GOONDIWINDI'S Murphy family sold rams to a top of $4000 and average of $1612 at the 13th annual Karbullah Poll Merinos and Boyanga Meateor Merinos sale at "Karbullah", Goondiwindi, on Monday.
All 120 rams offered - 100 rams in the helmsman system and 20 auctioned - sold for a full clearance, going to buyers in Queensland and NSW.
The top ram, Karbullah 140026, sold to Bill and Allan Beatty, "Currawong", Mungindi, to be used in the brothers' 2300-ewe commercial flock.
The 17.7-micron ram had a comfort factor (CF) of 99.5 per cent, standard deviation (SD) of 3.1-micron, coefficient of variation of 17.5pc.
The ram was one of three purchased by repeat buyer Bill Beatty.
"I like the wool quality and his frame, his body shape," Mr Beatty said.
"The Karbullah rams have got nice bright wool which is what we want."
The second highest selling ram was Karbullah 140040, bought by Russell Beatty, "Dunwinnie", Thallon, for $3700.
The ram had a fibre diameter of 18.8-micron, 99.3pc CF, 2.8-micron SD and 14.9pc CV.
Karbullah 140117 sold for the third highest price of $3600, also to Russell Beatty.
The 18.2-micron ram had a CF of 99.2pc, 3.3-micron SD and 18.1pc CV.
Two rams, Karbullah 140046 and Boyanga 145075, sold for $3500, to Russell Beatty and John and Mirella O'Sullivan, "Littleton", Thallon, respectively.
The sale's volume buyers were Ken and Debbie Moon, "Avon Downs", Burren Junction, who purchased 12 rams to a top of $2000 and average of $1358.
Maurice, Maxene and Nick Murphy, "Dalmar", Thallon, bought nine rams topping at $1900 and averaging $1456, and Brett and Louise Fulwood, "Callygoora", Daymar, bought eight rams to a top of $2000 and $1737.
Stud principal Mark Murphy said the sale was a success despite long-time clients being in severe drought.
"Our volume buyers weren't able to come this year, so all things considered, we've done exceptionally well," he said.
"A lot of clients from the west and north of here are in very dry spots and have missed the sale for the first time."
Mr Murphy said buyers were looking for both carcase and wool qualities in the rams.
"They're looking for muscle and fat. While ever you've got good muscle, fat will never be out of control."
Breeding consultant Jim Watts, who has worked with the Murphy family for the past 20 years, said breeding dual-purpose sheep offered more profitability for Merino producers.
"The carcase is about 60pc to 70pc of people's income these days," Dr Watts said.
The sale was conducted by Australian Wool Network Livestock.