Meaty boost at Boolerview

In the breakdown, 56 rams sold from 60 offered, with a top of $1400 twice and solid bidding right through the sale resulting in an average $895.

This was up from last year's $808 average with three more rams sold.

The two top price rams were both secured by Peter McCallum, PG McCallum Farm Trust, Lucindale.

Mr McCallum said he was in the process of changing his operation from fine wool to prime lamb.

"There's more money in lamb than wool," he said.

His change of direction was given a significant boost with the purchase of a total of eight rams averaging $1139, which will be used over his Merino and recently purchased first-cross ewes, about 2000 in total.

Mr McCallum said he had selected rams which were twins, as he is chasing fertility, as well as those showing good growth characteristics.

The first of his sale toppers had a Carcase Plus Index of 178.9, as well as ASBVs including 15.8 for post weaning weight.

The second $1400 ram had a Carcase Plus Index of 175.2, and 14.5 PWWT.

He also purchased the second-top price ram at $1360, also a twin and with a Carcase Plus Index of 183.6.

Volume buyer on the day was DW&DM Williams, Willila, Carrieton, taking nine rams averaging $678, to a top of $900.

Durrant Co Pty Ltd, Gladstone, secures six rams to $1000, averaging $925.

Sawers Farms P/L, Wilkatana, paid to $950 for five rams averaging $940, ME Kitschke & Sons, Jamestown, paid to $900 for five rams averaging $800, and TR&LE Nottle, Melrose, took four rams averaging $875.

Stud principal Graham McCallum thought the sale went well, with the results up on last year's average and clearance.

"Buyers seemed to be looking for good stretch and some figures too," he said.

"Most were repeat clients, with one new one; I think the fact the lamb industry is doing so well at the moment helped."

Landmark auctioneer Don Cullen said the rams on offer were al good, well-grown sires which were well presented.

"It's a very successful sale, and they're real good sheep," he said.

"The whole prime lamb industry is good at the moment, which is very encouraging - the job is pushing along well."

The sale was conducted by Landmark.