Westvale Merino to $2000
More than 20 years ago there was not a spare seat available at the annual Westvale Merino Ram sale.
The Kentucky general store had a busy day's trade with visitors from across the region stopping in for a coffee or cold drink, and the dust from the Westvale Merino stud's dirt road was thick and continuous.
The current plunge in the wool market played its part at the stud's 41st annual on-property sale on Wednesday.
Bids were challenging with 11 from 40 horned and poll Merino rams selling to an $978 average and $2000 top. Three rams were sold immediately post-sale.
Results were back on last year's 20 from 44 rams selling to a $1005 average and $2200 top.
Virbac Australia sponsored the top-priced buyer with a gift pack, which went to return buyer David Sweeney, Walcha.
The $2000 sale topper hoggett ram recorded the equal highest scrotal within the sale at 40 centimetres.
Mr Sweeney rounded out his draft with two rams for an $1400 average.
JRC and CR Chappell, Dundee, purchased four rams to average $925.
Repeat buyers SG and DR Morris, Bendemeer, bought four rams to average $800.
Schute Bell Badgery Lumby, Guyra, and Nutrien, Armidale, covered the sale, with Graham Andrews as the auctioneer.
