West Wail adds nearly $1000 to its top price

The top priced ram was bought by repeat client Ian Klowss, Natimuk for $4400, up from $3500 last year.

Mr Ellis said buyers were looking for growth, length and body shape in the West Wail White Suffolks.

"They like to see nice clean points as well," Mr Elllis said.

It had been a slow start to the season, with a late break followed by cold conditions.

"It's been a tougher season for sheep, it's been two or three weeks behind, for growth."

But, despite the adverse conditions, the rams came up well.

"They just do their thing, we don't pump them, or push them, and that's why I think a lot of our clients are happy with their longevity."

Mr Ellis said many buyers had commented they didn't need to buy as many rams as they normally would.

He agreed it appeared the stud was a 'victim of its own success'.

"It sounds that way, but we are farmers too and we like to get value for money."

Read more: A Natimuk wool operation is diversifying into prime lamb production,

Lot 18, at White Suffolk sired by Rene 180064, had a birth weight of 4.8 kilograms, a weaning weight of 58.5kg and scanned at 84kg.

The February 2020-drop ram had a fat measurement of 4.4 millimetres, an eye-muscle depth of 43.4mm and an eye muscle area of 33.7 square centimetres.

Driscoll, McIllree & Dickinson Horsham livestock agent Brock Quick said West Wail offered 20 more rams this year.

"There seems to be less demand for terminal sires, this year, but what did sell, sold well," Mr Quick said.

"People bought what they wanted and paid good money."

He said the lower clearance could be due to a number of reasons, such as smaller ewe numbers, farmers putting in more crops or having already bought rams.

Rams were sold to other Wimmera producers, with other buyers from Ballarat and Bendigo.

I & B Dyer Telangatuk East, bought 15 rams, JS & VJ Smith, Rainbow bought seven and a TB White and Sons Ballarat bought seven rams for SL Fletcher.