$19,000 Claypans ram tops sale

So good was the quality that the Rabobank Katanning Sheep Sale reached a top price of $19,000, more than double last year's best prices.

Average prices also increased by $2158 per head after the 27 ram offering realised 19 sold for an average price of $6158, compared with last year when 21 rams sold for an average of $4000.

The Bolt family, of Claypans Poll Merino stud, Corrigin, were pleased to see their sale-topper and stud record top-price ram off to New South Wales. The ram was sold by Elders.

Steven Bolt said the buyers, the McBurnie family, of Weealla stud, Balladoran, New South Wales, inspected the ram at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show at Bendigo in July when the ram was awarded reserve champion March-shorn medium wool.

"They were familiar with the ram's Glen Donald sire and were impressed with the ram's productive skin type, early maturity and wool quality," Mr Bolt said.

The 20.8 micron ram recorded a 64.8 per cent yield, 3.1 standard deviation, 14.9 coefficient of variation and a 99.8 comfort factor.

The Hogg family, of Navanvale stud, Williams, were also gleaming after their Merino ram sold for a stud record of $16,250 through Landmark, to a syndicate of buyers.

Navanvale stud principal Chris Hogg said the result capped off a terrific year in the judging ring.

The ram was also viewed at Bendigo where it was awarded champion March-shorn of the show, after being named champion March-shorn strong wool.

Michael Gray, of High Valley stud, Tarin Rock, was bidding on behalf of the partnership of buyers and said the uncomplicated ram was suitable for the Wheatbelt environment. He said High Valley stud would retain the ram and artificial insemination would be used by two studs in Victoria.

The 19.3 micron ram recorded a 73.9 per cent yield, 3.0 standard deviation, 15.5 coefficient of variation and a 99.9 comfort factor.

East Mundalla offered a Poll Merino ram, which sold for $10,000 through Landmark, to a syndicate of two WA studs.

The 50/50 buyers, the Ledwith family of Kolindale stud, Dudinin, and the Paterson family, of Woolkabin stud, Woodanilling, were both pleased the ram was awarded supreme exhibit during the show.

Kolindale co-principal Luke Ledwith said the ram displayed a big and productive profile.

"The Poll was 20 per cent larger in body size then all other full wools on offer at the sale," he said.

Elders agent Kevin Broad said the better rams made good money, but overall buyer turnout for the sale was disappointing, considering the quality on offer.

"The progress of this sale depends on more support," he said.

Rabobank Katanning Ram Sale *