*26 of 27 rams sold to $3000, av $1212
THE support for Purnim's Elizabeth Wilkinson was evident at her stud's inaugural Bright Side Poll Dorset ram sale which cleared 26 of 27 rams offered.
Supported by a new client list of 30 registered buyers, the sale topped at $3000, and recorded a sale averaged $1212.
A 128 kilogram Poll Dorset ram with a Terminal Carcase Production (TCP) index of 140.2 and an Eating Quality (EQ) index in the breed's top 20 per cent at 137.1.
Bought by James Rowe, Jeathrowe Stud, Bannockburn. the twin-born ram by Armdale Park 180028 recorded a weaning weight (WWT) of 9.8, post-weaning weight (PWWT) of 14.7 and post-weaning eye muscle depth (PEMD) of 0.8 millimetres.
Majority of the stud sires were based on Armdale/Armdale Park bloodlines.
The second highest price of the sale was lot 8, at $2000, for a 112kg son of Tatt, recorded a WWT 7.1, PWWT 10.6, PEMD 0.8, and TCP index of 122.9 and EQ index of 118.8.
"I have a strong focus on a good yielding animal," she said.
"I want a well structured ram that can stand on his feet, well muscled with length, width and depth - an almost perfect sheep is what I am striving to breed."
Clients were attracted to the new stud thanks to the commercial performance of a repeat Caramut-based client, whose first drop of Bright Side-blood sucker lambs yielded 51 per cent dressed weight.
While it's Ms Wilkinson's first official sale, she has a reputation for breeding champion progeny through her family's Shellal Poll Dorsets stud.
"It's about these genetics being followed right through the chain to ensure they're performing - that's where I get most pleasure from," Ms Wilkinson said.
"I have a real commercial drive to make the lamb industry better and put money in the pockets of producers."
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is a Stock & Land journalist. She has worked at Australian Community Media for more than a decade serving in a number of roles including editor, senior journalist and national sheep & wool writer. She runs a fine Merino wool property with her young family in North-East Victoria.
Annabelle Cleeland is a Stock & Land journalist. She has worked at Australian Community Media for more than a decade serving in a number of roles including editor, senior journalist and national sheep & wool writer. She runs a fine Merino wool property with her young family in North-East Victoria.
