Bidding reached a top of $3800 at the 25th annual Waverley Downs Merino ram sale at "Lecoin", Delungra on Saturday.
A mix of new and repeat buyers attended the sale, where 58 of the 59 rams offered were sold for a clearance of 98 per cent and average of $1547.
The Taylor family of Ford End Pastoral Company, Delungra, were the top bidders, purchasing lot 25 for $3800.
The 18-month-old ram, Waverley Downs B557, weighed 109.5 kilograms, had a fibre diameter of 19.5 micron, standard deviation (SD) of 3.2 micron, co-efficient variation (CV) of 16.5pc, and a comfort factor (CF) of 99.9pc.
The Taylor family also bought the equal-second top-priced ram for $3000.
The 18-month-old, Waverley Downs B533, weighed 103.5kg, had a fibre diameter of 19 micron, SD of 3 micron, CV of 16pc, and a CF of 100pc.
Geoff Hilton, Texas, bought the other second-top priced ram for $3000.
The 18-month-old, Waverley Downs B407, weighed 93.5kg, had a fibre diameter of 18.1 micron, SD of 2.9 micron, CV of 15.8pc, and a CF of 99.9pc.
The polls also saw a $2500 equal-top price, with David and Rani Smith, Texas, taking home Waverley Downs B528, and Trevor Gilbey, Tenterfield, purchasing Waverley Downs B415.
Volume buyers on the day included the Taylor family, who purchased six rams to top $3800 and average $2150, while Chandler Creek Pastoral Company, Armidale, bought five rams to top $2400 and average $1360.
Australian Wool Network auctioneer John Croake said prices reflected the fact that Waverley Downs offered the best drop of rams they’ve ever had.
“It’s the best average they’ve ever had here and it’s a credit to the stud for the offering that they had,” he said.
Mr Croake also highlighted the current sheep market as a driving factor behind high prices.
“People have got a lot of confidence in the market again and this type of wool is what is really thriving in the wool market at the moment, so people are chasing this and they know that these sheep will do the right thing for them.”
The sale was conducted by Schute Bell Badgery Lumby, and John Croake, Australian Wool Network, was the auctioneer.
