FOR more than 40 years the Webb family have returned to Bocoble stud to buy a handful or more of rams for their Cooyal flock near Mudgee.
This year John and Jack Webb of Cooyal Pastoral, purchased five rams including the $2600 sale-topper at the Bocoble Merino stud sale of Malcolm Cox and family, Mudgee, last Saturday, who sold 32 of 60 rams to average $1219. The Webb's top buy was a son of Merryville Big Brilliant growing 16.1 micron wool 2.4, 14.9, 99.9. which will join the sire battery with their four other purchases bought for a $1500 average. The family run close to 3000 ewes growing an average 16.8 micron fleece.
Multi-lot buyer, Allan heath, Athlone (Crudine) Pty Ltd, Athlone, Crudine, bought six rams at $1000 each and the family has been a staunch supporter of Bocoble blood, buying rams for as long as 60 years.
Kevin Heuston who runs Merinos in the upper reaches of the Wuuluman district near Wellington, and has used Bocoble rams for the past seven to eight years paid $1500 each for two rams.
Nigel McGrath, Gulgong, has been rebuilding his flock after the devastating Sir Ivan fire, this year purchased five rams for a$1320 average, topping at $1800 twice. Malcolm Cox said Mr McGrath had been a returning client for five to six years and last year purchased 12 rams.
Courtney Gordon, Mt Gambier, South Australia, paid an average $1125 for four rams.
The sale was conducted by Australian Wool Network with John Croake, Tamworth, the auctioneer.