Growth, early weaning weight and fertility attracting top dollar. 

Ram sales started in the North Island in mid-November and are due to follow shortly in the South Island. Results have been mixed. While some studs are quietly satisfied, others have fallen short of expectations. The number of rams offered outweighs the decline in ewe numbers.

Where clients have chosen to operate that way, private treaty ram orders have been successful.

Mixed results to date possibly reflect that various parts of rural New Zealand business are doing it tough at present.

So far at the sales, aside from the functional part of the ram, genetic features attracting top dollar are growth, early weaning weight, and fertility. 

Notable North Island ram sale results include: 

Raupuha, Mahoenui, King Country, where a variety of breeds were offered, Perendales averaged $1614 and featured a top price of $8800; Romdales averaged $1508; and Suftex averaged $1239.

Mana Romney, Gladstone, Wairarapa, which posted a $2250 average.

Kaahu Genetics Shedding Sheep, Whakamaru, Taupo, where 116 rams sold at a $2462 average.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager