PIMBENA Poll Merino stud at Wirrulla on Eyre Peninsula reached a $2000 ram high and a healthy average of $992 at its on-property sale last Thursday.
While prices were back on last year, it was a good solid sale representing value for money on affordable rams bred on the West Coast to cater for local demand.
Crowd numbers were up, pointing to the stud's growing reputation, and studmaster Les Hamence was praised for the significant work he had put into the Pimbena bloodline.
Four rams hit the $2000 top, selling to local buyers Mike Baldock, Hasslam; Trevor Pittaway, Wirrulla; A Nicholls, Ceduna.
The first top ram, 102 kilograms, was rated at -0.4 millimetre for fat and 0.7 for eye muscle, and carried a 19.3-micron fleece with a comfort factor of 99.5 per cent, standard deviation of 3.4, and coefficient of variation of 17.7.
The second ram, 99kg, was rated -0.6mm for fat, 0.7mm EMD, 19.5M fleece, a 100CF, 2.8SD, and 14.4CV.
The third top sire was 92kg with -0.2 fat, and -0.1 EMD with a 20.2M fleece, 99.7CF, 2.9SD, and 14.5CV, and the fourth was 106kg and -1mm fat, 0.1mm EMD, 18.3M, 3.4SD, 18.5CV, and 99CF.
Volume buyers included A Nicholls, Ceduna, six to $2000; Tomney Brothers, six to $1600; Trevor Pittaway, Wirrulla, five to $2000; and GA Baker, Poochera, five to $900.
Other buyers included Traveena Park, Minnipa, four to $1500; Glebe Nominees, Ceduna, three at $600; TD&TL Vanloon, Warramboo, three to $1800; Ooralin, Ceduna, three to $1200 and Kaldoonera, Poochera, two to $900.
Landmark Ceduna’s Bruce Wood said it was very pleasing to see a loyal band of buyers.
"Buyers were able to bid up with confidence due to timely rains helping the season along and confidence in the Merino industry backing positive wool and meat returns," he said.
Mr Hamence said the offering increased in line with the number of quality rams produced, which helped keep the price down and provide value for money for local buyers.
Next year rams will be offered from the stud's AI program from Calcookara ram Leachim 858, to which Pimbena has semen rights, and Glenlea Park sire 004. "The progeny of these top sires are already up to 40kg at four months," he said.
At the end of the sale clients were treated to fine West Coast hospitality and enjoyed a range of smoked fish, a barbecue and plenty of cold beer.