The top-priced ram was sold by Coryule merino stud, Willowvale, Victoria, for a price manager Craig Trickey said the stud had never reached before.

“We are certainly happy with that result, we were not expecting to reach that amount,” Mr Trickey said.

“We knew there was interest from Tasmania, but we didn’t realise there was that much interest.”

Andrew Calvert from Roberts purchased the ram on behalf of Georgina and Hamish Wallace, who were crowned grand champions at the Australian Fleece Competition in Bendigo last month.

Mr Calvert said the stud will use the ram, as well as semen purchased from Alfoxton merino stud, Armidale, NSW, at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show last month, to begin incorporating polled genetics into its flock.

“They are looking to get into that market, and they wanted a ram that was compatible with what they’re already doing with their horned sheep,” Mr Calvert said.

“We saw this ram at Bendigo, and really liked him, he’s a very productive sheep.

“We like the way he moved, he’s an athletic ram, he stands correct, and has long-stapled, well-nourished, fine medium wool,” he said.

The ram, Lot 12, recorded fleece measurements of 18.7 micron, 3.2 standard deviation, 17.1 per cent co-efficient of variation, and 99.7 per cent comfort factor.

Seven studs offered 27 rams at the annual sale, of which 26 sold, reaching an average price of $3356.

This price is up $1034 on last year’s average price of $2322.

Coryule also sold the second top-priced ram of the sale, Lot 14, at $5750.

Warren and Emma Russell, of Melrose merino stud, Nurrabiel, sold the third top-priced, Lot 18, at $5500.

Mr Russell said this was the highest price they had ever sold a ram for.

“The ram has terrific balance, good size and structure, and a tremendous amount of superfine wool,” Mr Russell said.

“He’s a high ranking ram, and looks the part,” he said.

Coryule sold a total of four rams, averaging $5813, and Melrose’s four rams averaged $2500.

Landmark stud stock manager Andrew Sloan said the sale was “excellent”.

“There was good competition, with the majority of the rams being sold, which means there are people out there that want them,” Mr Sloan said.

“It was a good sign for a sale that’s been struggling in terms of numbers the past few years,” he said.