IT was mixed results at 11th annual Neribri production sale on Saturday in Boyanup when a top price of $3300 was realised but a disappointing clearance was the outcome.
Despite stud principals Brian and Neroli Smith presenting their first offering of Baldie rams which, along with the Wiltipolls, represented their breeding objectives of shedding, short wool type, early growth and maturity, their clearance resulted in only 12 out of the 36 offered selling under the Elders' hammer at an average of $896.
Several sales were being negotiated after the auction, which included the sale of the first Baldie offered with all the proceeds, including commission, going to Camp Quality Wescarpade.
Despite initially being overlooked, lot 21 was quickly snapped up by M & C Barker at $500 after the proceedings.
Elders auctioneer Don Morgan said despite the lack of buyers, the ram penned up well.
"This year's sale was three week's earlier then previous Neribri sales, therefore the rams didn't show their full shedding potential due to the time of sale and cooler weather conditions throughout the region," he said.
"The good rams sold well but unfortunately there was just a lack of buyers support on the day."
Hitting the stud's $3300 record top price was an upstanding Wiltipoll sire in lot eight.
Mrs Smith, along with many others picked this ram as a favourite and with an early post weaning weight (EPWWT) of 60kg, eye muscle depth (EMD) of 32mm and a fat score 3mm, it was clear to see why.
In the end the structurally sound, fully shedding, well-grown sire was knocked down to Elders Busselton representative Clint Gartrell who purchased the twin youngster on behalf of loyal client John Watkins, Condingup.
Along with the top price sire, Mr Watkins also got his hands on a second Wiltipoll ram.
This youngster was the $1900 second top price ram of the sale and weighed 86.6kg, measuring 31mm EMD and 5mm for fat.
Mr Watkins religiously buys two elite rams ever second year from Neribri stud and has been on their genetics for approximately 10 years.
"I select clean skinned sires with plenty of frame and length to them," he said.
"It's pointless purchasing anything with wool as we join them to our 700 Wiltipoll ewes which produce quality prime lambs."
Volume buyer in the Wiltipoll section was TB & IM Stewart & Son, Vasse.
They secured three quality sires to a top of $1000 and at an average of $900.
While the Baldies deserved more competition, lot 22 was the only sire to receive a bid during the auction and Bbidecud Pastoral, Boyanup, quickly snapped it up for $300.
The impressive ram weighed in at 90kg, had an EPWWT of 66kg and an EMD of 38mm.