THE loyal support of many return buyers has helped Bungulla Merinos achieve a 100 per cent clearance rate at its annual on property ram sale near Manilla.
A strong crowd of more than 30 registered bidders gathered at the Capel family's property Calool last Friday to get their hands on the 108 rams up for bids at the operation's 19th annual sale.
The competition was fierce as buyers from across NSW and from as far away as Queensland snapped up all 108 rams at an average of $2888.
Auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth, did not have to wait long to knock down the top selling ram, as lot nine, tag 209 sold to long-time stud supporter Brian Brazier, Wombang, Euchareena, for $8500.
The top seller was the second of two rams to sell for more than $8000 after lot one, tag 128, sold to Brenda Station, Goodooga, for $8000.
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Bungulla stud principal Peter Capel said the rams were part of a very even draft and both had plenty of outstanding qualities.
"It was a very consistent draft of rams featuring the lot one, four and nine rams, which I think sold accordingly," Mr Capel said.
"As for that top price ram, I think he was very well balanced, structurally he was very sound, his wool quality and wool cutting ability were really good, he had a bright white fleece with good crimp and character and he was just a very nice package.
"Brian has been buying rams from us since 1983, he always aims to buy top rams and his sheep are very good, in fact, his ewes cut 9.7kg this year and reared 98pc of lambs.
"I'm confident the rams he purchased this year will help him continue with those good results."
Mr Brazier was among the sale's most prolific buyers, purchasing four rams at an average of $6375, while Brenda Station, purchased seven rams at an average of $4285.
Other volume buyers included Tannabah Pty Ltd, Coonabarabran, eight rams at an average of $2312, Heroic Pastoral Company, Ellerston, four rams at an average of $3500, Bando Station, Mullaley, four rams at an average of $3000, and AJ Knight, Coonabarabran, five rams at an average of $2100.
Also among the volume buyers was Wyralla Grazing Company, Dirranbandi, Queensland, seven rams at an average of $2071, Epping Pastoral Company, Pilliga, six rams at an average of $2500, P and H Swain, Rockford, Willow Tree, five rams at an average of $2800 and R and M Walters, Glenallen, Duri, four rams at an average of $4750.
Last Friday's positive sale result for the stud was off the back of its second annual ram sale in Longreach, Queensland, last month.
"We had about 18 rams head up to Longreach from this sale after they bought a few up at the sale in Longreach, which is pretty pleasing," Mr Capel said.
"We are really pleased to see so many return buyers at this year's sale, some of which are now into the third generation of buyers from some families.
"Some of our clients are becoming very long term, which is pretty special and it was also nice to see some new clients come along this year as well. We're really grateful for everyone's support and look forward to some strong sales next year."
Last Friday's sale was conducted by Elders, Tamworth and Schute Bell Badgery and Lumby with Paul Dooley auctioneering.
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