BRIMANNA Poll Merino was one of the Eyre Peninsula studs to set a cracking pace at the start of the ram sale season, averaging $2369 and achieving a good clearance at their on-property auction on Monday at Yeelanna.
The average increased $169, from $2200 in 2021, with 85 of 90 rams sold in what was a similar clearance to last year.
The strong result defied unusual circumstances.
Brimanna's owners Jayden and Ashlee Harris were the victims of bad timing, unable to attend the sale due to COVID.
Selling agents Nutrien and other helpers penned the rams and conducted the sale on their behalf.
Stud principal Mr Harris was still able to utilise technology to address the buying crowd and was pleased with the end result.
"I thought the ram sale was very solid with plenty of opportunity for buyers to secure the rams they needed," he said.
"I would like to thank our clients for their support and say a big thankyou to everyone that has helped out, not only in the lead up to the sale, but throughout what has been a challenging year."
The sale reached a high of $6800 twice, with Glenrae Holdings, Waikerie, taking home a son of the $76,000 Wallaloo Park 226, and Puckridge Ag, Wangary, securing a 114.5 kilogram ram carrying a 21.1 micron fleece, with a 3.1 standard deviation, 14.7 coefficient of variation and 99.5 per cent comfort factor.
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The 102kg Glenrae purchase had a 19.8 micron fleece, with 3.0 SD, 15.2 CV and 99.7pc CF, as well as a 43 millimetre eye muscle depth and 6.5mm fat depth.
Puckridge bought another two rams to $6600, Glenrae secured another three to $4400, while A&T Robins, Yeelanna, were the volume buyers with 27 rams to $1600.
Kaira Pty Ltd, Wirrulla, bought nine rams to $5600, while Arunta Pastoral, Warramboo, bought five to $6600.
Nutrien auctioneer Gordon Wood said there had been a strong start to EP sales, with a good local season contributing to buyer confidence.
"Brimanna was very strong, with the first 30-odd rams averaging more than $4000 and strong support from previous buyers," he said.
"The sheep presented very well. They are paddock-prepared rams with good growth and plenty of wool with good nourishment.
"As agents, we took the reins and penned all the sheep up in the morning, ran through the sale and delivered them without a vendor there which was somewhat different than what we're used to."
