A TOTAL clearance was the name of the game at the Grass Valley Poll Merino on-property ram sale last week.
Elders auctioneer Roger Fris hammered down all 77 Poll Merino rams on offer to what the Elders team described as a pleasing result.
"There was good buying support throughout," Mr Fris said.
"I'm very happy for the family. Achieving 100 per cent clearance is a true reflection of the quality genetics in the Grass Valley stud."
Grass Valley offered the same amount of rams as last year, but improved the number sold with three rams passed in during the 2015 sale.
This year's sale grossed $58,850 and averaged $764, slightly lower results than last year.
The top-priced ram went down the road to Irishtown with return buyer Peter Stewart, PD & K Stewart, who purchased lot two for $2000.
Mr Stewart said it was the most expensive ram he'd ever bought but spending the big dollars was worth it.
"I liked the amount of wool on him and in particular his size," Mr Stewart said.
"I prefer to have bigger frame sheep that can also fill bales without compromising on micron measurements.
"This ram seemed like a win, win, for both of those areas."
The March shorn ram was by a Kamballie sire and had wool measurements of 21.9 micron, 3.8 SD and 98.9pc comfort factor.
"I keep coming back to Grass Valley because I've noticed the quality of my sheep improve as the Grass Valley sheep improve," Mr Stewart said.
"I know that Grant is putting in the effort with the stud and I'm seeing the results in my own flock."
Mr Stewart bought one other ram, also by the Kamballie sire which was the second top-priced ram of the day at $1700.
Return client Ross MacKenzie, AR MacKenzie, Northam, was again the volume buyer of the sale, averaging $750 as he purchased 20 rams, an increase from the 12 sires he purchased last year.
Grass Valley's Amy Park said the family appreciated the return business of all of their regular buyers, particularly Mr MacKenzie who has been a loyal customer for the stud.
Local producer Jeff Masters, Northam, was another notable volume buyer, securing 12 rams for an average of $542.
Return clients York-based NC Penny & Sons loaded seven sires onto their ute for an average of $529 and Rod Sheen, Jennacubine, another returning customer, purchased seven, paying a top price of $1100 on three occasions.
RE Burgess & Son, Meckering, filled their usual quota of five rams early in the sale with the help of Elders stud stock representative Kevin Broad, who secured lots one, six and nine for $1500, $1200 and $1600 respectively.
By the time Mr Broad had finished bidding the Meckering producers had lots 27 and 51 locked in as well, taking their average to a healthy $1200.
Return buyers Aspen Farms, Wongan Hills, also purchased five sires from the top lines, concluding their bidding at lot 36, with a top of $1000.
Elders stud stock representative and Grass Valley stud classer Kevin Broad said as always, the Grass Valley rams were well presented.
"And with total clearance, it's obvious buyers noticed," Mr Broad said.
"Those who bought during the sale got great value for their money, especially considering the strong ram market at the moment."
