*72 of 72 rams sold to $8000 (twice), av $2388
Highlight of the 49th annual Belbourie Merino and Poll Merino stud was the sale top of $8000 achieved on two rams.
The Marnoo-based stud has steadily increased its offering as well as its results, going from 50 rams in 2016 to 72 this year with a total clearance.
At the same time the average price has improved ($1353 in 2016) to $2388 this year.
The Reading family's, Studall, bought both sale-topping rams.
The first to go at $8000 was a poll ram sired by Nyowee Poll Boonoke. The March shorn ram measured 196 micron with a standard deviation of 2.6, co-efficient of variation of 13.3 and comfort factor of 99.6.
The second ram to Studall was lot 13 with figures of 19.3 micron, 3.1 SD, 16.1 CV and a CF of 99.8.
Belbourie stud principal said he was "very happy" with the result and the way the rams presented.
He said there was a good group of regular and returning buyers as well as two new clients from nearby.
"We have a good article and the sheep market and wool has been good," he said.
Most people went home with a ram, he said.
Stuart, Leanne and Hayley Reading, Brynavon, Callawadda, were other strong buyers on the day paying up to $4750 for a total of 10 rams.
The top lot was an 18 micron Oakbank sired ram with an SV of 3.5, CV of 19.4 and CF of 99.7.
Brynavon also paid $4500 on two occasions. The first was a 20.9 micron ram with a SV of 2.6, CV of 13.4 and CF of 99.7 The second at $4500 was a ram with a CF of 100, micron of 18.3, SD of 2.6 and CV of 14.2.
One new buyer was RJ & MV Mewett who bought 10 rams. Top of this draft was $3500 for an 18.5 micron ram with an SV of 2.5, CV of 15.1 and CF of 99.9.
EC & JM Heard paid $4500 for lot 16 a ram with figures of 20.4 micron, 2.9 SD, 14.2 CV and a CF of 99.4.
TR & SW Robertson, Kanagulk near Balmoral, purchased six rams to a top price of $4250. Their top purchase was lot 12 for a ram with figures of 17.8 micron, 2.6 SD, 14.6 CV and a CF of 99.7. They paid $4000 for 36, a Nyowee Poll Boonoke-sired ram with a micron of 19.2, SD of 3.5, CV of 18.2 and CF of 99.7.
Regular repeat buy, David Coad, Moyston, paid $4000 for lot 43 hodling figures of 19.8 micron, 2.9 SD, 14.6 CV and a CF of 99.7.
Belbourie's "mini auction" held after the main auction saw 25 rams offered with 15 sell to $1750 (multiple lots) and averaging $1382.