A FULL clearance and healthy average of $2044 ensured Brimanna Poll Merino principal Jayden Harris was pleased after the stud's on-property auction at Yeelanna on Monday.
While the average was back on last year's stud record of $2782, Mr Harris said that was more of an indication of just how exceptional the 2019 sale was.
"It was back a little bit on last year but I think it was a more realistic average and a pretty solid sale throughout," he said.
"There was a little less competition on a few rams.
"Some people have made the decision to cut back on Merinos this year with the wool market the way it is, but I still think the result was more of a reflection on the fact that last year was an exceptional sale."
In the sale breakdown, 85 rams were offered and sold in the main auction to a top price of $7000 and average of $2044.
A further 15 rams were offered in a mini-auction, with 11 of those selling for an average of $836.
Mr Harris was happy with how the rams presented and said consistent competition throughout the catalogue and into the mini-auction was a testament to the quality of sheep on offer.
The sale got off to a strong start with the first ten lots averaging more than $5000, underpinned by regular returning clients.
One of those returning buyers was Arunta Pastoral, Warramboo, who snapped up lot one - and the sale's top-priced ram - for $7000 and took a further three to $6200.
The lot one ram was sired by Kamora Park 461, which was bought by Brimanna principal Jayden Harris for $14,000 at the 2018 Royal Adelaide Show and noted for its exceptional wool quality.
The 118-kilogram ram carried a 21.1 micron fleece, with 3.1 standard deviation, 14.7 coefficient of variation, and a 99.2 per cent comfort factor.
Other volume buyers included A&T Robins & Son, Yeelanna, who bought 27 rams to $1400, Kaira Pty Ltd, Wirrulla, buying six rams to $5400, GA&DJ Giddings, Wanilla, taking six to $2200 and JM&JK Jones buying five to $1800.
There were several new buyers present including Skinner Bros, Karkoo, who bought two rams to $3000, Claughton Family Trust, Yallunda Flat, buying two to $1300 and Boehm Bros, taking two to $800.
Brimanna's sale was conducted by Nutrien Ag Solutions, with Gordon Wood wielding the gavel.
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