Paxton Border Leicesters jump to $4200

In the breakdown, 145 rams sold of 165 offered, averaging $1865.

The top price was $1000 higher than last year, and was achieved by lot 15, a July 2018-drop twin sired by Johnos 11177 that had Lambplan figures of 4.3 for weaning weight, 6.6 for post-weaning weight, 0.1 for Pfat, and a 130.4 ranking on the Maternal $ index.

Stud principal Martin Harvey said the ram had shown early promise, and the stud had originally planned to keep the sire.

"As a lamb, right through to eight or nine months of age, it was a standout ram," he said.

"It's a very early maturing ram, and it will breed very well."

The ram was bought by McPiggery, Lameroo, with bidding carried out by Adam Bradley, Platinum Livestock, Keith.

The repeat clients secured quality rams at the top end, buying three others, one at the sale's second-highest price of $3600, as well as one at $3400 and one at $3200.

The second-highest price ram, lot 18, had figures including 5.9WWT, 9PWWT, -0.7Pfat, with a Maternal $ index value of 127.9.

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Mr Harvey was pleased to see a solid turnout of repeat clients at the sale, as well as some new faces, and he was happy with the sale result, despite the absence of some long-term buyers.

"The first 90 rams sold exceptionally well. We were a little disappointed to pass a few rams, but with the season cutting off quickly, things have changed for a few people," he said.

"A lot of these guys are some of the best first-cross ewe producers selling lambs at Naracoorte, it's fantastic to see our breeding on the placards, and to see these guys doing so well."

Mr Harvey said the stud remained focused on breeding thick, functional and durable sheep, with plenty of meat, and good structure.

All 31 registered bidders made purchases, with the sale's volume buyers including Corlas Pastoral, Western Flat, which bought 12 rams to $2400, averaging $1750, as well as BJ&DJ Francis, Western Flat, who secured 10 rams to $1800, averaging $1380.

Farmers' Leap, Padthaway, bought eight rams to $2000, averaging $1563, while eight sires were also knocked down to Heathdale, Stewart Range, which averaged $2400 and topped at $2600.

Deepwater Trust, Lochaber, was an active bidder at the top end, securing eight rams to $3600, averaging $2700.

Moyhall Pastoral, Naracoorte, secured seven rams to $1800, averaging $1283.

The sale was conducted by Pinkerton Palm Hamlyn & Steen, with PPHS's Josh Manser and Spence Dix and Co's Jonathan Spence the auctioneers.