Check out this lot, it’s one in 10 million

There was some excitement in the AuctionsPlus office this week, when it was realised that an assessment in Friday’s Keith Merino Breeders Association Off Shears Sale, was lucky number 10 million. 

Assessor Steven Doecke, who is also Elders Keith Branch Manager, said he noticed the standout number when he was filling out the form, but didn’t think much of it. So it was a surprise when APlus News contacted him for comment. 

Mr Doecke has been an assessor with AuctionsPlus for about 20 years and quipped that “I’ve done a few assessments”. 

In that time, he said he had learned a few shortcuts, and that it had become a lot easier to complete the paperwork. He doesn’t know how to use Live Assess yet, but he’s had a look at it. 

As for lot 41 in the blue ribbon sale – which was assessed using the identifier 10,000,000 - it is made up of 157 Poll Merino ewes, aged 3.5 years, with an average weight of 68kg, belonging to PL and Y Walladge. 

Mr Doecke said the ewes were not vendor bred and were actually purchased as top ewe hoggets in a previous Keith Off Shears Sale.  

The Keith Merino Breeders Assocation formed in 1975 and the Off Shears Sale had been running for a long time before that. 

The sale is back about 5000 head, with many - particularly the 5.5 year-old ewes and one-year-old ewe lambs - already slaughtered due to the trying season. 

“It’s tough in South Australia at the minute, but generally it’s one of the better sales for the state on an annual basis,” Mr Doecke said. 

“Hopefully with enquiry and a little bit of rain last week it goes OK.” 

The Keith Merino Breeders Association Off Shears Sale kicks off at 1pm SA time on Friday, October 18, and is interfaced with AuctionsPlus.