*257 of 271 rams sold to $3600, av $1575
THE Chrome summer ram sale generated strong interest on Monday, with up to 15 more registered bidders than last year's sale.
The stud sold 257 rams to an average of $1575, with a clearance rate of 95 per cent.
Chromedales averaged $2041 with a 98pc clearance rate, with the two top-priced rams reaching $3600.
The first was bought by online buyer W Scott Young & Sons from Tasmania, while the second sold to RV & JC Taprell, Thologlong.
Volume buyer Ayrhaven Pty Ltd, Brimboal, purchased 12 of the 118 Chromedales offered.
Perendales averaged $1103 with a clearance rate of 75pc and the top-priced ram was bought by Wondaree Family Trust for $2300.
All 15 Coopworths were sold with an average of $2307, with the top-priced ram selling for $2900 to TB White & Sons Pty Ltd, who purchased 11 rams.
Icon Southies averaged $984 for top price of $1800 and a clearance rate of 97pc.
All 38 Poll Dorsets were sold for an average of $1139.
Stuart Shand, Naracoorte, South Australia, purchased six Icons, including the top three rams that all reached $1600, and seven Chromedales.
Southdowns had two rams top at $1600 which were both bought by C Grant.
Stud principal Matt Tonissen, Yulecart, said he was extremely happy with the results and it was rewarding to see both new and returning buyers attend the sale.
"It wasn't a dear sale, there was good buying opportunities I thought through all the breeds," Mr Tonissen said.
"In this day and age I think the prices were realistic and affordable and good for both parties.
"The season down here has been amazing from a rain point of view, we've always got rain when we've needed it."
Kerr & Co livestock agent Robert Claffey said there were 17 active online bidders which purchased 63 rams.
Mr Claffey noted that breeders were buying in response to heavier adult ewes.
"There seemed to be selective pressure on estimated breeding values for that reason," he said.
"Some of our early maturing, high growth rams, which correlate through to adult ewe weight, were less desirable in the sale."