*53 of 55 rams sold to $4250 (twice), av $2174
THE INAUGURAL "top of the drop" on-property sale of Willera Poll Merinos has been hailed a success.
Of the 55 rams offered at auction, 53 were sold under the hammer at an average of $2174, with two rams topping at $4250.
The sale was held at the Hooke family's property Sangus Creek, Serpentine, and attracted 39 buyer registrations.
Karl Hooke said previously rams were sold by private selection which tended to deter potential buyers.
"The auction environment gives everyone an equal shot at every ram, we are very pleased with the result," he said.
"What stood out during the auction was that buyers were looking for more muscle, they wanted dual-purpose sheep.
"They want to be able to sell a wether lamb at a good weight."
Buyer of one of the top-priced rams was Karwoola Pty Ltd, Pyramid Hill, who selected Lot 4, a ram by Wallaloo Park 160640.
The ram had Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) of 33 per cent fleece weight (industry average 13pc) and a dual-purpose plus index of 163 (136).
The second ram to top at $4250 was Lot 20, also by Wallaloo Park 160640.
The ram was bought by Glenara Pastoral Co, Bungalally, and had FW of 26pc and DP+ of 158.
The same buyer purchased another two rams at $3500 and $2250.
Buyer of three rams was John Gross, Castle Creek, Euroa, who paid up to $3750 for ram by Willera Poll 160235.
The ram had figures of 6.3 post weaning weight and 10.2 yearling weight.
Mr Gross also paid $3500 each for two more rams.
He said he had been buying Willera rams for nearly 30 years, and was buying based on rams with ASBVs in key areas that were significantly higher than his own flock.
"We have DNA of our flock and I am looking for rams based on physical attributes and data to improve our flock," he said.
BA & SA McCahow, Terrick Terrick East, bought three rams to a top of $3750 for Lot 11, a ram by Leahcim poll 101009.
Millring Pastoral, Toongabbie, bought two rams for $3250 each.
DA & SM Twigg bought five rams to a top of $2000, while another volume buyer was Brierly Partnership, Morgiana, with three rams to $3500.
D & D Hancock, Murphy's Creek, was active buying eight rams to a top of $1500 (three times).
Other bidders came from Stratford, Borung, Dunkeld, Maldon, Dunolly, Dundonnell and Warracknabeal.
