RADNOR's 35th annual sale was held at Langhorne Creek on Friday, with 26 registered buyers competing on the 70 well-presented Poll Merino rams.
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Although the average of $1132 was slightly down on their 2018 sale, the Koehler family cleared 32 more rams - 67 of 70 offered - and had a $1200 increase in their top price to $5200.
In the mini auction afterward, all 30 rams sold averaging $621.
The top price ram at $5200 was lot four - a 19.1 micron ram weighing 102.5 kilograms bought by repeat buyers VL&JK Eichler, Mannum.
"The ram had a big barrel, correct body structure and good wool," Mr Eichler said.
The Eichlers have been running only Radnor bloodlines for nine years and are seeing great results with better lambs and better wool cuts. They lamb in April and have already sold their 2019-drop lambs.
Second-highest price of $4200 was paid for lot nine, bought by J&H Dalla, Orrie Cowie stud, Warooka.
It was a 99.5kg ram with a 22.1M wool.
Buyer John Dalla selected the ram for its extra bone, width of body and growth.
"The ram also had a lot of wool of very good quality and would mature into a very good ram," he said.
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Testament to the value buying throughout the catalogue was the strong support from loyal client Richard Anderson, Broken Hill, NSW, who bought 32 rams in the main auction to $900, averaging $647.
Mr Anderson said that due to seasonal conditions in Far West NSW, Wetargo Station at White Cliffs and Mt Stuart Station at Tibooburra were both destocked and their 8000 breeding ewes were on agistment at Longreach in Qld.
Mr Anderson bought a further 19 rams in the mini auction and 30 private selection rams on the day.
"We have been buying Radnor rams for 14 years and we like the Radnor sheep for being deep-framed, heavy wool-cutters with white, well-nourished wools," he said.
Other volume buyers were Stewartdale, Naracoorte, with six rams to $2000, averaging $1100, while AM&SK Howard, Truro, bought six rams to $1100, averaging $800.
Radnor principal Steve Koehler was pleased with how the sale rams presented and said it was good to attract five new clients and sell more rams with the help of a large station order.
Elders auctioneer Tom Penna said "there would be no better value in the state".
"The quality offered was very good with good competition at the top end," he said.
The sale was conducted by Elders Murray Bridge.
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