STRONG support from return buyers ensured the Last family's Aylesbury Merino and Poll Merino ram sale at Merredin last week was solid throughout and achieved a near total clearance.
There was a good coverage of buyers in attendance from Merredin, Trayning, Ballidu and Hines Hill and with a good season in the area and strong market prices buyers bid up strongly on their preferred lots.
By the end of the sale the small buying gallery had cleared all 33 Poll Merinos offered and 14 of the 15 Merinos offered, with the Polls averaging $782 (back $195 on 2015) and the Merinos $692 (up $42 on 2015).
Overall the sale averaged $739 for the 47 head sold, which was back $151 on last year' sale where 45 were offered and sold for $890.
Primaries Merredin representative Keith Reiger said it was a good offering of soft, white wools with good growth and presentation.
"There was solid support yet again from regular buyers which ensured a good clearance for the stud," Mr Reiger said.
The rams on offer had an average 21.5 micron and 98.45 per cent comfort factor for wool tests.
The $1250 top-priced ram of the sale was again a Poll Merino and this year it was purchased by the Giles family, Neening Valley.
The second top price was $1200 for another Poll sire which was purchased by EB & EC Auld.
Mr Reiger said both rams had good depth and carried white, bright wool with a 99pc comfort factor.
Along with the top-priced rams, the Giles and the Aulds also purchased several other rams.
Other strong buyers in the sale included Jamie Hood, Ballidu, who purchased several rams to a top of $900.
Other prominant buyers were R Davies, who purchased to a top of $800 and Peter Craft, who paid to a top of $800.