Stud sire sells to $4000 at Monarto

Lot 1 sold to the $4000 sale high in an auction that averaged $1003, while 67 of 100 rams sold.

The ram, which had the catalogues highest Carcase Plus index of 230.9, as well as a Total Carcase Plus index of 156.2, had figures of 0.1 for birthweight, 18.5 for post weaning weight, -0.2 for PW fat, and 3.3 for PW eye muscle depth.

It was bought by Anden Stud, Woomelang, Vic, via phone bidding.

Stud principal Barrie Gale said it was pleasing to see so much interest in the ram as it had been one they admired themselves.

"It was smooth across the back and the figures stack up too," he said.

"It has a mild birthweight with great figures for growth rates.

"It's probably the most correct ram of this year's drop."

Lot 2, which had a TCP of 152.04, 208.1CP, 0.5BWT, 15.6PWWT, -0.9pfat and 2.4PEMD, was snapped up by Anna Villa stud, Weetulta, for $1500.

Anna Villa, who paid the top price last year, also bought lot 12, a 154.4TCP and 221.2CP ram at $1200.

RELATED READING: Averages lift on Galaxy Park two breed offering

First-time buyer secures high index sire

Regular clients CA Paech and K Molnar, Tepko, were one of the sale's volume buyer with seven rams to $1400, averaging $1085.

Interstate buyer Kurra Wirra Pastoral Co, Hamilton, Vic, bought seven rams during the auction at $800, with an eighth bought post-sale.

Raminian, Murray Bridge, bought five rams to $900, averaging $860, while DJ&RJ Stone, Yankallilla, also bought five rams at $800.

The Gale family once again held its auction 'bingo' with ram 38 - bought at $1100 - going to its new home free-of-charge, while the same amount will be donated to the McGrath Foundation.

Mr Gale said more than $3000 had been donated to the foundation in the past three years - prior to this donation.

The sale was conducted by Landmark and Elders with Landmark's Gordon Wood the auctioneer.