Kismet stud presented three solid drafts of White Suffolk, Poll Dorset and South Down cross White Suffolk rams at their 33rd annual on-property sale at Howlong, topping $2050, for a sale average of $990.
One-hundred and twenty-four rams sold in total, with the White Suffolk’s performing the best on sale day, averaging $1156.
With 71 lots sold, the $2050 top price ram was sold to repeat buyers’, Mark and Simon Lavis, “Somerton”, Balldale, through Elders, Corowa.
The top ram for White Suffolk draft was ranked number four in the breed stockscan.
The 14-month-old ram weighed 106 kilograms with an eye muscle width of 90mm, an eye muscle depth of 42mm and an eye muscle area (EMA) of 29.11 square centimetres.
The Lavis family brought three rams in total, topping $2050, for a $1866 average.
Kismet stud, principal, Graham Wilson, said he was very pleased with the result, saying that selling the high number of lots in one day was an achievement for the stud.
“We had five new clients, including interstate, which is always a positive, but so is the return of repeat buyers who continue to show confidence in our breeding,” Mr Wilson said.
Mr Wilson said the top price ram was attractive to clients because visually he presented good structure and correctness, with smooth shoulders for ease of lambing.
“He had good hind quarter - resulting in a complete ram,” he said.
The draft of South Down cross White Suffolk rams also caught the attention of buyers, with 20 lots sold, topping $1350, for an $835 average.
The top ram was sold to Graham Hicks, WA Hicks Pty Ltd, “Buccleach Villa”, Lowesdale.
The 12-month-old South Down top price ram weighed 99 kilograms and had an eye muscle width of 86mm, eye muscle depth of 40mm, an eye muscle area of 26.49 square cm.
Two rams went home to Lowesdale, for a $1225 average.
Mr Wilson noted the top cross-bred ram for its good square frame and trueness to type.
“We find the South Down crossed with the White Suffolk cleans up the points, produces a bigger ram and overall, provides better management for the producer,” Mr Wilson said.
“They have hybrid vigour and still hold the quick maturing and muscle traits, along with wool density,” he said.
Thirty-three Poll Dorset rams sold for a top of $1300, for a $728 average.
The top ram was sold to G. and S. Seach, “Longwood”, Euroa, Victoria.
It weighed 114kgs, with an 84mm eye muscle width, a 41mm eye muscle depth and an eye muscle area of 26.52 square cm.
Heading home to Victoria were ten rams, topping $1300, for a $985 average.
Mr Wilson commended the Poll Dorset top ram for presenting the best structure in the line up.
He said the Kismet sheep are grass fed only, and still hitting the same weights as grain fed producers.
“Our sheep seem to only go forward for clients when they adapt to new conditions and not go backwards when they are put out onto the paddock.
“We have good practical sheep and breeding quality sheep is a slow process but it’s on a continual upswing now.”
Volume buyer on the day was Damian O’Keefe, Valeclare Farm, Boorhaman, Victoria, who took home 14 rams, topping $1300, for a $1007 average.
Mr O’Keefe is a repeat buyer of seven years, who brought a combination of White Suffolk and Poll Dorset rams to fit his firs-cross ewe operation which produces lambs for the prime lamb market.
Mr O’Keefe said he has increased his ewe numbers and needed both new and replacement rams to meet his requirements.
“I keep returning because they are working for us and there is no point changing something that is working well,” he said.
“I look for rams which are not to wide in the shoulders for ease of lambing which we focus on – the Kismet sheep are have depth and length, along with confirmation which all help to produce our prime lambs.”
Mamore Nathalia, Nathalia, Victoria, also filled their trailer with nine rams, topping $1400, for a $1072 average.
