Despite border restrictions impacting interstate clients from attending Lampata Poll Merinos annual on property ram sale, the Pocock family from Lameroo offered 20 more rams in their auction this year with positive results and happy clients.

65 of the 80 rams offered found homes, with the sale peaking at $3200 twice and averaging $1282. The Pocock’s line up of rams were significantly ‘more forward this year’ with ‘whiter and freer growing wool’ according to Elders Auctioneer, Steve Doecke.

After a hesitant start to the sale, buyers soon kicked into gear with bids reaching $2,200 by lot 2 which was knocked down to Ray Elleway & Co. Bids spiked again by Lot 6 going for $2,300 to Jax Joynt, Loxton.

Loyal Lampata client, Ben Hunt from Nalang Farms, Mundulla regularly buys top end rams purchasing the first top priced ram for the sale, lot 13, a big-bodied ram for $3,200.  

“This ram has a good frame, wool and body. We’re always impressed by Lampata’s fast growing progeny to complement our 1500 self-replacing Merino flock,” said Boyd Packer, Nalang Farms, Mundulla.

Nalang Farms have had great success with their Lampata bloodline Merino Ewes in off shear sales. They took home 4 rams averaging $2,275 in Lampata Poll Merinos 2020 ram sale.

Long-time clients, Ray and David Elleway, travel from Kielpa, Eyre Peninsula each year. This year leaving with 6 rams averaging $1,983 including one of the top priced rams for the day, a long bodied ‘white waxy ram,’ lot 20, for $3,200. The Elleway family have been buying Lampata Poll Merino Rams for over 10 years.

“Lampata rams perform well for us each year and pass on high growth rates and easy-care genes to their progeny,” David Elleway commented.

The Elleways say they reap the benefits by continually adding Lampata Poll Merino rams to their flock for rapid growth and good carcase yield, along with high fertility and easy-care body shape which are traits Lampata rams are known for.

Volume buyer for the day was AT & AG Evans from Karoonda taking home 12 rams averaging $817. The Porkers from Karoonda also purchased 6 rams averaging $967.

Other prominent buyers amongst the 14 successful bidders included Keringa, Lameroo, David and Paul Wallis, Serviceton, Victoria, and the Knight Family Trust, Peake purchasing 5 rams each averaging $1,780, $1,460, and $920 respectively.

Bruce Pocock, Lampata, said they are pleased with their sale result along with being able to offer commercial rams each year at great value for all their clients. It was a very pleasing clearance.

“We’re very happy with our sale this year given the many unknowns along with our interstate clients not being able to attend in person. Although we have received above average rainfall in the southern Mallee this year which has been fantastic considering wool and meat prices at present,” Robert added.

The sale was conducted by Elders Lameroo, with Steve Doecke, Elders Keith as auctioneer.

The Pocock family wishes to thank all successful bidders and underbidders for their support this year.