The annual autumn sale of Poll Dorset rams and ewes on behalf of the Armstrong family, Armdale and Armdale Park, Marrar saw a near total clearance of all sheep offered.
There was a total clearance of the 10 stud rams offered to top of $3500 and average $2015, 49 of the 50 flock rams sold to top $1800 and averaged $1096 while 83 of the 86 ewes offered sold to $1500 at an average $569.
Top price at $3500 was paid by property manager Ian Butt on behalf of repeat buyer, Valerie Maroney, “Tobruk”, Young for a sire which attracted Mr Butt for its excellent EMA, correct structure and overall appearance.
Mr Butt also bought a second ram at $3400 and they will join the sire battery for 1200 first-cross ewes at Young.
“The rams are big and upstanding and previous purchases have proven themselves, breeding great prime lambs,” Mr Butt said.
Volume buyers included the Dennis Family Trust, “Moroubra Park”, Collingullie, who returned to buy eight rams to top $1700 and $1300 average; Gundary Pastoral Co, Wagga Wagga bought 10 rams for an average $1040 and the Milson family, “Cardross”, Goulburn paid to $1800 (twice) for their draft of seven rams.
Notable buyers also included P. G. and B. H. Brain, “Wyoming”, Grong Grong, who took home three rams for average price $1433; W. R. and M. M. Honner, “Maryvale”, Junee who bought two rams for $2400 and $2250 and M. and M. Picker, “Yarraman”, Bigga who paid $1800 for their choice.
Among the ewes offered, Andrew and Donna Scott, “Valley Vista”, Coolac took home four paying to $1500 for their selection of the 2016 drop and averaging $987.50, C. K. and F. J. Roweth, “Nullawonga”, Browns Creek bought six for a $750 average and Ferndale stud, Culcairn selected a draft of six for average price $400.
Dursley Poll Dorsets, Grenfell added to their genetic base with nine ewes to top $600, while W. R. and M. M. Honner, “Maryvale”, Junee selected 13 ewes to $650.
Stud co-principal, Garry Armstrong, was very pleased with the result, especially the strong commitment of breeders to the quality ewes on offer.
“It was a strong market with prices in line with the current market,” Mr Armstrong said. “Buyers were obviously chasing quality ewes joined to quality rams and with many repeat buyers the demand for our rams also reflected their quality.”
The sale was conducted by Elders and Landmark, Wagga Wagga, with Steve Ridley and Peter Cabot taking the bids.
