Lansdale Southdowns backed by new and return ram buyers

THE KNIGHT family of Lansdale Pure Southdowns welcomed new and return buyers to their second annual sale.

Two new clients secured the top-priced $3000 rams on Thursday, the first being the Dehnert family, Fernhill Southdowns, Ballan, who Lansdale purchased ewes from during the establishment of their stud.

The Dehnert family also purchased three ewes.

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"The ewes were very classy ewes that had correctness and shape, two of them actually went back to ewes that Rod and James had bought from us," Fernhill stud principal Graeme Dehnert said.

"The ram may not have been the biggest ram offered, but he ticked all of the boxes for us for the style we like."

The other top-priced ram was purchased by LGW Unit Trust, Burrumbeet, who secured six rams in total.

"We were looking for good body shape overall, sound structure and good feet," Kerrie Marney, LGW Unit Trust, said.

"We originally came to buy three but we liked the evenness of type put forward, which led us to buy six and we think they are a very even six rams.

"The rams go over our first-cross ewes that we buy in, and we use them over our entire flock, not just maidens like other farmers in our area do."

A volume buyer on the day was new client Narmbool Farm, Elaine, who purchased 11 rams to average $1927.

"They were sensational Southdowns, and good rams sell themselves," Narmbool Farm manager Peter Rooney said.

"The rams we purchased today had squareness and good structure, which is what we were looking for.

"The draft that has been put forward by James and Rod is exceptional, it's a true testament to their breeding program."

Lansdale Pure Southdowns stud principal James Knight was extremely happy with the result of the sale, particularly given they offered 20 more rams than was offered in 2021.

"Our top and average was increased on last year, and we sold one ram into a stud, which was a bonus," he said.

"We are putting the best-quality rams forward, using the best genetics we can access.

"Considering the cold weather we have had this winter and spring, and the wet weather in the week leading up to the sale, the rams really did speak for themselves.

"Our aim is to get better each year and keep a good line of rams on offer each year for people to constantly have access to."