Loyal local buyer returns to snap up top price ram at Carricowie sale

A successful 31st annual ram sale was held at Bronte and Lee Blyth's Carricowie Poll Merino sale at Brentwood on Wednesday, with the clearance, top and average price all up on last year.

Overall, there were 48 rams sold out of 59 offered, for a clearance of more than 80 per cent, compared to last year's 70pc.

An average price of $1415 was achieved, which was $175 up on last year's $1240.

The top price ram was knocked down at $2800, which was $400 up on last year's high of $2400.

Offered at lot 11, the top price ram - tag 250641 - had fleece of 18.1 micron, with a comfort factor of 99.9 per cent.

It weighed 99 kilograms and had an eye muscle depth of 40 millimetres.

It was sold to long-time local buyer, Tom Honner, Brentwood, who also bought the second highest price ram at $2600.

Mr Honner said he was thankful to have such passionate Merino breeders producing such good quality genetics located so nearby to his farm.

"Like everyone, I'm prepared to travel far and wide to secure the best genetics but we've got those genetics close to home," he said.

"Carricowie produces good honest rams that are proven in our country."

Mr Honner, who has been buying from Carricowie for more than two decades, said the top price ram stood out to him for its staple length.

"We shear every six months most of the time, so it was the most appropriate ram for what we do," he said.

Mr Honner said as well as being suited to his farm's environment, Carricowie rams also impressed for their longevity, structure and wool cutting ability.

"I love the honesty of their program, they don't overfeed their rams and present them really well," he said.

Mr Blyth was pleased with the sale result, noting the strong local support.

"The clearance was much better and there was a very good crowd there," he said.

"There were a couple more buyers and a couple more people having a look, which is always half the battle, getting people to come and have a look at what you're doing."

Mr Blyth said the stud was focused on producing good fibre length and stylish wool, on animals with great structure, eye muscle and cover.

He said with both wool and meat trading so strongly, concentrating on both areas of the animal was key.

There were two volume buyers who bought six rams each - Karoongi Pastoral, Minlaton, and JF Honner & Co, Yorketown.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Elders, with Gordon Wood and Tony Wetherall auctioneering respectively.