Making their online selling debut in conjunction with their 28th annual on-property sale paid off in a big way for the Woodley family of Kurraview stud on Tuesday at Wongarbon.
In what was the highest ram average for the stud and a considerable lift on their 2019 results, 62 of 64 rams sold to average $1724 and top at $5000 for the opening lot of the day.
It was Craig and Cate French of Westella White Suffolk stud at Geurie who paid the largest amount for the July 2019 born son of Kurraview 89-17 who boasted a 24.22 eye muscle area and weighed 111 kilograms.
The ram was one of five specially selected rams promoted as stud sires.
The Frenchs have been breeding sheep for 20 years but registered their stud in 2010 and have only used Kurraview blood since then.
Mr French said the impressive young sire would be used with 20 to 25 specially selected stud ewes.
"I didn't think I'd have to push that high but two other studs were keen on him," he said.
"He was very impressive; very correct, good head, big hindquarter and a very masculine look about him which I thought was impressive."
He had very good faith in the genetics that produced early maturing long bodied White Suffolks.
"A lot of clients give me good feedback so I'm extremely happy," he said.
"I haven't bought for a couple of years but thought we would go in this year."
Second top at $4100 was paid by first time buyers John and Janet De Bomford, Narromine who have just started a White Suffolk stud, Glenalvie. They also paid $3900.
Another new buyer was Mitchell Woods, Glenella stud, Guyra who paid to $3300.
The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus for the first time and while it did play a big role in helping to sell rams, Mr Woodley believed the online presence had helped attract new clientele too.
"We decided to put the sale on AuctionsPlus and I think a few people have found us that way on the website or looked at the rams on AuctionsPlus," he said.
"We did have three buyers on AuctionsPlus and quite a few other bidders."
Top price flock ram was secured by Paul Hando, Peak Hill, for a pen of two at $2200 each.
Bulk buyer was repeat client Steve Kiss, Spicers Creek, who secured seven to average $1428.
The overall sale average was around $600 higher than their previous best.
Mr Woodley said this year they offered a smaller catalogue but the rams were a very even line.
"They were our youngest drop of rams and 95 per cent of them were July/August drop," he said.
"They were well grown with an average weight over 100kg. They went six months with drought before it rained so they really recovered very well."
Both of the Suffolk rams on offer sold to $2000 and averaged $1500.
The sale was run by Peter Milling and Co.