Gippsland Stud Merino Breeders ram sale brings exceptional results

The sale, which was held on AuctionsPlus, grossed $660,000.

The top-priced ram was Lot 27 from Pendarra Merino and Poll Merino stud, Benambra, which sold for $12,000.

Pendarra stud principal Kelvin Pendergast said the ram was a very good type and there was a lot of interest in him before the sale.

"I know at least three studs that were interested in him," Mr Pedergast said.

"We did put a high reserve on him because if he didn't make a price we were going to keep him for our own stud use.

"He's a good medium to heavy cutter, his frame is next to none.

"To get a ram of that structure, they don't come everyday."

Pendarra will retain 200 doses of semen.

The ram was bought by The Fringe Stud, Briagolong, who was a first time buyer.

Mr Pendergast believed his line up overall was better than last year.

"Each year you like to think that you do keep getting a bit better and a bit more even," he said.

"That's what many people commented on when we had our field day, how even our rams were.

"We had 76 rams on offer and the amount of people that told me that virtually all the wool could go into one bin."

The stud had recorded one of its wetter winters since 2016 but there was good run off into the dams.

Mal Nicholls, Elders, said the $4171 average and total clearance for Pendarra was "bloody amazing".

Mr Nicholls said the top price was up $4000 on the previous record and the overall sale average was a new best as well.

He said the top ram was a very good shape with good nourishment, extra good staple length and plenty of density.

The overall line up of rams was excellent from start to finish, he said.

"I get sick of saying that the rams are better every year but it's hard not to say that because the guys are doing such a good job of their breeding and their presentation," he said.

He said the last minute decision to hold the sale online did not affect prices.

It was always going to be interfaced with AuctionsPlus and buyers had been encouraged to attend the field day in case the sale could not go ahead in person.

Stockton stud had the second top price in Lot 53, which made $10,250.

Roundhill sold 18 of 19 rams to average $2944 and Nicholson River sold three of six to average $1000.

Stockton sold 21 out of 24 for a $3273 average while Bindawarra sold 64 from 66 to average $3011.

The Fringe sold 13 from 14 and averaged $1903.