BUYERS chasing polled Merino rams with bodyweight pushed prices to $2500 at Dookie college today.
The college was the new venue for the North East Merino Breeders Group annual summer sale.
Two studs, Toland of Violet Town and Kilfeera Park of Benalla, offered 30 polled and horned rams.
All lots were 2009-drop, spring shorn, body weighed and fat scanned.
A total of 26 rams sold to a top of $2500, gross of $27,550 and average of $1060.
This was well up on last year's top of $950 and average of $628.
With 15 registered buyers, rams sold to Euroa, Merton, Flinders Island, Cavendish, Benalla and Tallangatta.
The sale's champion all purpose ram, a poll ram from Toland, was judged by Alan Harris, Koole Vale stud, Nagambie, and Jon Sutherland, Elders Kilmore.
The June 2008 drop, October shorn ram went on to sell for the top price of $2500 to Don, Cheryl and Karl Price, Cavendish.
Vendors were Phil and Georgina Toland, of Violet Town.
North East Merinos president Murray McKenzie said the new sale venue had been well patronised.
"It's a great day,'' he said.
"The lamb and mutton market is flowing into the ram sales.''
Secretary Ken Heal said several studs had withdrawn from the summer fixture due to management logistics.
"Perhaps it needs to be revisited now the sheep industry is at the top of the pile,'' he said.
"The new venue has proven a success with at least 100 visitors.
"The feedback has been all quite positive.''
