Kenlorne sale smashes 2018 results

The large-framed rams drew fierce competition between only 11 registered bidders, clearing all 85 in the catalogue to a new stud record top price of $2300 twice, obliterating last year's high by a clear $500.

The average also increased to $1590, a significant rise from last year's average of $1098.

The first of two stud rams to be auctioned individually drew a flurry of bids, quickly running up to $2200, and was knocked down to Jason Sutherland, Bray. Mr Sutherland paid from $1100 to 1600 for a further 16 Kenlorne sires, for an overall average of $1453.

Bids for the second stud ram came from all across the gallery before returning client Trent Bettes, Bettes Ag, Keith, paid the equal sale high of $2300. Carrying Leenala genetics, the sire recorded figures of 14.9 post-weaning weight, -1.1 post-weaning fat and 0.07 PW eye muscle depth, and a Terminal Carcase Production index of 127.5.

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The 83 flock rams sold to strong competition all the way through the catalogue, rarely dropping below $1200.

Bettes Ag also paid the equal top price of $2300 for lot 5, a ram carrying Allendale genetics, with recorded figures of 14.2PWWT, -0.5Pfat, 2PEMD and a Terminal Carcase Production index of 131. Mr Bettes averaged $1930 across the 10 rams he bought.

This was the third year running Mr Bettes had bought Kenlorne's top price ram, and this year had sought out the twinning sires, with an aim to "up the fertility" across their composite ewe flock.

"We need fertile rams that are able to go with twin-bearing ewes to try and lift our percentages anywhere from 160 per cent to 200pc," he said. "Fertility converts to kilograms per hectare and is a key factor in our production.

"We've been buying from Kenlorne for three years now and been getting great value for money - the rams have been exceptional and as good as anywhere else.

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"Ken and Betty (Walker) are doing a great job with the genetics - the figures are good and the size and shape of the rams today were significantly better, which reflected in the prices" Mr Bettes said.

Volume buyer and sale regular Peter Altschwager, Tantanoola, bought 19 rams paying from $1200 to $1900, averaging $1616, while Kenlorne stalwarts Bimbimbi Props, Wattle Range, took 12 rams from $1400 to $1800, averaging $1666.

Kenlorne principal Ken Walker said he thought this year's sale was "outstanding", with rams looking their best and buyers seemingly "pretty pleased" with their rams.

Landmark auctioneer Richard Miller said the sale was the Walker family's best yet.

"They've probably been flying under the radar a bit down here for the past number of years and have arguably the biggest Poll Dorset sheep in SA," Mr Miller said. "Today's sale was very even; rams at the back end of the catalogue could easily have stood up in the front half."