There was no doubting the desire for heavy cutting Merino rams when $31,000 was paid top price at the 25th annual on-property sale for Mark and Jodie Pendergast, Cottage Park, Cooma.
The outstanding sire prospect, by many accounts offered in one of the best drafts of Merino rams offered on account Cottage Park was purchased by well-known Monaro stud breeder Steve Tozer, Main Range Merinos, Cooma.
Mr Tozer said he had seen the ram during the display at Southwest Slopes Stud Merino show at Harden and was taken by his presence and absolute stud wool.
"He is an outstanding sire prospect, his richness of fleece with length and density is amazing," he said.
"It is a real sires wool."
In total 106 of 109 rams sold to average $2576.
Mr Pendergast appreciated the ongoing support for his genetic direction and said it was gratifying to see such support from local and away clients.
"I am overwhelmed by the response, especially given the season when a lot of people are feeding their stock to survive," he said.
"Obviously I am very happy with the top price, but also pleased clients could get the rams they wanted for the commercial flocks."
The sale was settled by Elders, Cooma with Landmark, Cooma and auctioneers Rick Power and Andy McGeoch shared the rostrum.
- Full report next week
