As the hot Central Otago heat seared down, Johnny Duncan looked as cool as a cucumber as 282 rams were auctioned at the annual Craigneuk ram fair in Gimmerburn.
Duncan said it was always pleasing to see a big turnout at the sale.
"Both young kids and, of course, our buyers. It's cool to see people make an occasion of the sale. I enjoy seeing kids coming along and they find themselves lending a hand out the back. The kids just love to help, and it's setting them up for farming which is just around the corner for most of them".
He said a "huge effort" was put in by his staff behind the sale gallery.