The interfacing of the sale on AuctionsPlus allowed his regular clients, in NSW and Queensland, to overcome coronavirus restrictions, while the physical auction attracted bidders from all parts of western Victoria.

Mr Feakins said the top-priced ram was "a really good structured animal, with a big frame". He went to Noel Taylor, Campbell's Creek.

Mr Feakins moved the stud from Glenn Innes, NSW, about 12 months ago.

"It's good that people have taken to the sale very quickly," Mr Feakins said.

"I think they have taken on board the Charollais, as a new breed, pretty well actually.

"I suppose it would have been 50-50 break up of bidders, local farmers from all around this area and as far out as Edenhope, while the rest would have been online."

There were also a number of repeat buyers from near Albury, Inverell and Armadale, NSW.

"I think its ease of lambing, as much as anything, performance, the quicker growth rate and the higher killing percentages."

He said he believed the future of sheep was in the prime lamb job. "People have to eat and you have a vast export market for Australian lamb and mutton."

Bernie Grant, LMB Livestock, said the top price was a new on-property record. The sale was conducted on farm, at Cudgee, and over AuctionsPlus.

"AuctionsPlus was extremely active, they had 42 people online, agents and bidders, who purchased 50 odd rams," Mr Grant said.

"Despite the border closures, rams went to NSW, SA and Queensland. Those buyers would have been unable to go to the physical sale, so it was a good result."

He said he was sure many online bidders would have liked like to see the animals, but a number of AuctionsPlus participants were repeat buyers.

"They know his stock, pretty well, so they could buy with a bit of confidence there. What they are looking for is the carcase, the yield and the muscling."

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