There was a complete clearance of the 33 2017-drop Merino and Poll Merino rams offered by the Litchfield family at Hazeldean, Cooma for average sale price of $3454.
Top price paid was $13,000 for a Poll Merino sired by 11003542 by B.E and N.A Tremain, Yeoval while the top price for a Merino ram was $6500 paid by B and M Rudd, Dalgety also for a son of 11003542.
The rams were reserved prior to the Spring 2018 ram sales to complete a second stage fibre test in early December.
"Their data is highly accurate," Bea Litchfield said.
"The team is a product of the Hazeldean Merino breeding program which continues to focus on the primary drivers of proven productivity and soundness and has experienced a significant boost in the past few years due to the adoption of DNA testing and influence of Hazeldean Super Sires including Hazeldean Hugh."
Ms Litchfield said the offering was a tribute to Hugh with almost the entire team being a descendant with 25 direct sons and five grandsons.
The auction was conducted by Paul Dooley, Tamworth.
- Full report next week