MANY return buyers and a few new visitors attended the Highveld International Australian White stud's Mendooran annual production sale on Tuesday.
Offering 74 rams, a total of 41 sires were cleared at auction for an average of $1078.
Also on offer were 20 stud ewes, with six sold to a top of $1000 and an average of $833. The top price of $2000 at the fall of the hammer was achieved for a full shedding, six tooth, 104 kilogram ram with an eye muscle depth(EMD) of 45 millimeters to David Barlow, Bathurst.
Mr Bathlow said he believed the Highveld Aussie Whites were the best meat sheep available.
"They are delicious eating, drought resistant and easy care," he said.
"They tick all of the boxes."
Volume purchasers on the day were Tenanbung Grazing, Cumnock. They secured 10 rams to a top of $1400 and a draft average of $1040.
Also buying well were the Johnson family, Harden. Their draft of six rams averaged $1233 and topped at $1400 three times. They also purchased two ewes to average $800.
The Bob Charney Family Trust also selected an even draft of seven, topping at $1000 and averaging $1000.
Co-principal of Highveld International, Alan Baron, felt the sale was reasonable.
"We wouldn't have put it on if we didn't have the support of long term clients who we knew needed rams," he said. "They supported the right rams and the right ewes."
The sale was conducted by Landmark Dubbo with John Settree controlling the bids.