SALE SUMMARY
2016 2015
Offered 53 53
Sold 43 53
Top $1800 $2300
Av $1151 $1170
BORDER LEICESTER rams were keenly sought at Hanookra stud’s annual sale at the Naracoorte Showground on Wednesday last week, producing a solid $1151 average.
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The sale kicked off with strong bidding for the well-presented rams, but as buyers gradually filled their orders, prices dropped to $600 to $800.
Rodney and Tracey Willmott, Woolumbool, sold 43 of 53 August/September 2015-drops to a $1800 high twice, with all rams selling within a 70-kilometre radius.
Elders auctioneer Jody Darcy urged the crowd to consider the buoyant lamb prices and expected jump in first-cross ewe prices in their bidding, saying it was “exciting times for the rural sector”.
The catalogue included many high-indexing rams in the top 5-10 per cent of the Border Leicester breed.
TH&YA Correll, Woolumbool, bought two of the highest-performing rams in the catalogue at $1800 and $1700, with Border $ indexes of 127.3 and 125.8.
The rams were sons of Hanookra 11-7.
PG McCallum Farm Trust, Naracoorte, bought another Hanookra 11-7 son for the equal top price at Lot 8.
Anthony Foster, GR Foster & Co, Bool Lagoon, bought five rams averaging $1180, while DH&HJ Williamson, Joanna, averaged $900 for five rams.
Mr Willmott said the sale started strongly but they needed another couple of bulk buyers to match last year’s total clearance.
“Most people were fussy with what they bought, but hopefully would have been pretty happy,” he said.
“We know we won’t get all our old clients in the one year so any new clients are a bonus.
“We had four this year, which was pleasing.”
Mr Willmott was also pleased with his ram quality as they focused more on genetic fat while retaining early growth and frame.
