THREE main players fought it out for the top-performance Perendale composite rams at Yarram Park's second annual sale at Hamilton last week.
Hassad Australia continued its domination at western Victoria's October composite ram auctions, purchasing 56 composite head to average $1021 as it transitions the 8250-hectare Barton Station, Moyston, from fat-tailed Awassi sheep to a composite prime lamb flock.
One of its main rival bidders was Charlie Archer, Terrinallum Partnership, Derrinallum, who purchased 11 Perendale composite rams to $1400, av $1227.
Mr Archer said he had returned to the sale after the 20 Perendale composite rams he purchased last year performed well.
"They have good growth and they're proving hardy," he said.
"Despite the season being in the balance, the sale was still very strong. I think that is due to the sheep prices remaining strong and the market positivity."
The sale top-price of $1900 was paid by David Roach, Kilkenny Pastoral Company, Hawkesdale, for a Perendale composite ram that recorded 0.3 kilograms birth weight, 5.1kg weaning weight and -0.47 PFAT.
Also up against powerful conglomerate Hassad Australia were Matthew Burmeister and Sybil Abbott, Mt William Partners, who had a taste for similar-type rams.
In total, Mt William bought 29 Perendale composite rams including six to their purchase peak of $1400, av $1262.
The family also purchased two Cheviot composite rams at $900 each.
The 25-head offering of Cheviot composites sold to $1000, av $$884.
Mondilibi Pastoral Company, Mortlake, was also a leading bidder, buying 34 mixed-type rams av $1162.
Its lots included 15 Perendale compsite rams to $1300, av $1140; 16 Southdown composite rams to $1500, av $1260; and three Poll Dorset composites rams av $700.
The 21 Southdown composite rams offered were sold to $1500, av $1181, while the eight Poll Dorset composites av $700.