COMPETITION was strong at Dalveen's on-property auction yesterday, leaving stud principal John Richardson declaring it the "best sale we've ever had"
Mr Richardson, Woodchester, said he was "extremely happy" with the results from their 45th annual sale.
Bidding reached a top of $3100 for a ram with 18.8 micron wool, a comfort factor of 100 per cent, coefficient of variation of 13.8pc and standard deviation of 2.6.
The ram was bought by KH Schwarz, Tintinara, who paid the equal-top price of $1900 for a ram at last year's Dalveen sale.
The Schwarz family also purchased the second-top price ram, paying $2400 for a sire with wool measurements of 19.9M, 2.8SD, 14.1CV and 99.8CF.
Mr Richardson said the sheep had presented well, and were also testing well.
"I've heard lots of favourable comments about the sheep," he said.
The bulk of the rams were sired along Moorundie Park bloodlines, with Mr Richardson saying he aimed for a large framed sheep with medium wool and good wool cuts.
This sale included several new buyers, which Mr Richardson welcomed.
"It makes more competition and flows through the shed," he said.
After selling all but one of the 114 rams during the auction, a further 17 rams from the private selection sold at $600.
The average lifted almost $360 from last year.
Landmark stud stock's Richard Miller described the sale as "outstanding".
The volume buyer of the sale was the Flint family from Kingston, who took home 12 rams for an average $1175.
Longtime clients DP&MM Densley, Keith, bought 10 rams, av $890.
Other bulk buyers were LR Gregurke & Partners, Lameroo, with nine rams, while Metala Pty Ltd, Langhorne Creek, and new buyer Rejall Park, Horsham, Vic, purchased eight each.
Elders' stud stock's Tom Penna said he considered the stud to have "flown under the radar" for a good number of years.
"They're good, honest, productive clean sheep, that are well-grown with the ability to cut wool," he said.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Landmark Strathalbyn with Tom Penna and Richard Miller handling bids.
