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 buyers to the annual Riverina ram sale held at Hay on Thursday.
The Litchfield family offered 109 rams for sale, 97 sold for the very pleasing average price of $2598, with the top price of $7000 being achieved.
The top price was paid by return clients David and Erica Shorter, Boola, Burren Junction.
The young sire sat in the top five per cent for yearling clean fleece weight of 39.6 and MP+ of 203.8, also sitting in the top 10 percent for yearling staple strength of 3.6 and top 30 per cent for yearling weight of 7.5 kilograms.
They have been purchasing Hazeldean genetics since 1989 and returned this year to add another top sire to their flock.
Mr Shorter said they admired the ram for his outstanding size, wool cut and quality of fleece.
"He has excellent staple length, and he had one of the longest staple length in the sale," he said.
"We want to keep the high quality of the Hazeldean wool in our flock while maintaining staple length and body weight."
Dave and Erica also purchased another two rams in Hazeldean 19002686 for $3500 and Hazeldean 19002988 for $3000.
Leading the charge to secure new sires and further lift the productivity of their flocks was TA Field Estates Pty Ltd, Carrathool with Sheep breeding consultant Craig Wilson, Wagga Wagga purchasing 18 rams on their behalf to average $2389.
DH Hill and Sons, Cootamundra purchased 14 rams to average $3196.
The sale was settled by Nutrien with Tim Woodham and Hamish McGeoch as auctioneers.