Strong support at final Pimbena sale, as Hamence calls time on stud career
PIMBENA Poll Merinos finished with a strong clearance in its final on-property sale at Wirrulla on Wednesday last week, marking the end of an era for stud principal Les Hamence.
Of the 44 rams offered, 36 were sold, selling to a top of $3400 and averaging $1357.
The top-price ram, Pimbena 24057, was sold at lot 2, to Bill Walker, Classings Ltd, on behalf of Karleigh Farms, in Gibson, WA.
Sired by Challara Poll CH230145, the ram had figures of YCFW 22.2, YWT 11.2, YEMD 1.1, YSL 18.1, YFat 0, and 17.4-micron wool.
Mr Walker said the ram was originally earmarked for this year's Classings Classic sale. He described it as having "slippery skin that exudes quality fibre of bold crimp, length, softness, and fluid nourishment too".
Mr Hamence was pleasantly surprised by the support for his final sale given the season.
"The line-up came up as well, if not better than last year - we had some comments on the depth and evenness all the way through," he said.
Local repeat clients made up the bulk of the buying, with Mr Hamence having the opportunity to reflect that some of which have been loyal clients across the journey.
"We would have a few families who have been with us the whole time," he said.
The stud was established in 1987 on Nyowee and Pollville bloodlines.
Mr Walker praised Les on his time in the industry, of which they had worked together for 23 years.
"Les' involvement and his early take-up of our national data collection hub, SheepGenetics, sees him the rare honour of a 5-star rating; such is his accuracy and integrity in data collection and recording," he said.
"He now deserves a well-earned retirement as he catches and bags out on King George Whiting daily!"
Volume buyers included Mini Lawrie Nominees, Nunjikompita, who secured six rams, averaging $933.
Tomney Brothers, Streaky Bay, and DG&KF Priest, through Nutrien Streaky Bay, were also notable buyers, taking home five rams each at an average of $1729 and $720 respectively.
The sale was conducted by Nutrien, with auctioneer Gordon Wood, who praised both the sheep and the occasion.
"Les' passion for the Merino industry will be sorely missed," he said.
"I've really enjoyed more than 15 years of selling at Pimbena - he's always presented his rams well and done a terrific job."
