Brimanna Poll Merino sale draws strong support despite softer averages

Support remained strong from loyal repeat buyers and new faces at the Brimanna Poll Merino annual on-property ram sale at Yeelanna on Monday.

The stud sold 66 of 75 rams offered to a top of $7500 and an average of $1328, back from last year's $1944 average.

Stud principal Jayden Harris, Yeelanna, said he was pleased with the result, given the challenging year.

"I was pretty happy with the result," Mr Harris said.

"Obviously, with the tough seasonal conditions, the result was back a bit from last year.

"We had a few clients not operating, which probably affected the average, but we were really happy to sell what rams we did.

"We were well supported by a number of loyal clients, which was good."

The $7500 top price ram came from lot 4, sired by Brimanna 15.

It carried a 17.6 micron, 2.3 standard deviation, 13.2 coefficient of variation, 100 per cent comfort factor, greasy fleece weight of 0.7, birth weight score of 111.5, eye muscle depth of 44.1 and a fat score of 6.2.

It sold to long-term supporters Berry Springs, Graham 'Blue' Clayton, Yallunda Flat.

Mr Harris said the ram stood out for its elite balance of size, structure and wool figures.

"He just had the size and structure to go with elite wool figures and meat-eating qualities that we are renowned for," he said.

"He was a real standout, and it was great to see him go to such a good home."

Mr Clayton said he was impressed with the ram's overall make and shape.

"It had the frame and shape I was looking for," he said.

"It carried purity, a terrific top line, a big pelvis area and a strong tail setting.

"It was also the heaviest ram in the shed, very good on its feet, and carried itself well.

"I wanted a sheep like that, and I'm glad I secured it."

Another highlight was lot 1, sired by Brimanna 226, which sold for $7000 to NA&AM Maddern, Mitchell.

The ram had a 20.3M, 3.0SD, 14.6CV, 99.2pc CF, GFW of 1, EMD of 43.4, FAT of 6.8 and BWT of 110.5.

Volume support came from long-time clients A&T Robins and Sons, Yeelanna, who took 34 rams to a top of $1400.

New buyers SR&MA Mickan, Cummins, secured four rams, while MB Proctor, Brooker, purchased three, all at $2000.

Mr Harris said attracting new buyers was a positive sign for the stud.

"It was encouraging to see some new faces, including people who hadn't bought from us before," he said.

The draft also featured rams sired by Rice's Creek 188 and Brimanna 15, both of which Mr Harris rated highly.

He said the stud was also looking forward to offering the first sons of the Sharlu Park ram purchased at the Adelaide sale last year.

Nutrien stud stock's Gordon Wood, who auctioneered, said it was a solid result given the current market.

"Brimanna presented a good, even line of rams with plenty of white, crimpy wools and strong carcase traits," Mr Wood said.

"The clearance was very solid, and while averages were back, that's the trend we are seeing across most sales this season.

"Buyers are being selective, but the quality rams are still attracting strong competition."