IT’S NO surprise there has been an increase in Doper’s popularity in Tasmania, judging by the success of the recent Inaugural Dorper Society Form and Sale.
On January 29 over 260 Dorper enthusiasts from all over Tasmania, as well as Victoria and New South Wales rolled up at the Deloraine Showgrounds to participate in the first time sale and expo.
Agent Tim Woodham, Roberts Ltd, said there was an outstanding line up of well presented sheep which consisted of 11 White Dorper Rams, six Dorper Rams, 14 White Dorper Ewes, 25 Dorper Ewes and 109 crossbred ewes.
Bidding was conducted under the Helmsman system with both vendors and buyers extremely satisfied with prices and quality.
Graeme Collins, Merribrook West White Dorper stud in Milloo Victoria achieved the top price of $4,000 with his White Dorper ram, Merribrook West Pot Black.
Lachlan Collins, Merribrook White Dorpers Victoria achieved the top price of $1240 for two of his White Dorper ewes.
Local Tasmanian breeders also received excellent prices with Jim and Jo Lyall selling the top price Dorper Ram for $1,320 and the top price Dorper Ewe for $1,160.
In the commercial section BJ and DM Hume sold a pen of five F3 and F4 two and a half year old ewes to $660 a head.
Prior to the sale the morning was filled with informative discussions from the likes of Samantha Jamieson, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), Hamish Chandler, MLA, Andrew Bailey, Tasmanian Institute for Agricultural Research and Geoff Duddy.
Mr Duddy summed up the indsutry saying, “Dorper enterprises are profitable under the current sheep meat and wool prices, and the breed allows producers to change enterprises without significant cost.”
Ken Butcher from Bushveld White Dorper Stud in NSW was another highlight of the day.
Mr Butcher held a demonstration about the points to look for when selection a quality Dorper sheep.
Southern Region Dorper Sheep Society of Australia (DSSA) regional secretary, Danielle McIntosh said the day was an outstanding success.
Entry to the sale was by gold coin donation and the $272 will be donated to the Australian Flood Appeal.
The day was organised by Tasmanian members with support from the Southern Branch of the Dorper Sheep Society.
