CONSISTENCY was the most used word by the bidders gallery at the Highveld Stud International annual production sale at Mendooran this week.
Offering a high percentage of full shedding sheep was thought, from the many repeat buyers, to make these sheep something that was wanted.
A top of $1800 was paid seven times, the average price was $1467 with a 93 per cent clearance of the 59 rams offered.
While the majority on offer went locally and surrounds, a draft of 12 went to Victoria.
Volume buyers and one of the top purchasers, John and Cate Lewis, Nerrin Nerrin Pastoral Company, Nerrin Nerrin, Victoria, purchased for themselves and another buyer.
They purchased 11 at auction and included one further after auction. Their draft average was $1590.
Their draft included a two-tooth, 91 kilogram, striped hoof, full shedding ram with an eye muscle depth (EMD) of 39 millimetres and a fat score of three millimetres who shared the top price.
Another top bidder was return buyer, Bob Williams, Peak Hill, who runs a commercial enterprise of 300 head of Dorper ewes, purchased two at the top price.
“I use these Australian Whites as they produce good lambs, they turn off pretty quick and seem drought proof too,” he said
“I like the full shedders, black feet and the EMD, they will bring good size and quality to my flock.
“The original rams I purchased three years ago have turned out really good lambs, they are getting bigger and bigger.
“They were very light shedders but these ones I have now are full shedders.”
Alan Baron, Highveld International, thought it was a good sale considering the season.
“It was a good clearance, and good commercial prices were obtained,” he said.
“In this draft, the average weight and eye muscle depth was even, I think that helped the sale.
“We sold through the catalogue well.
“The sale wasn’t typical, there was no high nor low it was even right through but the clearance showed that the price were right for the market.”
The sale was conducted by Landmark Dubbo with Brad Wilson controlling the bids.
