RAMS bred to perform in challenging conditions ensured a successful sale for Sharlu Park Poll Merino and Merino Stud at Frankton, via Truro.
A near $300 rise in average on last year and close to full clearance defied the dry conditions experienced by stud principals Luke and Andrew Saegenschnitter, and clients, over the past three years which was evident on the day of the sale with strong winds sweeping dust through the sale shed.
"This area has been doing it pretty tough for three years now and we've got a few pastoral clients who can't buy rams because they're reducing sheep numbers," Luke said.
"I didn't know what to expect at the start of the sale so we're very pleased with the result."
In the breakdown, 51 of 56 rams sold to a top of $5000, with an average of $1239.
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There was an audible buzz when the bidding began on Lot 2, which attracted significant competition and was eventually secured by Nick Lienert, Oak Farms Merino Stud, Buckleboo, for the sale's top price.
The 115-kilogram Merino carried a 20.7 micron fleece with a greasy fleece weight percentage of 127.6, 3.3 standard deviation, 16.1 coefficient of variation and 99.2pc comfort factor.
Mr Lienert also secured Lot 4, which boasted a 132.9 GFW%.
"I was pretty keen on the top ram myself and we thought about keeping it," Mr Saegenschnitter said.
"We decided to put it up and we thought it would go to a stud so we were pretty happy with the result."
The top-priced Poll made $2800 and was bought by MS&RJ Dittrich, Truro. It carried a 20 micron fleece, with 3.0 SD, 14.8 CV and 99.4 CF.
The buyer of the top Poll bought four rams in total to $2800, averaging $1675.
The sale's volume buyer was AB&MC Tohl & Son, Jamestown, who bought six rams to $1400, averaging $1133.
RW Miller, Truro, took home four rams to $1600, averaging $1150, while Mt Eba Station, Woomera, bought four rams to $700, averaging $700.
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Landmark stud stock's Leo Redden conducted auctioneering duties and pointed to the stud's investment in quality stud sires as one of the reasons they'd been able to withstand such tough conditions.
"They're purpose-bred sheep for these tough conditions and people are starting to respond to that," Mr Redden said.
"So despite the seasonal conditions we've had an improved result and a lot of comments about the stud sires that have been bought in and people are excited for the future."
The Saegenschnitters recently purchased the $8000 sale-topper at Ashrose, Mundulla, and top-priced $6000 Poll Merino at the Saddleworth Rices Creek auction.
