Collandra achieves healthy average and full clearance at on-property sale

The Lawrie family's Collandra stud had a great result at their recent on-property sale at Tumby Bay, with full clearance and an improved average.

There were 40 rams offered and sold to $5400, for an average price of $1910, which was $470 up on last year when a full clearance of 40 rams averaged $1440 and topped at $5000.

Long-time buyer Robert Calderwood, Pernella Pty Ltd, Koppio, returned to buy at the top of the catalogue again this year.

Buying lot two for $5400, Mr Calderwood has been purchasing from Collandra for about two decades and often purchases at the top-end.

Lot 2 weighed 108 kilograms, and its fleece measured 18.4 micron, a 3.0 standard deviation, 17 per cent coefficient of variation and 99.7pc comfort factor.

Farming in a 400 to 500 millimetre rainfall zone, Collandra sires suit Mr Calderwood's conditions well.

Following the success of their sale, Collandra continued investing in new genetics at the Collinsville sale at Hallett on Tuesday, buying the top price horned ram at $22,000 and a poll ram at $11,000.

After buying last year's $44,000 sale-topper at Collinsville, the Lawrie family are using that ram as a foundation sire for their Poll Merino stud.

Principal Steve Lawrie said the lambs of last year's Collinsville sale-topper drew plenty of attention at the Collandra sale this year and they would be available for sale at next year's on-property auction.

"We had our Poll genetics on display for next year's sale and had a lot of interest," he said.

Mr Lawrie said he was very happy with how his sale went overall.

"With the positivity in the sheep industry at the moment, a lot of people bought one or two more than usual, with one buyer taking five more," he said.

"There's a lot of confidence around at the moment and you could see that through the sale."

While the Lawries are moving into Poll genetics, horns will remain part of the program, with many pastoral clients still seeking them out.

"We never say never, but at this stage we still have demand," he said.

The sale was conducted by Elders Cummins, with Tony Wetherall auctioneering.

Elders agent Adam Briese said it was a successful sale, with mainly Eyre Peninsula and pastoral interest.

"It was a very solid sale, there was good competition, especially at the start," he said.

"There was definitely a great line-up of rams and something there for everyone."