*101 of 106 rams sold to $4500 (three times), av $2337
The Hicks family were 'delighted' with the results of their Hannaton Merinos on-property sale at Kaniva with more rams being sold and at a higher average price.
Jonno Hicks said the this sale was "a brave new world" with the use for the first time of AuctionsPlus.
He said it was the most even line-up of rams they had offered and that was reflected in the prices with a top of $4500 - three times - and an average of $2337.
Because of the depth they increased the offering of rams and cleared 101 of 106 with bidding through the catalogue.
Mr Hicks said the coronavirus restrictions meant they lost some South Australian clients due to the restrictions but picked up some Victorian buyers.
The first ram to make the top of $4500 was lot two that was purchased by Loyoak, Minimay.
The ram microned at 17 with a standard deviation (SD) measure of 3.2, a co-efficient of variation (CV) of 18.6 per cent and comfort factor (CF) of 100pc.
The same buyer paid $4000 for lot four. This lot was a 21 micron ram with an SD of 3.5, CV of 16.8pc and CF of 99.2pc.
One of the volume buyers of the sale was Warooka Pastoral which purchased five rams to a top of $4500 for lot 18.
Lot 18 had a 20.6 micron fleece, SD of 3.4, CV of 16.5 and a CF of 99.2pc.
Lot nine also made the $4500 top and was purchased by Visatro Pty Ltd, Willaura.
The proceeds for the ram was donated to this year's chosen charity, Beyond Blue.
The ram had figures of 17.1 micron fleece, SD of 3.6, CV of 20.9pc and a CF of 100pc.
SW Allen paid $4250 for lot 88 a ram with a micron of 18.7, an SD of 2.9, CV of 15.5pc and CF of 100pc.
Among the lots to make $4000 was lot one purchased by Janmac.
TM & MA Keller bought rams to a top of $4000 for lot 56, while AA & BM Lees paid $4000 for lot 3 and GB Crowden paid $4000 for lot five.
Lot seven was purchased for $4000 on AuctionsPlus.
Other volume buyers included Matt Fitzgerald, Maldon, and Northfield Nominees, Horsham, both who purchased eight rams.
Mr Hicks said the stud was "really lucky" to have the support of loyal buyers, including Loyoak which had been purchasing rams for 50 years, and many others for 20 to 40 years.
"It was a combination of new and existing buyers that led to this year's strong result," he said.
Buyers operated from three states either on AuctionsPlus or via an agent at the sale.
Mr Hicks said they had been using Australian Sheep Breeding Values for eight years focusing on early growth, staple length and an easy-care animal.
He said the stud was going down the track of basing genetic selection to produce sheep that would not require mulesing.
