FOR the Michael family it was the 28th time they have gone through the lead up to an annual ram sale, but despite the rain, none of those previous experiences could dampen their enthusiasm and excitement for this one, and even more so with the result that followed.
Clearly being recognised as a national leading stud in the adoption of scientific developments and full performance measurement, buyers from every State of Australia and overseas flocked to this sale to compete for the strength of proven genetics in the rams on offer.
The end result of the family's recent sale was again outstanding, with a total and rapid fire clearance of all 228 rams on offer for a fantastic average of $2733.
There were 66 registered bidders with 56, including some from WA, successful in purchasing rams of their choice.
Leading the way was the one international buyer present.
Pepe Marin, Ganadera Marin, Punta Arenas, Chile included the Adelaide Royal judging in his pre-sale schedule before attending this sale.
He paid the $10,000 top price for lot two, L152719, a 15-month-old youngster with great structure and type, backed up by an outstanding set of performance figures.
These were a catalogue leading +28.8 YCFW, the third best +18.2 YSL, plus a very high +8.8 YWT.
He then backed up that purchase with two more at $5800 and $6000, both also at the very top end for performance figures.
The Marin flock has been using Leahcim genetics since 1997 and has an influence on 50 per cent of Chile's sheep flock.
Lukin Springs stud principals Paul and Jen Goerling, Boyup Brook, paid the sale's second top of $7000 for their two purchases, which averaged $6300.
Their top selection, L153071, had wonderful balanced figures across the range including +22.4 YCFW, +6.6 YWT and +0.9 YEMD.
Also kicking in from WA was the Welke family's Westwood stud, Cascade.
Bidding through Classings' Bill Walker they paid $5200 for L152316 with outstanding balanced figures across the board, including +22.5 YCFW.
The Pengilly family, Penrose stud, Esperance, was another WA ram breeding flock to bid up strongly.
They paid the top price at the 2014 sale, but this year purchased volume with five rams to $3400 and at a $2700 average.
Commercial WA producers and long term Leahcim supporters, the Foss family, Bruce Rock, represented by Phil Foss purchased nine rams, paying to $3000 and averaging $2256 average.
Mr Foss is adamant that rams of this quality simply aren't available elsewhere and is more than happy to travel over to purchase the rams that suit their requirements.
