Local sheep producers underpinned the consistent demand for Merino rams offered on account Simon and Kristina King, Avonside Merino stud, Cooma, at their 6th Annual on-property ram sale.
The top price at $3100 was paid by Steve and Leanne Mackay, "Frying Pan", Cooma, out of the 24 rams offered by the King family with 19 sold for an average price of $1384.
Mr Mackay said he has been purchasing Avonside-bred rams for the past five years because they suit his country being bred in the same high altitude district.
Indeed, the comment was made during the sale that perhaps the Avonside stud was situated higher than any other Merino stud in NSW.
Last winter, heavy falls of snow fell across his property which made the excellent presentation of his rams by Mr King even more extraordinary.
Speaking before the sale, Mr King acknowledged the tough winter and said perhaps his rams weren't grown out as well as in the past, but consensus among the potential buyers said they were still in top condition and carrying heavy fleeces of soft fine wool.
Mr Mackay said he likes the style of the Avonside rams, and the top-priced ram particularly appealed for his density of fleece and good skin.
"We are also getting size back into our flock," he said.
"And increasing fleece weight while maintaining our fine micron."
Mr Mackay purchased a second ram for $600 to average $1850 for his selection.
Volume buyer was Connorville Station, Cressy, Tasmania, who bought five rams, paying to $2300 with an average price for their draft of $1720.
Peter Bottom, Jindabyne paid average price of $1700 for his three rams, and Gerald and Jo Mackay, "Hillcrest", Dry Plains via Cooma purchased three rams for average price of $867.
The Letompe Partnership, "Letompe", Dalgety purchased one ram for $1300, while Doug Constance, "Werralong", Berridale paid $1600 for his choice of new sire.
Jack Wallace, Dalgety took two rams home for average price of $1050.
Commenting after the sale, Simon King said it was a "good solid result."
"The average was up a bit on last year and it was good to see lots of repeat buyers," Mr King said.
The Helmsman auction was conducted by Elders, Cooma with Tim Schofield coordinating the bids.