LOOKING to replace and rebuild sheep flocks saw plenty of active bidders at the Narranmore bi-annual ram sale at Elong Elong.
The O'Leary family offered 100 very even rams of Tattykeel bloodlines and cleared 100 percent on the day which far outweighed the past years clearances.
The sale average of $1608 was $277 higher than last year's September sale and $597 higher than the February sale this year.
The top price of $3300 was achieved twice with both purchases heading to Paul McGirr's property, Wongaboori Station, Mendooran with property manager, John Hunter making the bids. Their draft of nine averaged $2433.
First ram to hit the top price was the 16-month-old Narranmore 84 who weighed 111 kilograms.
Becoming his stablemate at the same price will be 16-month-old Narranmore 56 who weighed 110 kilograms.
"Previous success with the sucker markets is only one of the reasons we come back to this sale," Mr Hunter said.
"We always move our suckers on first.
"The two top-priced rams were very even, their length is great and they were the best two rams here on the day,
"They are really nice rams, there is not much between the top of the draft and the back end."
Volume buyer was commercial breeder Patrick Morrison, Greenarm Pastoral, Merriwa, he purchased a draft of 11 for an average of $1291.
"We need to cover a few extra ewes that we have purchased and this sale is nice and close," Mr Morrison said.
"We have purchased here before and they are nice big strong rams that constantly get results.
"The O'Leary's have a great reputation for topping the local sales with rams who have shape and fertility.
"Most of the lambs from this area who top the markets are from these Tattykeel and Narranmore lines."
"Your rams are the cheapest thing on your place for what they produce." Agent Joe Portelli, PT Daiken Lord and Associates, Dubbo added.
Co-principal Christine O'Leary was very happy with sale.
"Even though our numbers were down today we had a very even line on offer." she said.
"We did not offer the spring drop rams this time, but will at our next sale.
"We have a lot of return buyers but a lot more new buyers than usual.
"Our average was very good and a total clearance is always nice."
The sale was conducted by Milling Stuart, Dunedoo with Angus Stuart controlling the bids.