*54 of 76 rams sold to $7500, av $1280
*29 of 29 ewes sold to $1250, av $809
A record top of $7500 highlighted a solid result at Tylden-based Southdown stud, Chandpara’s on-property sale Wednesday.
Stud breeder Henry Cameron, Athlone, Penshurst, was the buyer of the top ram to use in his flock of 300 Southdown ewes.
Mr Cameron said he came to the sale looking for some new bloodlines “to improve what we have”.
He had bought ewes from the Chandpara flock in the past and they had done well in the flock.
“You have to buy the best to breed the best,” he said.
The ram was by noted New Zealand sire, Clifton Downs 241/10.
Chandpara principal, Andrew Sellers-Jones, said he was happy with the sale.
“The top price was easily the best we have have achieved,” he said.
Southdown breeders L&P Vearing, Epping, paid second top price of $3000.
Volume buyer was Les Hall, Glendaloch Pastoral, Yea, through Elders Yea, who bought 12 rams to a top of $1400 and an average of $1066.
Mr Hall said this was the first time buying at Chandpara and he was attracted by the figures for the rams and shape.
He joins half his flock to Southdown and half to Poll Dorsets but was moving more toward the Southdowns.
He said the Southdowns with more fat and length were better suited to breeding lambs that could be finished in the hill country.
Yirraba Pastoral, Yea, paid up to $1500 twice for five rams to average $1360.
Of the ewes offered the top was $1250 by IK Geppert, Galore. The same buyer paid $900 each for two other ewes.
