A RECORD top price of $1825 was achieved at the fifth annual Camlea Charollais ram sale at Glencoe on Friday.
Stud principals Kevin and Gina Feakins had a fantastic result at their first on-property sale, clearing all 73 rams for an average of $918.
The top price was nearly double the previous top price and the average increased by $400 on the 2015 sale.
In the sale breakdown, the 50 yearling rams sold to a top of $1825 and average of $937.50 and 23 five and six-month-old ram lambs topped at $1400 and averaged $875.
Six stud ewes were sold for a top of $1700 and average of $1350.
The top ram, an 83kg ram, was purchased by Luke Heagney, Armitage and Buckley, Armidale, on behalf of Warren Coventry, Lynoch Pty Ltd, Armidale.
Victorian clients Mac and Jo Fraser, Talangatta, bought the second highest selling ram for $1600 and Matt Bright, Carcoar, bought a ram for $1500.
Gilbert Murphy, Bribbaree, bought a ram for $1450 and Dan McAlary, “Furracabad”, Glen Innes purchased a ram for $1425.
The sale’s volume buyer was Mr McAlary, who took home six rams for a top of $1425 and average of $945.
The Hilton family from Texas, Queensland, bought five rams for a top of $1250 and average of $1180 and the Fraser family bought five rams for an average of $1080.
Mr Feakins was thrilled with his first on-property sale. His rams had previous been sold through Auctions Plus.
“It’s a plus for us and buyers to be able to see the rams in the ring and make a decision on the spot whether to buy,” he said.
There was a good mix of new and repeat clients, with buyers coming from NSW, Victoria and as far north as Longreach in Central Queensland.
Mr Feakins said interest in the breed was growing, with many people using Charollais rams in cross breeding operations over Merino, Dohne, Dorper and Damara ewes.
“We struggled to sell them in our first year because no one knew what they were, but now they’re going further afield and more people are looking for pure Charollais sheep which means we’ll have more flocks spring up.
“With the Charollais sheep, there’s terrific potential for a good quality, big carcase with little fat. They’re a lean breed, but there’s still enough fat on them for cooking.”
The sale was conducted by Colin Say and Company, Glen Innes, with Shad Bailey taking the bids.
