A TOP line-up of 183 Poll Merinos greeted the crowd of 38 registered bidders, at the Kamora Park ram sale at Sandalwood on Friday.
The rams were well grown despite a less than ideal season, and displayed elite quality wool and exceptional carcases. These dual-purpose characteristics attracted strong bids.
Although the top price was down $1800 on last year, average was up $198.
The numbers on offer were in excess of requirements - a deliberate decision by vendors Colin, Julie, Katelyn and Wade Boughen to ensure all budgets were catered for.
Overall, 146 rams cleared on the day to a top of $5600 and averaged $1370, which included 128 in the main auction, averaging $1488.
The Boughens achieved their aim of presenting affordable rams, with 42 per cent selling from $400 to $1000.
Landmark's Gordon Wood, Richard Miller and Murray Bullen fielded rapid-fire bidding at the beginning but as budgets filled, buyers became more selective.
Buying started with John and Paul Wegner, Wegner Brothers, Karoonda, picking up KP131 for $3000. They bought 22 rams to $3800, averaging $1650.
The Wegners are often the biggest volume buyers at Kamora Park.
The $5600 top price ram was brought by Steen Paech, for Bruce and Shirley Willison, Mount Pleasant.
They paid this for lot three, KP500, sired by KP522. On top of a well-balanced big frame, the ram had 20.3 micron, 2.7 standard deviation, 13.3 co-efficient of variation and 99.5 per cent comfort factor, was +6.6 for yearling weight and had a dual purpose index of 146.
The second top ram, KP1214, went for $4400 to CS&GD Schubert, Murray Bridge, one of three top rams they bought for a $3000 average.
Three rams sold at $3800 - one to Wegner Brothers, one to Inglebrae Holdings, Callington and one to JP&C Hein, Murray Bridge.
Regular volume buyer Andrew Wall, Wall & Neindorf, Langidoon Station, via Broken Hill, bought 17 rams to $900, averaging $668.
This included 11 from the main auction and six from the mini auction including one at $900, the top for that section.
The other buyer to take double-figure rams was LD&S Stasinowsky & Co, Mantung. They paid to $1400 twice and averaged $970 for 10 rams.
Ian Symonds, Why Gee Pastoral, Karoonda, took six rams, paying to $2000 twice, averaging $1600.
Scott Dinham, Tailem Bend, was very strong on the lots he selected, buying five rams to $3000 twice, averaging $2700.