*27 of 46 rams sold to $5000, av $1455
Buyers had their choice of rams at the 16th annual Victorian Dohne Invitation Ram Sale in Ballarat last Thursday.
The sale was moved back a month due to COVID-19 restrictions but that didn't stop 46 rams being offered by four studs, leading to 27 rams selling at auction to three states, and a further 11 selling after auction to new and repeat buyers.
The top-priced ram - Lot 6 - was offered by Macquarie Dohnes, Warren, NSW, and purchased by first-time buyers to the sale Chris and Helen Carrigan, Welbon Grazing Co, Garah, NSW, who was purchased through Ross Milne, Elders, via phone.
The August 2019-drop ram was in the top 10 per cent for post weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD), and the top 30pc for post weaning weight (PWT), post weaning fat depth (PFAT) and yearling fibre diameter (YFD).
Mr Carrigan has been running a Dohne flock since the early 2000s, but due to drought conditions in his area they are currently carrying 3000 ewes.
"We've been using Macquarie for a while, due to their diverse genetics," he said.
Under-bidders on the top-priced ram the Pilgrim Bros, Minimay, secured the second top-priced ram - Lot 7 - also from Macquarie Dohnes for $3250.
Ian Pilgrim was purchasing on behalf of the family operation, who are return buyers to the Ballarat sale.
The August-drop ram was in the top 30pc for yearling fleece weight (YCFW) with a figure of 13.2.
"We purchase from the Ballarat sale every second year, using the rams to breed our own rams over the 2000 ewes we are running," Mr Pilgrim said.
"The ram was one of our picks for the sale, due to its nice, white face and being clean on the points."
Kardinia Dohnes, Corowa, NSW, Glenaroua and Aero Dohnes, Kilmore, proved to be very popular to volume buyers, Coad Pastoral, Cressy, who purchased 14 rams from the three studs for a top price of $1750 three times to average $1303.
"The rams we purchased on the day were selected for their wool and meat," Ben Coad said.
"We made the switch to Dohnes due to their dual purpose, we are getting a return on both the wool and the lambs produced."
The Coad family have been using Dohnes in their self-replacing operation for seven years.
"The 11 rams sold after sale are going to clients in the Southern Slopes of NSW," Donald Mills, Kardinia, said.
Another returning interstate buyer, IC Boyes Est., Longford, Tasmania, secured two Macquarie rams for an average of $1625.
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