Even quality appeals at Minta sale

There were an extra 12 rams added to this year's catalogue with 148 rams offered and 139 sold under the hammer to an average $1651.

The $4500 peak was first hit at lot 4, for a 101 kilogram PB388 son, bred from purchased semen, which had a fleece of 18.8 microns, 2.8 standard deviation, 14.9 coefficient of variation, 99.8 per cent comfort factor and 110pc clean fleece weight.

The ram, with a 5.1 millimetre fat and 42.2mm eye muscle depth was bought by regular client Hebbermann Brothers, Poochera.

Nathan Hebbermann said they had moved to six-month shearing intervals and this ram had the staple length they were seeking.

"We look for good numbers in wool and a heavy carcase," he said.

"We sell our wethers as suckers so we're looking for dual-purpose, larger bodied sheep."

The Hebbermans also picked up a second ram at $3800, averaging $4150.

The next peak was achieved at the very next lot, with last year's top price buyer Nigel and Debbie May, Elliston, returning to bid up for lot 5, a son of Greenfields 79, which was bought in partnership for $36,000.

The 102kg ram with 5.3mm fat, and 44.1EMD also measured a 19M, 2.7SD, 14CV and 99.8CF.

Mr May said the ram had good body structure and lustrous wool.

"We're trying to improve out wool and meat value, while still keeping them to a good size," he said.

The Mays took home two rams, averaging $3000.

It was not a long wait until the next high, with Burts Pastoral, Cummins, nabbing the 108kg lot 6, descended from Collinsville Empire 399.

It had 20.9M, 2.9SD, 14.1CV, 99.4Cf as well as 5.1mm fat and 45.6EMD.

The same buyers were active at the front of the catalogue, taking home three rams, averaging $3500.

RELATED: Larger line-up no obstacle for Minta

Lot 8, a 101kg half brother to lot 4, with 6.2mm fat and 414.EMD, was also bought at $4500 by GV Hull Nominees, Port Kenny.

The ram had fleece of 19.4M, 2.7SD, 14CV and 99.5CF.

Rohan Hull said the ram appealed with its deep-bodied frame and stylish white, crimpy stapled fleece.

He said the sire complemented their existing breeding program, with the right traits for their self-replacing flock.

GV Hull Nominees were also very active throughout the catalogue, buying in volume.

They took home 15 rams in total, averaging $1853.

The sale's volume buyer was Mount Eba Station, Woomera, which picked up 17 rams, at $800.

Minta principal Jesse Hull said he was pleased with the sale result and clearance, particularly after offering more rams for a second year.

Immediately after the sale it was also announced that a half-share in one of Minta's reserve rams had been sold for $10,000 to Neil Daniell, and Rod and Peter Farrow, Wool Bay.

The ram, a Collinsville Imperial son, had 21.6M, 3.4SD, 14.7CV, 99.2CF and 45,6EMD on a 112kg frame.

The sale was operated by EP Livestock and Quality Livestock with David Whittenbury and Craig Barbary sharing the gavel.