The seventh annual Highveld stud International Australian White ram and ewe sale attracted a crowd of new and repeat buyers to their Mendooran based operation last Tuesday.
Seventy-two of the 74 rams offered sold to a top of $5500 and averaged $1907 while13 stud ewes sold to a $1500 high and average of $1062.
Stud principal, Alan Baron, noticed a welcome trend of new faces to the sale all of which were current Australian White breeders who complimented the shedding ability and bone in the Highveld rams.
“We had some clients unable to attend due to the weather, but we have seen a great mix of clients here today,” Mr Baron said.
Long-time client and loyal advocate for the Highveld stud International breeding program, David Barlow, Bathurst, took home four rams including the $5500 top.
Originally a superfine wool grower selling to the Italian market, Mr Barlow always had a vision to breed and develop a drought resistant, shedding sheep efficient in converting native grass into meat that could be used as an alternative to cattle. Seven years since purchasing his first ram from Highveld, he believes the Australian White is that valuable commodity he dreamt of back in the mid 70’s.
A 12-month-old, 100 kilogram ram that scanned five millimetres fat and an eye muscle depth of 38 also possessed the Myomax Gene, identified by Zoetis as an extra muscle and growth rate gene.
Mr Barlow complimented the $5500 ram on his meat distribution, overall length and eye muscle depth and will add the “power pack” to his commercial Australian White operation that joins around 1000 ewes annually.
Volume buyer, Bill Charnley, “Kindamindi” Gulargambone, purchased 16 rams to average $1638.
The Charnley family have been supporting Highveld for nearly 12 years and followed the stud’s move from White Dorpers to the Australian White breed in 2013.
“We conduct a double joining of 2000 ewes annually and have found by using the Highveld Australian White rams, the dressing percentage has increased,” Mr Charnley said.
Interstate buyers were strong with five rams heading to new clients in Queensland and Scott Thrift, Elders Dubbo, purchased 11 rams for two South Australian clients.
The sale was conducted by Landmark Dubbo with John Settree controlling the bids.
