Determined bidding during the 30th Annual Sale of Bundilla Poll Merino rams on account of Ross, Rick and Jill Baldwin saw a total clearance of 188 rams offered.
With a top price of $5500 and an average of $2315, co-principal Ross Baldwin commented after the sale there were "satisfied clients purchasing sires that meet their long breeding goals".
"We had a lot of new clients who had come to our open day," Mr Baldwin said.
"They were impressed by our genetic direction and the way our sheep are built.
"Conformation is important if ewes are to rear a lot of lambs especially feet and body shape."
Indeed, the high fertility trait inherent in the Bundilla-bred sheep was a factor in the decision of Paul O'Connor "Oxton Park" Harden to pay top price for his preferred choice of young sire.
Mr O'Connor said he was impressed by the all-round dual-purpose characteristics of his selection.
"He has a terrific carcase, with soft, well nourished wool," he said.
"And he ticks a lot of boxes - he will put wool on our sheep, and the fertility of these rams is highly regarded."
Mr O'Connor, who has been buying rams from the Baldwin family since 2011, also purchased the second top priced ram at $5250 and said they will be joined to specially selected ewes in a program to breed his own replacement rams.
Local wool growing family, Alan and Marie Mattiske, "Geraldra" Stockinbingal purchased eight rams paying to $4500 twice and with an average price $3500 for their selection.
Their daughter, Jill Baldwin said they are looking for good rich fleeces, and high fertility.
"Since introducing Bundilla rams in 2008 there has been a high improvement in their lambing percentage, with 119 percent lambs marked to ewes joined this season," she said.
Significant drafts of rams included nine bought by Caldwell Farms, "Milong North" Young who paid to $3500 twice with an average price $2583, seven rams purchased by Oaklands View, Glenlofty, Victoria to top $4000 and average of $2964 and nine rams bought by HG Reynolds and Sons, "Delhi Downs" Mangoplah for average price of $1917.
Victorian buyers included Ken Nunn, Snake Valley who took home three rams for average price $1917, Fowles Farm Pty Ltd, Avenel who paid to $3500 for their draft of three rams which averaged $2917 and the Price family, Cavendish who paid to top $4000 for their choice of four rams which averaged $2500.
Rick Baldwin said "his family was very proud of the depth of quality of Bundilla sires that were presented at the sale.
"The ability of the Bundilla genetics to positively impact maternal traits in Merinos is very rewarding and shows how important long term breeding objectives are for our industry," he said.
The sale was settled by Landmark, Young with Paul Dooley, Tamworth taking the bids.
