Sale started with a bang and then stayed strong for the whole catalogue

As the saying goes "there is money in mud" - and the Blechynden family's on-property Southdale White Suffolk stud ram sale proved to be textbook.

Wet conditions could not dampen the spirits of buyers at Brookton, who turned out in force and pushed the stud to record heights.

The sale went bang from Nutrien Livestock auctioneer Mark Warren's first call, and remained strong throughout the catalogue.

There were 24 registered return and first-time buyers, which spoke volumes to the quality of the fast-growing, meaty rams on offer.

A massive lift in prices and full clearance of the 88 rams presented at auction signalled confidence and positivity in the sheep industry moving forward.

As too did the $3400 top price, which was a record for the stud, and the $1642 average.

To compare, the sale peaked at $2300 and averaged $1171 last year.

Nutrien Livestock breeding services manager Roy Addis said it was a wonderful result for the Blechynden family at its fourth annual ram sale.

"It is really starting to show now - the genetics they have invested over a period of time are coming through, with the data that's available for their commercial clients," Mr Addis said.

Sale Summary

• (Under the hammer results)
• Offered: 88
• Sold: 88
• Top: $3400
• Gross: $144,500
• Average: $1642

"There was exceptional quality, and the rams were well-presented, from lot one right through to 88."

Nutrien Livestock, Brookton/Pingelly agent Chris Turton said the even line-up of quality rams was a credit to the Blechynden family, as was the result.

"A superb result for the Blecyhndens - the quality and depth presented was outstanding," Mr Turton said.

"It showed the reinvestment that they have put back into the stud to supply clients, with what they are looking for.

"The rams are getting bigger and better every year.

"There were some new faces and repeat buyers, which was great to see."

Heading into the sale, Southdale stud principal Toby Blechynden was concerned ram supply would not meet demand - and he wasn't wrong.

Buyers knew what they wanted and weren't afraid to pay top dollar, with plenty of back and forth bidding across the auction floor.

"There was a bigger crowd here today than previous years, which is most likely to do with current sheep markets," Mr Blechynden said.

"I wish we could have offered a few more rams to keep people happy, but unfortunately this is all we had available.

"We are very happy with the result, and to see both returning and new clients."

The Blechyndens will head to South Australia this weekend, where they hope to further invest in genetics.

They have previously purchased from Bundarra Downs stud, Bordertown and Ashmore stud, north of Adelaide.

"Having a result like we did today, has given us confidence to put more money back into our genetics," Mr Blechynden said.

"We really pride ourselves in offering a structurally sound sheep with good figures, which is something we continue to work on.

"Next year we will aim to go even bigger and better - and will look to increase the number of rams offered."

The sale peaked early and in lot three, with competitive bidding for an impressive Ashmore sired ram, which went under the hammer for $3400.

It exhibited figures of 0.50 birthweight (BWT), 12.91 weaning weight (WWT), 19.08 post weaning weight (PWWT), -1.07 post weaning fat (PFAT), 1.50 post weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD) and a terminal carcase plus (TCP) index of 149.01.

Taking home the top price honours was first-time Southdale stud buyer Murray Hall, Hallsbrook, Brookton.

He said the lot three ram had a fast growth rate, particularly given it was at the younger end of its cohort.

"You can see that genetic trait they have through the Ashmore bloodline," Mr Hall said.

"They have done really well over the Southdale ewes, so I see some value in that."

Mr Hall purchased one other ram at the sale, and will put both to use in December.

He generally finishes lambs on farm and in the feedlot, before sending them to Bunbury-based V&V Walsh or WA Meat Marketing Co-operative (WAMMCO) at Katanning.

The second top price of $2400 was knocked down twice in lots 30 and 44.

Jodie and Andrew Marshall, east Pingelly, bid the value of the lot 30 Bundara Downs sired ram, which had figures of 0.39 BWT, 11.50 WWT, 17.83 PWWT, -0.40 PFAT, 1.81 PEMD and 146.08 TCP.

The Marshalls have been purchasing from Southdale since the stud started four years ago.

They run about 2100 Merino ewes - 800 head of which are mated to Merinos, and the remainder to White Suffolks.

"Southdale offers nice, bigger bodied rams," Ms Marshall said.

"We look at the figures and visuals, and usually chase twins with higher weaning and post weaning weights."

The Marshalls secured two rams, which they will put to use on December 15 for a mid-May lambing.

They mostly supply the trade market and sometimes, depending on the price and season, sell lambs as stores.

"We are very positive about the sheep market," Ms Marshall said.

"We love them - they are a very important part of what we do and we are in it for the long haul."

The lot 44 ram was secured by MJ & KP Davis, Brookton.

It recorded figures including 0.25 BWT, 11.03 WWT, 16.26 PWWT, -0.50 PFAT, 1.63 PEMD and 135.44 TCP, and was one of two purchased by the Davis'.

Similarly to last year, brothers Nigel and Damien Morrison, Brookton, were the sale's volume buyers.

The Morrison's strong buying support started in the front end of the catalogue and continued right through to the last pen, with 16 rams secured for the day at an average of $1694.

Their team peaked in lot 88 for $2200 for a ram with figures including 0.28 BWT, 10.59 WWT, 16.00 PWT, -0.27 PFAT, 1.78 PEMD and 137.03 TCP.

The Morrisons run mostly a Merino ewe breeding flock, and have been buying from Southdale since the stud started.

"We mate all the cast for age ewes with White Suffolks, it is a work decision for us," Nigel Morrison said.

"The Merinos lamb down in May, and the White Suffolks after June 15 - having a split lambing, helps to take the pressure off.

"We like that Southdales are big, long, stretchy, meaty rams, with nice open faces and are very good doers.

"A lot of hard work and money goes into presenting a quality line-up of rams like the Blechyndens did today - it is a credit to them."

Another volume buyer on the day was Norrine Farm, Wandering, which put together a team of 13 rams for a $1592 average.

Once again the Blechynden family showed their support for the Pingelly MO Bros by donating proceeds from the pen 50 ram.

The charity ram was sold to Rick Meecham, who was buying on behalf of JG & RJ Matthews, Brookton, for $1800.

It had figures including 0.65 BWT, 11.96 WWT, 17.11 PWWT, -1.07 PFAT, 0.95 PEMD and 144.00 TCP.

The purchaser of the top-priced ram and volume purchase received a $200 discount off next year's ram purchases - this included the MO Bros ram.