Clearance on the rise, principal on cloud nine, at Lampata Poll Merinos

The principal of Lampata Poll Merinos was 'on cloud nine' following their on-property sale near Lameroo last week.

The stud sold 57 of the 68 rams offered to a top of $5500, reached twice, and an average of $1425.

This compared well to last year's sale where 44 of 71 rams, for an average $1660 and top of $4800, twice.

Stud principal Robert Pocock described the sale atmosphere as uplifting despite the season.

"I feel like I'm on cloud nine a bit, to be honest," he said.

"It was a really positive atmosphere (on the day). Coming off the back of expensive hand feeding, it was encouraging.

"The client are positive and optimistic about what they're doing with their sheep.

"That allows us to keep doing what we're doing and to keep moving in the direction we want to be going."

The equal top-priced rams, Lots 2 and 20, were both purchased by Pat Flavel of Jax Joynt, Meribah.

Mr Pocock said the pair of rams stood out for their all-round balance.

"Those two were very complete sheep," he said.

"They were very even across carcase and wool, and they'll breed on well."

They were both twin-born rams, with Lot 2 carrying a fleece with a micron of 17.6, 2.7 standard deviation, 15.1 coefficient of variation, and 99.9 per cent comfort factor.

It also rated highly on greasy fleece weight and yearling clean fleece weight.

Lot 20 had a 18.6 micron fleece, with 2.9 SD, 15.7 CV and 99.8pc CF.

While the sale's average price was back slightly on last year, Mr Pocock said it was in line with expectations.

"Numbers were about the same, but that little dip was to be expected," he said.

"The encouraging thing was that rams people wanted to chase, they did chase and paid well.

"Buyers could secure what suited their business goals - whether that was more carcase-driven or dual-purpose."

Volume buyer Paul Wallis, Serviceton, Vic, secured ten rams to a top of $1300.

"Paul was a really strong (support) on the day,' Mr Pocock said.

"A lot of people bid on a lot of rams until they got one in their budget, and that really underpinned the strength of the sale"

Mr Pocock said one of the most rewarding aspects of the day was seeing clients and community members come together after the sale.

"I really encourage our buyers to stay and talk," he said.

"Everyone's like-minded, so it's nice to do that and tap into that mental health component. It's good to see people become pretty close out of doing it."

He also noted the role of the stud in validating the family's broader commercial business.

"Our ram stud isn't the bread winner, it's a smaller part of what we do, but it is nice to be recognised and supported for it," Mr Pocock said.

"We're very commercially focused in our breeding. Our goal is always to deliver results in our client's pockets."

The auctioneering was conducted by Elders' Steven Doecke, with support from agent Jarryd Finch, Elders Lameroo.

Mr Pocock said their efforts were integral to the day's success.