The Pattersons bought the top-priced ram at the sale for $10,000 and continued their long-term support for the McLaren family of Nerstane.

The top-priced ram may have headed to the Western District, but it was by no means the only one to be headed for a lengthy stint on the road, with rams sold to all major wool producing states.

A total of 221 rams were sold to an average of $2180, up $260 on last year.

The top ram boasted top Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) including 6.7 yearling weight and 24.6 yearling clean fleece weight, as well as weighing 142 kilograms and testing 17.8 micron in the wool.

Gordon Cox, Langdene Merinos, Dunedoo, NSW, bought the $7000 top-priced hogget ram.

First-time buyer Valerie Le Maitre, Lochiel Pastoral Company, Ross, Tasmania, made her big trip worthwhile, snapping up 21 rams to $2400, av $1562.

Veolia Environmental Services, Taralga, NSW bought 10 rams to $4400, av $3489.

Veolia manager Alex Green said over the two properties, Pylara, and Woodlawn, they joined between 5000 and 6000 Merinos annually and since they started using Nerstane rams 10 years ago, they had increased their flock's bodyweight substantially.

"It would be hard to find too many other studs where you can buy 10 rams as even as these and still be assured of their quality," Mr Green said.

There were also a number of stud ewes for sale

Will Cameron, Kalanga Poll Merinos, Glen Innes, NSW, bought one ram for $5000 as well as 106 mixed age stud ewes to $210, av $188.

Julian Von Bibra, Beaufront Merinos, Ross, Tas, bought one ram for $5000 and one for $4200.

The southern Riverina was also well represented in the buyers with Len Mathews, Bulganari Poll Merinos, Rand paying $4400 for his selection, while Roger Mathews, Borambil Merinos, Balldale, bought a ram for $2600.