Pimbena sets new ram sale benchmark

Overall, 54 April 2020-drop rams sold from 64 offered to $4700, averaging $1974 - a $207 increase on last year's average sale price.

Return long-term commercial clients MP&KM Tomney, Cungena, bought the top price ram as part of a 10-ram haul, averaging $2860.

The home-bred saletopper, at lot 23, was one of the heaviest in the catalogue at 118 kilograms, and had a fleece measuring 18.7 micron, 2.8 standard deviation, 14.7 coefficient of variation and 100 per cent comfort factor.

The sale's second-highest price of $4200 was paid by repeat buyer Pittaway Farming Trust, Wirrulla, who bought five in total, averaging $2480.

Their top ram at lot 9, another home-bred sire, also weighed 118kg, and had a fleece measuring 18.4M, 3SD, 16.2CV and 99CF.

Pimbena stud principal Leslie Hamence was extremely pleased after the sale, particularly the strong sale average increase.

"We had a lot more buyers attend this year, possibly attracted by our improved figures on Sheep Genetics, which we are starting to see pay off," he said.

"Plus our rams are non-mulesed as well."

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Mr Hamence was also happy to see a handful of new faces among the crowd, including Joyce Ventures with seven rams averaging $1029; and Claughton Family Trust, Yallunda Flat, with five averaging $1200.

Nutrien Ceduna livestock manager Logan Elliott agreed the sale went "exceptionally well", buoyed by the good season in the area.

"People are increasing their flocks so they're needing extra rams," he said.

"We also had a very good presence of return buyers from Far West NSW station country, which helped keep a good floor in the sale."

Netalie Station, Wilcannia, NSW, was a volume buyer with five averaging $1980; while Pimbena neighbour Koolaroo Farm took home five averaging $2120.

Nutrien conducted the sale, with Gordon Wood as auctioneer.