Capree has sold Merino rams and Kelpies in an online first.

NEW South Wales Poll Merino and Kelpie breeding operation Capree has combined the selling of rams and working dogs in a unique online sale for Australia.

AuctionsPlus analyst Michael McManus said interfaced ram sales have been a steady staple on the online platform for many years, and more recently, interfaced working dog sales have experienced significant growth.

However, he said the unique sale offering of Capree Poll Merino rams and Kelpies on October had innovated the industry further, combining rams and working dogs in an auction believed to be the first of its kind on AuctionsPlus.

“Chris Stapleton from Capree Stud has created a mixed commodity sale to capitalize on the strong demand for sheep and working dogs, allowing buyers the flexibility to purchase more of their livestock requirements from the one sale.

“The complimentary commodities auction offered 60 Poll Merino rams and 12 working dogs at their physical sale at Newbridge, New South Wales,” Mr McManus said.

The Poll Merino rams averaged $2115/head and achieved a 65 percent clearance. The sold to $4500/head and online buyers purchased seven lots, placing 151 bids.

The working dogs had pre-sale bidding available through AuctionsPlus that ran for a week between the 5-12th of October. They averaged $10,250, topping at $15,500 for Lot 63, Capree Minnie. Online competition was strong for the dogs, with bids being placed from Tasmania, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales.

Mr McManus said AuctionsPlus had 10,346 views across the two auctions, highlighting the strong interest in the mixed commodity offering.

“Given the strong demand for both livestock and working dogs at present, could the combination of selling sheep and working dogs together become a regular sale type in the future?” he asked.

The sale was settled through Jason Pearce from Elders Mudgee and interfaced alongside AuctionsPlus with audio livestreaming.

Source: AuctionsPlus.