In a result described by Springwaters co-principal Dane Rowley as "beyond their expectations", Springwaters Poll Dorset stud, Boorowa, posted their best on-property sale result to date, selling all 162 rams offered to a $1820 average and top of $4000 on Friday.
The end average figure was a true indication of the consistent sale, with a top of $4000 paid for a stud ram and $2300 shelled out for the top-price flock ram.
When things looked like they couldn’t get any better for the Rowley family, with over 90 rams already sold, the younger 2015 spring-drop draft of rams hit the ring and bolstered the sale home with the first 12 all sold for $2000 or more.
In summary, 10 stud rams sold to a top of $4000 and $2700 average, 81 autumn-drop rams averaged $1754 and 71 spring-drop rams averaged $1766.
The top-price stud ram was sold to return client Peter Sturgiss, “Kooradale,” Koorawatha.
The August 2015-drop 125 kilogram ram, sired by Springwaters 19-12, the 2013 reserve senior champion ram at Sydney Royal, had an eye muscle depth (EMA) of 33.65 square centimetres and a fat depth of eight millimetres.
Mr Sturgiss, who also purchased a second stud ram for $3500, said he selected both rams for their true Dorset type with impressive carcases.
Buying from the Rowleys for seven years, at “Kooradale” the family runs 280 top-grade Poll Dorset ewes as well a commercial flock of 2000 first cross ewes.
“The Springwaters rams have been doing their job,” Mr Sturgiss said.
“They are consistent and have longevity.”
He said their prime lambs topped the Cowra market at the end of August at 18 to 19 weeks old, at a dressed weight of 25 kilograms, returning $162.
J.J. Delany and Son, Cowra, picked up the top-price flock ram for $2300 also taking home another for $2000.
The top-price flock ram came from the spring-drop run. Sired by Palana 116-12 and weighing 105.5kg, he had an EMA of 31.85 cmsq and fat depth of six millimetres.
Volume buyer was long-term client John Phillips, “Springwood”, Jerangle, who managed to secure 23 rams to an average of $1809.
The Phillips family have been purchasing rams from the Rowley family for 20 years. Mr Phillips said the rams will be going over their 1900 first cross ewes.
Also hauling home a strong draft of rams was Glencoe Wool Company, Taylors Flat, who purchased 15 rams to average $1667; D and J.L. Gorman, Forbes managed to secure 10 rams for $1470, and Ed Abbey, “Abbeyvale” Wheeo, also took away 10 rams to top at $2000 five times and average $1910.
The Rowley family offered and sold 14 more rams than the previous year with an average lift of $228.
“We had a lot more spring rams in our sale this year, just because they were an outstanding drop of rams,” Dane Rowley said.
“They were really even, showing the the true Dorset traits of early maturity, so they stacked up against the older rams. Right from the get-go they have been a really good drop of rams.
“Our sheep are early naturing and they look better at a younger age.”
Dennis Rowley said they have changed the direction of their type slightly and it is working for them.
“Word is spreading and a few bigger outfits are buying these earlier maturing sheep,” he said. “At 14 and 15 weeks they are weighing another two or three kilos more than other lambs.”
The sale was conducted by Delta Agribusiness, Young with agent Aaron Mackay and Elders Young agent Aaron Seaman taking the bids.