Helmsman at Hilton Heath reaches $5600

Of 41 rams offered, 37 sold to a top price of $5600, averaging $1721.

The Sanderson stud offered 38 Poll Merinos, of which 34 sold, reaching a top of $5600 and averaging $1736, while all three Merinos on offer sold, topping at $5100 and averaging $2833.

The top price Poll Merino ram weighed 104 kilograms, and was secured by DF&GW Helyar, Murray Bridge. It had fleece measurements of 21 micron, 3.1 standard deviation, 14.2 coefficient of variation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.

The Helyars also bought four other rams, overall averaging $3180.

Topping the Merino offering was a 112kg sire secured by DMC Schultz, Cambrai, at $5100, with wool figures of 21M, 3SD, 14.6CV and 99.7CF.

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The client successfully bid on four other rams, at an overall average of $3120.

IC&TN Edson, Ivanhoe, NSW, bought 30 rams to $1500, while WL&JA Rathjen secured four rams to $1200.

Hilton Heath also hosted a mini auction at the conclusion of the helmsman, selling 20 rams to $1000, averaging $920.

Hilton Heath stud principal Roger Fiebig and Nutrien Ag Solutions Fawcett Livestock's David Schultz said buyers liked the helmsman method of sale instead of an under the hammer auction because buyers had the option to move onto other rams available if their picks became too expensive.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien, with Leo Redden adding up the bids.