It was another full clearance at Ulooloo Dohne stud's annual ram sale at Hallett on Thursday with the top ram selling to repeat buyers Hillview Dohne stud at Streaky Bay.
In an exciting back and forth bidding race, Lot 31, Ulooloo tag180083, which was described as being big bodied, nice and long with stylish white wool, made $5000.
The dual-purpose ram was in the top 10 per cent on the Dohne index at 172.8 , top 5pc for yearling clean fleece weight at 16.0 and had good figures in his post weaning weight at 6.1.
The 18.3 micron ram's other ASBV's included a eye muscle figure of 0.9, fat of 0.2 and yearling weight of 7.5.
Representing Hillview Dohne Merino Stud, Robert Holmes said they were chasing another genetic line for their stud and lot 31 was the perfect fit.
With 400 stud ewes at their West Coast property, where they grow a mix of wheat and oats as well as running the sheep, lot 31 will allow them to grow their bloodlines.
"They just generally do better (on our country). They are a lot hardier sheep and do better in tough conditions," Mr Holmes said.
Ulooloo sold all 75 rams for a $1837 average.
This was not far off 2021 when 80 rams averaged $1931.
While there were a number of repeat buyers, the Hall family was pleased to see new buyers join their sale - with 23 registered bidders in total.
Volume buyers Tigmas Props took 10 rams for their north-east pastoral properties at Netley Gap and Spring Dam, near Yunta.
Tigmas Props owners Mark and his brother Scott Duncan-Tiver, said they had purchased from the Hall family for more than five years.
"It's our first time back since the drought. The Dohnes do really well out there (in the north east pastoral area), they have a good turn out with lambs and good rates, too," Scott said.
Following the drought, Scott said they were a couple thousand head short of where they need to be, but after this year's shearing they have doubled their numbers on the last.
The purchase of these rams, plus a reasonable season will help them to get back to where they want to be.
Other volume buyers included Merngenia Station, Cavenagh (via Peterborough), who took six for an average of $2233 and CJ&BD& DG Mackereth, Kingston SE, who took six for an average of $1333.
Celebrating their 10th standalone sale, Ulooloo principals Rob and his father Greg Hall were "very happy" with this year's auction.
Buyers registered from throughout SA and interstate.
Stud principal Greg Hall was happy to see return clients after some dry years along with a few newcomers.
"We have had a couple of enquiries due to the non-mulesing status with regards to the Responsible Wool Standard systems with wool. They (the clients) are looking for the traceability of wool, we have drawn some new clients due to them chasing the wool."
Elders SA stud stock manager Tom Penna and Cody Hounsell of Nutrien Ag Solutions Jamestown, said despite two station buyers not present, it was still a great sale.
Mr Penna, who was the sale's auctioneer, said it was good to see a number of new buyers join the auction to enjoy the strong (and quality) lineup of rams offered.
"The depth and consistency of the yarding is excellent. It was a good sale in that the vendors were happy and the buyers got good value for money," Mr Penna said.
Elders and NutrienAg Solutions conducted the sale which was also interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
