Strong clearance at Rices Creek

The top price ram went to JW&PJ Bowden, Rhynie, for $4100.

The ram, sired by Collinsville Premier 102, had wool measurements of 22.5 micron, 3 standard deviation, 13 coefficient of variation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.

Competitive bidding resulted in an average of $1644.

Bidding in the mini auction started at $800, finishing with an average of $852. Of the 50 rams offered, 36 sold.

Rices Creek's Jim Vandeleur said he was happy with results at the auction.

"We put an extra 14 in the main auction this year and still cleared them," he said.

"Last year was our inaugural year and we had a total clearance then."

He said the top price ram weighed 119 kilograms with a fleece weight of 122pc.

"Collinsville Premier 102 progeny sold well throughout the sale," Mr Vandeleur said.

"The Bowdens have been buying here for close to 60 years."

The Bowdens were impressed by the top price ram's figures.

"He has stylish wool with good thickness and density," Phil said.

"He is a big sheep in terms of body size.

"We breed flock rams so will put him over selected ewes."

Paul Doering, Walmona Pastoral, Truro, bought 19 rams for a $1542 average.

He said his family had been long-time clients of the Vandeleurs, buying their rams for the past 57 years.

He said he had always been happy with the quality of the wool and this year was no exception.

"The frame and the wool is good and the fertility is also good but mostly it is beautiful wool and I loved the texture," Mr Doering said.

Quality Wool Mid North auctioneer Simon Seppelt said Rices Creek had produced a quality line-up.

"There was exceptional depth, length and exciting sweet wool on the rams," he said.

"I was impressed by the size, length, width and breadth of the sheep and there was quality right to the back of the catalogue.

"It made for strong competition among bidders."

Mr Vandeleur said two rams would also be offered at the Adelaide Merino sale and one at the Classing Classic at Murray Bridge.