The proven ability of Hazeldean-bred rams to perform in a wide range of environmental situations and backed by 66 years of selecting for measuarable traits drew woolgrowers to the annual best of the best Merino ram sale at Cooma.
With 30 performance tested rams on offer and backed by industry relevant figures, the top price of $6500 was paid for a son of Hazeldean 11003542 (Hugh) a ram which has made a big impact on Merino flocks across Australia.
The ram was bought by Brendan Rudd, Dalgety who considered his new sire outstanding for clean fleece weight along with length of body.
Mr Rudd has been buying rams for the past five years and said the progeny do well in his country.
"Hazeldean-blood store sheep are very sought after across Australia," Mr Rudd said.
The sale of 23 rams from 30 offered achieved a creditable average of $2380.
Speaking for her family, Bea Litchfield said they were please with the sale results and especially in light of recent and current conditions across the Monaro and the state.
"It was a good sale in the circumstances, we are very pleased with the way the rams have handled the dry season here," she said.
"We had many repeat buyers and a lot of interest from others.
Guest auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth drew bids from the many keen buyers.