East Strathglen to $4750 top

Although not quite the record average price of last year, the East Strathglen ram sale last week in Tambellup still had plenty of buying support.

The Landmark sale, headed by auctioneer Neil Brindley, had almost 40 registered buyers in attendance.

Extra rams were added to the line-up this year to total 155, which sold for an average price of $1530, compared to last year when 145 sold for an average of $1913.

The top-priced ram, a Poll Merino, sold for $4750 to repeat buyers Terry and Mark Taylor, of Maringanui Grazing, Kojonup.

Mark Taylor said the ram would be used in the 220 ewe nucleus to breed flock rams for his family's 6000 Poll Merino ewes.

"I selected to maintain wool cut," he said.

The ram recorded a measurement of 20 micron, yield of 82.3 per cent, standard deviation of 2.9, co-efficient of variation of 14.5, and a comfort factor of 99.9.

The Taylors also paid $1750 and $1500 for two Poll Merino rams.

The second top-priced ram, a Merino, sold for $4250 to return buyer Daniel Patterson, of Tambellup.

Mr Patterson selected the ram on length of body, and its pedigree.

"The ram's Shogun sire is an outcross for our flock of 500 nucleus ewes, which produces flock rams for our 4500 commercial flock," he said. Mr Patterson bought two other rams for $2750 and $1300.

Repeat buyer Gerald Saunders, of Narrogin, bought off the top line, securing a total of five rams to a top of $3700 and average price of $2960.

Also buying off the top order was FG Smitt, of Cranbrook, who secured three Poll Merinos, one for $3750 and two for $1650 each.

Tenterden account JF & K Beech paid $3600 for a Merino ram.

Several volume buyers were operating, including Kojonup woolgrower Bill Morey, who bought 11 rams to a top of $2800 and average price of $1850.

Mr Morey said he regularly topped the wool market.

Ross O'Keefe, of Gnowangerup, bought 13 rams to a top of $2750 and average price of $2019.

Mr O'Keefe's son Oly, 15, attended the sale with enthusiasm.

"I learned how to select good rams," he said.

East Strathglen co-principal Rohan Sprigg said his family was pleased to add extra rams to the sale and offer more selection and better values to their clients.

East Strathglen Ram Sale * Breed Offered Sold Top Price Average Merino 128 127 $4250 $1505 Poll Merino 30 28 $4750 $1645 TOTAL 158 155 $4750 $1530