Hyfield sale spectacular

Hyfield's annual on-property sale in Kojonup last week was spectacular, with more rams offered and sold and the top price and average climbing to $5400 and $1022, respectively.

Last year, Hyfield offered 200 rams and sold 172, achieving a top price of $3100 and an average of $868.

The South Australians were in force this year, with classer and Hyfield representative Stephen Reynolds purchasing the top ram on behalf of pastoralists AJ and PA McBride.

Mr Reynolds described the 105.5kg stud sire as a very good plain long-bodied sheep with superb wool. He said it would be used to breed rams for the McBride's SA stations.

With wife Margot, Mr Reynolds was buying on behalf of six SA producers, three of whom attended the sale.

Mr Reynolds said Hyfield genetics performed well in pastoral and high rainfall areas.

"They have a good constitution, fertility and a high quality of wool, plus they are a plainer type of sheep but still cut a lot of wool," he said.

Hyfield stud principal Kevin Keatley said the sale result was terrific, with top rams selling well and new buyers attending. "Our breeding objectives focus on profit drivers - wool cut, wool quality, fertility and growth rates," he said.

Across the stud and commercial flock in Kojonup, Hyfield achieved an 102 per cent lambing rate this year and 100 per cent over the past two years.

Auctioneering of the sale was a joint effort between Elders and Landmark.

Elders auctioneer Dennis Roberts said the sale was underpinned by large volume buyers seeking better rams. "It was the best team of sheep put up at this sale for a number of years for confirmation, constitution and productive white wools," he said.

Landmark auctioneer Deane Allen said buyers' support throughout the sale spoke volumes of the quality of the offering.

Cadogan Estates, of Williams, purchased 58 rams, Cranston, of Dwarda, bought 21 and RS and TJ Menzies, of New Norcia, took home 19.

Hyfield Poll Merino stud on-property sale * BREED OFFERED SOLD TOP PRICE AVERAGE Poll Merino 221 205 $5400 $1022