SALE SUMMARY
2017 2016
Offered 139 140
Sold 129 138
Top $5400 $6200
Av $2076 $1781
IT was raining bids at Kelvale Poll Merinos annual on-property ram auction on Thursday last week at Keith with three states vying for the heavy cutting rams.
In the breakdown Stephen and Peta Kellock sold 129 of 139 April-May 2016 drop, paddock run rams for a $2076 average, eclipsed their impressive 2016 sale by nearly $300.
The wide geographical spread of buyers from Tas, Vic and SA showed the ability of the sheep to perform in both high and lower rainfall areas.
About a quarter of the catalogue went to the Eyre Peninsula buyers, led by Tom and Hannah Davey, BR&DJ Davey & Son, Port Neill.
They secured the top priced ram for the third year in a row.
Their pick- Lot 3- was a 19.1 micron, born as a twin, with lustrous 80mm staple length wool.
The 112 kilogram ram had an exceptional greasy fleece weight Australian Sheep Breeding Value of 17.6.
“It stands up with good wool and high fleece weight,” Mr Davey said.
The Daveys bought five rams, including the trifecta of the first three lots.
They are among Kelvale’s many clients who are reaping the rewards of shearing every six months.
SJ Veitch and L&S Veitch, Wudinna, each secured five rams for a $3160 and $3360 average respectively.
Greenwood Park, Auburn, bought in the top end securing 12 rams for a $2550 average.
Ten rams headed to Tas including eight to Formosa Estate, Cressy.
They went head to head on many top lots securing five rams for a $4200 average, plus another three in the mini auction.
Snow and Gay Rowe, Almerta Station, Carrieton,were the sale’s largest buyer.
They found good value with 16 rams for a $1050 average.
Mr Kellock said it was a very encouraging sale result.
“Two years ago we put a few more rams in the sale to keep the average down,” he said.
“We want to keep it affordable around that $1800 to $2000 but it was good to see loyal clients prepared to pay more for the better rams.”
Kelvale ceased mulesing its flock about a decade ago and has focused heavily on growing its staple length, achieving 70mm with six months growth.
Landmark auctioneer Gordon Wood said commercial buyers really chased the rams with positive fat, muscle, long staple length and yearling fleece weight ASBV’s, paying up to $4000
Mr Wood said the stud’s focus on long staple wool with great fibre alignment and high fertility was paying off.
About 40 per cent of the offering were born as twins.
“A lamb on the ground is $100 so it is hard to walk away from that,” he said.
Landmark Keith conducted the sale with Mr Wood and Richard Miller the auctioneers.