The 13th annual on-property sale on account the Kember family, Gleneith Border Leicester stud, Ganmain, saw a 100 per cent clearance of the 100 rams offered to top price of $3500 and average of $1607.
A feature of the sale was the strong interest from repeat buyers who purchased larger drafts than normal, according to studmaster Wes Kember.
“It was a phenomenal sale, reflecting the strength in the sheep industry,” he said.
“Our sale was well supported by new buyers, and the depth of our offering was evident when Lot 81 sold for $2700 and Lot 97 made $2400.”
The top-price ram, a twin son of Gleneith 69-13, was purchased by Chris Hewitt, Hewitt Border Leicesters, Warracknabeal, Victoria.
Mr Hewitt said his new purchase has all the credentials of an outstanding sire prospect, with his outlook matching his figures.
“I also breed Super Borders and I wanted a ram with good figures,” Mr Hewitt said.
“It is very hard to get a big and strong ram with the characteristics of a stud sire with figures that match his great outlook and balance.”
Mr Hewiit said his new sire was in the top five per cent for weaning weight and $Index of 130.9, which are the traits he is concentrating on for his flock. The twin brother of the top-price ram was bought by I.W. and S.G. Carr, Castle Camps Border Leicesters, Keith, South Australia, for $2000.
Buying at the top-end of the draft, Inglemar Pastoral Co., “Carrumor”, Walbundrie, bought three rams for a $2134 average price while J.S. Guest, Tumbarumba, paid to top of $2700 in his draft of five rams to average $2140.
Among many volume buyers, Ruby Park Pastoral Co., Collingullie, purchased 11 rams to top at $1700 and average $1355, while Burgess Hill Pastoral Co., Coolamon, selected a draft of six rams for an average price of $1600. Other buyers included the Don Dyce Family Trust, Coolamon, who bought seven rams for $1643 average.
The sale was conducted by Elders, Narrandera and Wagga Wagga, with Will Stoddart taking the bids.