$2000 top at Cranmore

A total clearance marked the Lefroy family's 64th annual Cranmore ram sale, held last week at Walebing.

With 140 rams offered all sold- 106 Merino and 34 Poll Merino - the stud's success of selecting sires by the performance of their offspring was validated once again.

Co-principal Bruce Lefroy said the aim of the stud, which was established in 1929, was to produce the most profitable sheep for the commercial market.

"Over the years, we have had many pastoral and agricultural clients of long standing," he said.

This year, due to many loyal clients, the stud's average price of $999 increased by $63 a head, as compared with last year when 136 rams sold for an average price of $936.

Freshly back to his family's 50/50 cropping/sheep farm, young Tim Creagh, of Creagh Brothers, Dandaragan, put in a good effort to secure five rams, including the $2000 top priced ram.

"I was filling in for my dad, and it was my first go at bidding at the sale," he said. This required patience, because the sale-topping ram was in pen 138 - a 18.3 micron Merino with a 100 per cent comfort factor.

"We run 5000 ewes and the rams I have selected all carry good wool characteristics," Mr Creagh said.

The $1900 equal second top-priced Merino was found early in the line-up and it was secured by Gavin Drew, of Beermullah.

"This is my 53rd Cranmore sale and I was after stylish fine wool with good condition," he said.

The 19.3 micron ram recorded a standard deviation of 3.2, coefficient variation of 16.6 and a comfort factor of 99.9.

The other $1900 ram, a Poll Merino, sold to repeat buyer and Watheroo woolgrower Quinton Bricknell, who said he was looking for stylish wool with long staple in his single purchase.

John Isbister, of Ranfurly Agriculture, Moora, was operating throughout the catalogue, securing a total of 10 rams for an average price of $1405.

Other volume buyers were the Cleland family, of Carslake Holding, Beverley, buying 10 rams for an average price of $1130.

Jodi Duncan attended the sale for the first time on behalf of her family, who farm in Ravensthorpe.

"We mate 3500 Merino ewes to Cranmore rams and another 1000 ewes to Prime SAMMs," she said.

Ms Duncan bought 13 rams for an average price of $765.

Also enthusiastic at the sale was Jaden Cocking, of Annadale, Moora, who bought seven rams for an average of $814.

"We produce excellent wool quality and supply crossbred lambs to V & V Walsh," he said.

Cranmore Merino and Poll Merino Ram Sale * Breed Offered Sold Top Price Average Merino 106 106 $2000 $984 Poll Merino 34 34 $1900 $1044 TOTAL 140 140 $2000 $999