The bidding in the next four pens reflected the depth of the line-up in no uncertain terms.
All four in pen two sold for $2000, the top pick in pen three hit $2200, in pen four $2100 and in pen five $2200.
When the attention switched to the several pens of Polled Texels, the exceptional bidding followed.
In the first pen of Texels all four went for $2100 and two in the second pen sold for $2200.
The average across the overall sale was $1392, which was up on last year.
Auctioneer Neville Clark said at the outset that the sheep looked “exceptionally well”, and the prices paid reinforced that statement.
“Well done, Craig and Yvonne, in what has not been an easy year.”
In his welcoming remarks, Craig thanked his family for all their help.
“It has been a hard year, but we as a district will come out of it stronger.”
He paid tribute to the late Bob Roucher and extended his condolences to the Roucher family. “Bob was always a great supporter of our sale.”
Mr Roucher, from the Bay of Plenty, passed away in July.
Auctioneer Clark said it was “a hell of a good sale, really strong right through”.
“The consistency of it reflected the consistency of the sheep. All the hard yards had been done at the stud.”
The Brownlies were “absolutely delighted with the outcome”.
“We’re really happy and very grateful to all our supporters and our regular buyers,” they said.
“We wish them all the best with their purchases.”
The couple felt the sale further reflected the progress they have been making with the stud.
The last word was from Neville Clark, who again, as he did at the opening of the Mangahauhau Hampshires sale last week, made a positive comment on the current market:
“It’s only going to go one way from here — and that’s up.”
