*79 of 80 Coopworth rams to $3000, av $1608
*Total clearance of 15 South Suffolk rams to $1900, av $1620
RAMS sold to $3000 at the seventh annual Waradgery Coopworth and South Suffolk ram sale at Brit Brit.
The sale was on behalf of stud principals Tim and Amelia Johnston, who sold 79 Coopworths and 15 South Suffolks, which averaged $1608 and $1240, respectively.
All 15 South Suffolks sold, topping at $1900, paid by Robert Kilpatrick, Great Western, as part of a draft of five rams which averaged $1240.
The top-priced Coopworth, Lot 20, was bought by Alastair Sutherland, Konongwootong Dorsets, Konongwootong.
He was a son of Waradgery 19-161, and was in the breed's top 10 per cent for number of lambs weaned at 17.
Demand for Coopworths was high as clients competed to secure genetics from one of the few remaining pure flocks.
Mr Johnston said the rams had presented well after experiencing a cold and wet winter.
"Phenotypically the rams were very uniform with the performance data determining the selection basis for clients," he said.
"The Waradgery Coopworth flock is renowned for its high fertility and support for this trait was evident at the sale.
"The strength of our client base is the support that we receive from our long-term clients, many who have been with us since the inception of the stud."
Some of these clients include volume buyers at the sale, Howard and Mark Templeton, HM Templeton Pastoral Co, Tahara Bridge, who purchased 10 top indexed Coopworths to average $2400.
Adam Little, Strathdownie, put together a draft of 12 Coopworths, while local client, John Dundon, purchased 13 rams across both breeds.
John Cunneen, Narreen, bought seven Coopworth and four South Suffolks, av $1500.
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is a Stock & Land journalist. She has worked at Australian Community Media for more than a decade serving in a number of roles including editor, senior journalist and national sheep & wool writer. She runs a fine Merino wool property with her young family in North-East Victoria.
Annabelle Cleeland is a Stock & Land journalist. She has worked at Australian Community Media for more than a decade serving in a number of roles including editor, senior journalist and national sheep & wool writer. She runs a fine Merino wool property with her young family in North-East Victoria.
