Long-term buyers keep prices consistent despite low clearance at Oakbank

Long-term buyers kept sale prices strong at the annual Oakbank Merino and Poll Merino stud ram sale in Gre Gre North.

While the sale didn't achieve the clearance rates of last year's sale, prices remained similar, with the top-priced ram, Lot 12, selling for $6750 to Rodger Clark, Nhill.

The Clarks were one of several repeat clients who bought at the sale, snapping up five rams in total.

Lot 12, sired by Barry 716, had fleece measuring 20.1 micron.

Elders agent Graeme Male said it was the support of repeat buyers that kept sale results consistent amid drought conditions.

"There were fewer numbers sold due to the current climate of selling rams, but the buyers who have been long-time supporters of the sale were very strong today," he said.

"And they were very happy with the quality of the rams, which were as good as they've seen at Oakbank."

There was a total of 72 rams offered, with 52 sold at the sale, achieving a clearance rate of 72 per cent.

"They sold less because of the current circumstances," Mr Male said.

"There were buyers who had fewer ewes now, so they needed fewer rams."

He said most of the rams were staying in paddocks local to the region, with nine rams going to western NSW after being bought by Jeremy Young, Garolgi Farming, Goolgowi, NSW.

Oakbank stud co-principal Jack McRae said the sale went well despite dry seasonal conditions.

"I suppose it was a bit of a drier season, but the top price was pretty good and I'm happy," he said.

"They're all paddock-run rams, so quality can depend on the season, but they've come through this season pretty well and looked pretty good."

Mr McRae said prices could lift if the region received more rainfall.

"Things could turn around pretty quick," he said.

"Wool prices have lifted in the last month, and hopefully the season turns around."