Full clearance at Cranmore sale

Cranmore rams were in big demand at the 61st annual on-property sale at Walebing last week when all 149 rams offered were sold.

The 100 per cent clearance also achieved a $174 per head increase on last year's average price, as regular buyers were prepared to up the ante for consistent quality.

"It was one of our most even lines," Bruce Lefroy, of Cranmore, said.

Bruce's son, Kristin, was pleased to hear of the good results that Cranmore clients were having, and this was reinforced by their bidding confidence.

"Our breeding objective of easy-care sheep with plain bodies and sound structure has produced results for our clients," Kristin said.

The $2500 top-priced ram was bought by Tom Bateman, of EP Bateman & Co, Moora.

The 88kg Merino recorded 20.8 microns and had a comfort factor of 99.4.

Mr Bateman said the turnaround in wool prices had given him incentive to return to the sale after three years of absence and secure rams off of the top line.

"When the wool price started to move, I decided to rebuild," he said.

Mr Bateman bought six rams for an average price of $1883.

Gavin and Sheila Drew, of Gingin, who have been buying Cranmore rams for 50 years, were the $2400 equal second top-price buyers. They secured another 88kg Merino.

"Cranmore is known for breeding easy-care sheep that produce fine wool, without excess skin wrinkle," Mr Drew said.

The other equal second top-price buyer was Brian Micke, of Mogumber, who secured a $2400 Poll Merino ram.

"I selected on wool style, long staple, free growing and plain bodied," Mr Micke said.

Considered one of the better wool rams in the shed, the Poll recorded 18.9 microns and a 99.7 CF.

Regular volume buyer Kim House, of Wong Wong, Moora, bought a total of 13 rams for an average price of $1100.

Also putting together a big team of rams was Ranfurly Ag, of Moora, buying a total of 18 rams, while Homewood Farm, of Moora, bought a total of eight rams.

Landmark auctioneer Grant Lupton said his first time to "sell the lot" was easy work.

"Cranmore rams sell themselves," Mr Lupton said.

After describing each ram through the buying order as carrying rich white wool, Mr Lupton was reassured of multiple bid replies, especially from Kristin and Tracy Lefroy's young son, Henry, who was waving his hand as if to buy each and every one.

Cranmore Ram Sale * BREED OFFERED SOLD TOP PRICE AVERAGE Merino 122 122 $2500 $1040 Poll Merino 27 27 $2400 $1044 TOTAL 149 149 $2500 $1041