THE New England region's weather may have cooled down in recent days, but it did not stop the bids at the annual Nerstane Merinos ram sale from running hot.
All but three of the 166 rams up for sale were sold, with the average ram price finishing at an impressive $3250.
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Auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth, did not have to wait long to find the day's top buyer, with Peter and Amanda Reimers of Pearsby, Stanthorpe, Queensland, taking home the second ram auctioned for $9000.
Buying on behalf of the Reimers' family was Elders Armidale's John Newsome, who said the March-shorn housed ram (tag 190089), was a great buy.
"The Reimers' have been buying from Nerstane for many years now because they like longer, free-growing, crimpier, productive wools," Mr Newsome said.
"They're pushing big framed sheep and they've got to go up there with good, bright wools.
"They breed a few for themselves and for some neighbours. As well as that, they are a very keen, young family coming through the sheep industry wanting to maintain their quality, which they are finding at Nerstane."
While the Reimers' took out the sale's top-priced ram, the busiest buyer at the sale had arguably come from the furthest away, that being Wool Solutions, Tasmania, snapped up 16 rams on the day.
Wool Solutions livestock specialist Andrew Calvert bought on behalf of three clients, including Buln Gherin Pastoral, Stock Yard Hill, Victoria.
"I'm involved on the breeding side of things here at Nerstane and this is one of the better line-ups of rams I've ever seen here," Mr Calvert said.
"I was up here just before Christmas selecting the rams before the sale and they have come on in leaps and bounds.
"These rams will be going out into the ewes as soon as they arrive on Monday."
Friday's action began with a ewe sale and agent Nick Hall, Walcha, had the auctioneering duties in conjunction with Elders stock agent Angus Laurie.
Nerstane offered seven pens of ewes aged between 17 months and eight years old.
The second pen topped the ewe sale at $420, while the other six pens failed to drop below $300.
Nerstane director John McLaren put Friday's impressive ram and ewe prices down to improved seasonal conditions for the New England region.
"It was a very good sale and it started with the ewe sale that sold very well," Mr McLaren said.
"Then to have nearly a complete clearance of the rams was also really pleasing to see.
"Of all the time I've been here, 50 years, I would have to say the conditions we have at the moment are probably the best."
The day was concluded in charitable fashion as the proceeds of the final ram sold went to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Bringing $4000 to the service, the ram was one of the 16 purchased by Wool Solutions on behalf of Buln Gherin Pastoral.
"It is a really good cause and one that is close to our family," Mr McLaren said.
"They probably saved Hamish's life when he had his accident, so it was really good to be able to give back."
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