First-time buyer takes $4000 top ram at Pepper Well

Thirty-two rams were offered, of which 28 sold to $4000 and averaged $1293.

Lot 9, an 85-kilogram ram with an eye muscle depth of 33 millimetres, fat depth of 3.5mm and wool measuring 18.6 microns, 2.8 standard deviation, 15.1 coefficient of variation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor was the top price ram, bought by first-time client DE&FM Sanders, Keith.

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Mr Sanders, who runs 2500 self-replacing Merino ewes, said the ram was well-conformed, and admired its early maturing traits, and long-stapled, white, free-growing wool with a deep crimp.

Mr Sanders shears on a six-monthly basis, and said achieving a long staple length was one of his primary objectives.

"Pepper Well has got a similar focus to us, with the wool type and the skin type, and focusing on early maturing traits as well," Mr Sanders said.

"The stud's standard reference weight is similar to ours, we're not after huge SA type merinos, we love the soft rolling skin and the wool that creates."

Mr Sanders also bought the second-highest price ram - lot 19 for $2400 - and one other for $1200.

The sale's volume buyer was Chad and Kym Leske, Murray Bridge, who bought seven rams to $1200, averaging $943.

All but one of the 13 registered buyers made purchases.

Stud principal Hansi Graetz said the sale had "turned out really well", particularly considering the tough season.

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"We're very happy with the type of sheep we've been breeding, how we're advancing is really heartening," he said.

"We're not doing anything that special, but we're getting great results."

The sale was conducted by Landmark, with Gordon Wood as auctioneer.