New record set at Roemahkita

The average was $356 up on last year’s $1756.

The top price paid was also $1400 up on last year’s $3600 high, at $5000.

But, a few more volume buyers were needed with clearance at 70 per cent, and 64 out of the 91 rams offered sold under the hammer.

Studmaster Joe Dahlitz said it was pleasing to see a few new faces bidding this year, along with plenty of repeat clients.

“I’m very pleased with the line-up and happy with how they sold, we just ran out of competition towards the end,” he said.

The top price bidders at $5000 were the Watson family, Tooligie, who have been buying from Roemahkita for about 20 years.

The highest price ram weighed 109.5 kilograms, with eye muscle depth of 40.8 millimetres and fat score of 6.9.

Its fleece measurements were 18.2 micron, 99.7 per cent comfort factor, standard deviation of 2.6 and coefficient of variation of 14.6.

Aaron Watson said there was plenty his family liked about the ram, including its very white, crimpy wool, and its overall size.

The ram was sired by Roemahkita Big Joe 066449.

The Watsons also bought a further three rams to $3800.

Other long-time clients, the Baines Brothers, Cummins, were volume buyers this year, buying nine rams to $4800.

Classings Limited’s Bill Walker was another volume buyer, purchasing for clients including Netallie Station, Wilcannia, NSW, Aston Station, Wentworth, NSW, and Rod Germein, Port Vincent. Mr Walker bought seven rams to $4000.

Buying near the top of the catalogue was return buyer Geoff Wurst, Laura, who bought three rams to $4000.

Another regular client Maurice Collins, Mount Pleasant, bought two rams to $3800.

The sale was run jointly by Elders and Landmark.

Landmark stud stock manager for SA – and sale co-auctioneer – Gordon Wood said it was good to see the sale attracted bidders from across the state.

“The front end of the sale was very solid, people weren’t frightened of expanding their budget to secure the rams they had selected,” he said.

Elders stud stock manager for SA – and sale co-auctioneer – Tony Wetherall said it was a very good line-up of rams, showing terrific growth for age.

The rams were all 15 months old and the average weight across the 91 sires offered was 104.5kg.

“They're a real dual-purpose animal, with extremely well-nourished, stylish, medium wool,” he said.