IT WAS a fitting farewell for Narlo Dohnes, with Peter and Craig Meaney and families' stud recording a record-equalling on-property top price at its final stud ram sale on Monday.
The on-property auction at Mount Drummond presented 35 April 2014-drop rams, with 25 sold for an average of $760.
The catalogue-topper, described by Eyre Peninsula Livestock auctioneer Ben Dickenson as "a carcase-machine wrapped in bright, white wool", went to long-time Narlo buyer GW&PJ Hodge, Lock, for $2100.
The son of a Hamilton Run sire was rated third-highest on the index at 137 and carried a 19.8-micron fleece.
Narlo stud principal Craig Meaney said the ram was true to type and displayed all the characteristics buyers looked for in top quality Dohne sires.
"He's got good weaning weight, and he's got very good fleeceweight," he said.
Sourcing Narlo genetics for the past six years, top ram buyer Wayne Hodge said his family had achieved consistent results from their Narlo purchases.
"You get what you expect from them - that growth, they turn off really quickly and have those good wool characters," he said.
The Hodge family bought a further eight rams, including two at $1400 apiece, the second top-price.
Other volume buyers included Narlo regulars RF&LM Havelberg, Kimba, with four to $1100, and Wanilla's Ross Pope, trading under The Springs Farming Enterprises, taking three to $600.
Mr Meaney said the stud's final group of sale rams provided excellent value for money, attributing genetics and a favourable season for producing "one of the better line-ups we've ever had".
The Meaneys, who are winding-up their stud operation after 13 years, thanked buyers for their support.
