A SOLID crowd of repeat, return and new buyers created strong competition at the Tongara White Suffolk ram sale, Netherton.
Bidding reached $1900 twice to the same buyer, Lyndon Hampel, Nadda Farms, Loxton, who also paid the top price at last year's sale.
Mr Hampel said he was looking for good confirmation when buying rams.
"We go visual first and then we look at the statistics," he said.
"They stood out and obviously others thought the same."
The Hampels run Merino ewes, mating half to Merino rams for replacements, and the remainder to terminal sires, including White Suffolks, for the prime lamb market.
In total the Hampels bought six rams at an average $1533.
Lot three weighed in at 97 kilograms, with a post weaning weight of 14.8kg.
Lot four was a huge 101kg, with an eye muscle depth of 1.5.
Tongara principal Leigh Richards said the sale was a reflection of the good prices being paid for prime lambs.
It comprised three to four new buyers, as well as some who had returned after trying other options.
"I'm breeding for nice, thickset rams, with tightness of wool," Mr Richards said.
Volume buyer Karwin Nominees Pty Ltd bought 10 rams to average $1060.
Siblings Jo Williams and Michael Crouch, Field, returned to the sale, deciding to switch back to Tongara rams.
They run 5000 Merino and first-cross ewes, and will be using Tongara rams across the flocks.
KIN Schmaal, Coonalpyn, bought eight rams to average $1043.75.
Jachmann Farming, Loxton, bought six, averaging $758.
Elders conducted the sale with Dean Coddington and Tom Penna auctioneering.
Elizabeth Anderson
Stock Journal's magazine editor.
Stock Journal's magazine editor.
