Cloven Hills clear 492 rams at bumper sale

Offered in the first pen, it didn't take long for upcoming stud sire - Lot 3, CH202389, to be secured by Anthony Baillieu and Jeremy Upton, Yarram Park Composites, Willaura.

Lot 3 was in the top 5 per cent for maternal carcase production plus, weaning weight, post weaning weight, number of lambs weaned and yearling number of lambs weaned.

One of the active return volume buyers was Rob Lindon, TA Field Estates, Aberfeldy, Holbrook, NSW, through Nutrien Wagga Wagga, NSW, with Jarrod Slattery purchasing.

They secured 21 rams to a top of $3800 five times, and an average of $3395.

"The quality of the Cloven Hills sheep are as good as any in south-east Australia, and Rob really appreciated the one on one with Chris and Kate last year after their sale," Mr Slattery said.

"It's the second year breeding composites, after purchasing the established flock two years ago with the farm, they had to have a large focus on improving structure.

"They're moderate in size compared to some of the sheep in our part of NSW, given the season and amount of feed available."

Cloven Hills stud principals Chris and Kate Dorahy were absolutely thrilled with the result.

"We were pleased that there were rams available for everyone, suiting budget and production targets," Ms Dorahy said.

"We are extremely grateful to new and return clients, who showed us support for the work we do and the willingness to invest in Cloven Hills genetics."

New purchaser to the sale was Ben Harrison, Falls Pastoral, Molka, through Nutrien Euroa, who secured 21 head.

"We are changing the structure of our sheep operation," Mr Harrison said.

"In the past we have run around 4500 ewes, and now we are shifting to a maternal composite for ease of breeding self replacements.

"Cloven Hills was our choice this year, to go over a line of 1000 composite ewes we bought in, for their moderate frame, good reproduction rates and low birthweight, focusing on increasing that important kilogram per hectare produced."

The second top ram was bought on AuctionsPlus for $6600.