With the national flock at its lowest point in 80 years, mulesing problems and relatively low wool prices the massive exchange of 341 rams again defied the odds, with a rise of $178 on the average price of the same sale last year, and an enormous top price of $19,000.

The sheer volume and quality of rams on offer in the big shed was something to behold and rising to the challenge was a vast array of buyers.

Astounding the crowd was the $19,000 for a ram from the Langdene stud, Dunedoo, NSW.

The winning bidder was a syndicate including Bogo, Middle View, Grassy Creek and Tallawong Merino studs from the Yass and Boroowa regions, together with commercial woolgrower Neil McDonald, Cootamundra, and NSW commercial and stud classer Craig Wilson.

* Extract from a full report to appear in Stock & Land, Vic, August 7 edition.