THIRTY superfine Merino rams went up for auction at the annual Bellaine Merino ram sale at Guyra last week.
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It was repeat clientele that held the bids at the conclusion of the Helmsman sale and snapped up what Bellaine principal, Deb Maxwell, described as "bargain buys".
The $800 top priced ram went to Noel O'Dempsey, Texas, Queensland, who has been purchasing from Bellaine for around seven years.
The top priced ram had a worm egg count (WEC) Australian Sheep breeding Value (ASBV) of -54 and a fibre diameter of 15.2-micron.
Mr O'Dempsey purchased four rams to average $575.
The second top priced ram was sold to Ian and Madge Sole, Guyra, for $700.
This ram also measured a fibre diameter of 15.2-micron and sat in the top 10 per cent for yearling fibre diameter ASBV at -2.3.
This was the Sole family's third year purchasing from Bellaine, and they have found the rams go well in their self replacing Merino operation.
James Jackson, Guyra, purchased four rams to average $500.
Overall 12 rams sold at auction to average $561.
Ms Maxwell was grateful for the return of their usual volume buyers and said the low clearance is a reflection of the current season.
The Helmsman auction was conducted by Landmark Armidale.
