Pleasant surprise for Manunda

Fortunate and surprised was how Manunda stud principal Wayne Button summarised his family's ram sale result after Monday's auction in Tammin.

While values were back $153 a head from last year, the sale realised 212 sold from 220 offered to a top of $5250 and an average price of $1280, compared with 2012 when 214 sold to a top of $7400 and average price of $1433.

"We feel very fortunate that the season has come good and a highlight of the sale was a stud purchase from Old Ashrose stud (South Australia) the result of a visit from Nick Wadlow, during the field days," Mr Button said.

The Coromandel 02 Sir Thomas-sired ram, which sold for the $5250 top price, was the first ram Manunda has sold to Old Ashrose.

The 19.5-micron Poll Merino, which recorded a 99.9 per cent comfort factor, was highly regarded and catalogued as pen 1.

West Brookton stud San-Mateo also had interest in the ram as stud principals Nigel and Damien Morrison finished as under bidders on the star lot.

The brothers settled on another Sir Thomas-sired ram in lot 6. They paid $4000.

"This is our fourth Coromandel 02-sired ram from Manunda," Nigel said.

Other stud purchasers found Coromandel 07-sired rams to their satisfaction.

Cadonia Park stud, under account BJ & BJ Storer of Cunderdin, paid $3800 for an 07 son in lot 9 of the specially selected March-shorn line-up.

Woolkabin stud, of Woodanilling, bought its first Manunda Poll ram for $3500, also a 07 son.

Stud classer Hugh Warden, who bid on behalf of Woolkabin, said the ram showed improved wool quality, structure and conformation.

The 02-sired rams reached a top of $3800 in the flock ram selections, with Schorer Nominees, of West Pingelly, the successful purchaser.

Further back in the catalogue, a Charinga Pearler-sired son sold for $3000 to H & UD Reid & Son, of Three Springs.

Landmark understudy auctioneer Michael Altus said it was the highest price reached so far in his fledgling career of bid calling.

Under the guidance of senior stud stock auctioneer Deane Allen, the vociferous 21-year-old was highly praised for his professionalism.

Mr Allen said buyers were still being conservative.

"Many farmers are still looking to move their programs forward and are showing interest in maintaining quality," Mr Allen said.

"With the offering of 220 rams from Manunda, this alone is testament to the Button family's commitment to their loyal clients and the industry."

Volume and repeat buyer Ken Siegert, of Wongan Hills, bought 15 rams to a top of $1800 and average price of $1320.

"We been repeat buyers since Manunda bought the Haseley stud," Mr Siegert said.

"We selected for big frame and plain-bodied sheep, all good-doers."

Manunda ram sale *

Offered * 220

Sold * 212

Top price *$5250

Average * $1280