinos and Sandown Poll Dorsets.

Bred by the Banavie Merino Stud, Banavie 240009, holds an impressive profile, including a 17.8-micron fleece, 99.9 comfort factor, 102mm staple length, 128 per cent greasy fleece weight, and a bodyweight of 110 kilograms.

The sale attracted keen online interest across the entire auction with 3,300 catalogue views. With bids placed over 16 lots, one online bidders took home six lots throughout the sale.