SWM rams post best average

Of the 80 rams offered, 78 sold to $4100 – up 14 per cent on last year’s sale top. 

Extra keenness by buyers also pushed the average up 12pc to $1501 – the stud’s best ever sale result.

A further nine rams sold from the private selection line-up immediately post-sale.

The bidding was very strong on the first 21 rams offered that had received some weather protection, with these averaging $2352.

As orders were being satisfied, the sale then settled down to more moderate levels in the range of $600 to $2600.

The $4100 top price ram at lot 2 was regarded by SWM principal Richard Harkness as one of the best rams the stud had ever produced.

“This ram has a perfect balance of great growth and body conformation and dense wool of the quality we have built our reputation on,” he said.

James Irwin, Balah Nominees, Burra and Keith, won the intense bidding competition to secure this outstanding ram for their program, having also purchased last year’s top price ram.

Burge Trading Trust, Padthaway, was the biggest volume buyer with 15 rams, paying from $600 to $2000 to put a really solid foundation in the sale.

DS&MF Mitton, Willalooka, paid from $600-$1800 for their 10 rams.

PB Mann, Launceston, Tas, was a repeat buyer, securing two rams at $1600 and $2100.

This year he was joined by NL&MJ McGee, Tas, who bought two rams at $3300 and $3500.

Also operating strongly at the top end was Colara Farms, Tintinara, which bought three outstanding rams to $3100, averaging $2733. NG&JM McKenzie, Tintinara, also paid to $3000 for two select rams.

Other prominent buyers included Treetop Estate, Meningie, with seven rams from $800-$2000, the Johnson family, Mount Boothby, Tintinara, with six from $600-$2700, Hansen Farms, Coomandook, six rams from $900-$2600, Mudabie Pastoral, Ceduna, six from $1000-$1800, and FO&VJ Hooper, Tintinara, with six rams from $600-$1800. Elders conducted the sale with auctioneer Steve Doecke.