ONE of the most even drafts seen was the catch-cry of many who attended Ashbank's 37th annual ram sale after a year without a sale due to the climatic conditions.
Prices were constant across the board for both the Poll Dorsets and White Suffolk's with both breeds claiming a 100 percent clearance.
In the breakdown 93 Poll Dorsets sold to a top of $3100 for a draft average of $1710.
Forty-seven White Suffolk's sold to a top of $2500 three times and average of $1746.
Top priced Poll Dorset was Autumn drop, Ashbank 198 whose figures included a post weaning weight of 14.5 kilograms, fat of -0.9 and an eye muscle depth of 2.0.
He was purchased by Anthony Martin, Arthurville, a commercial based enterprise who produce first-cross sheep to sell onto the local markets.
"I liked his length, his clearness in the face and he stands well," Mr Martin said.
"I'm hoping for quicker finishing lambs and bigger lambs to produce more money over the hook,
"At the end of the day a ram is cheap for what you get out of him if you buy the best."
"The three top priced White Suffolks included Tag 7, who's figures included post weaning weight of 15.0 kilograms, fat of -0.7 and an eye muscle depth of 1.7, Tag 248 who's figures included post weaning weight of 15.8 kilograms, fat of -0.7 and an eye muscle depth of 1.9 and Tag 191 who's figures included post weaning weight of 15.9 kilograms, fat of -0.7 and an eye muscle depth of 1.8.
They were all purchased by the Carter family from Wellington for $2500 each.
The Carters also took home two Poll Dorsets for a draft average of $2400.
Volume buyer was Angus Gregory, Landsgrove, Wellington who took home 24 Suffolk's and 6 Poll Dorsets.
"We didn't buy any last year due to the conditions so we needed more now," Mr Gregory said.
"We are going to join a few more this year to cross bred instead of Merino to push back to meat sheep.
"They were all very even rams, I had to mark what I didn't like,
"We looked for the high growth rates and hope we will get good long lambs from these."
Co-Principal Daryl Dixon thought that to average over $1700 for two breeds and sell the lot was a terrific sale.
"We had a lot of repeat buyers and some new ones, the repeat buyers know they get a good article and are pleased with their stock from previous purchases," he said.
"Last year a lot didn't need any rams so we held off and left them for this year's sale.
"We did decrease the Poll Dorset numbers a little but the we are the same for the White Suffolks.
"The top priced Poll Dorset was good on his feet, had good hindquarters and a very growthy ram, I had selected him early as being in the top. His sire is one of our own rams who is breeding well.
"The sale was conducted by Nutrien Milling Thomas, Dubbo with Peter Thomas controlling the bids.
Please see The Land next week for the full report.