WELL-BRED rams that boasted productive fat scores were sought after at Clear Hills Southdown ram sale at Hamilton last week, where 69 of 80 rams sold to $1500, and averaged $807.
The top valued ram weighed 82 kilograms and recorded a 7.1-millimetre fat score and 42mm eye muscle depth, sold to Michael Goldby of South West Farmers, Portland.
Mr Goldby was a first time buyer and purchased seven rams av $900.
"The top ram had everything we wanted as he's a traditional type, thickness, ease of lambing, shape and structure," he said.
LMB Linke Hamilton agent John Uebergang said Western District prime lamb producers chased skin type and meat quality for the Southdown breed, which he believed had increased interest as they continually met supermarket demands.
"You are always rewarded for good quality, well-bred lambs and that is what the Southdown will do," Mr Uebergang said.
While he said there was increased interest in the breed among prime lamb producers with three new clients on the day, Mr Uebergang said the breed was still underrated and anticipated growing interest as the lamb job improved.
Second highest value went to a 79kg ram with a 4.6mm fat score and 39mm EMD which sold to $1250.
David Wentwear, Yea, purchased eight rams to $1200 for a 80kg ram with a 6mm fat score and 43.8EMD, with the purchased rams av $980.
While he said there was a "light at the end of the tunnel" with improved lamb prices, stud principal Graeme Hooper said the past six months' subdued lamb market influenced the sale result.
"There was some conservative buying but I am not surprised with where the lamb prices are at," Mr Hooper said.
"Overall the average was good for the ones that sold, they sold well."
