RETURNING clients of long standing, the Paul Baker family, “Scarborough Lodge”, Wellington, paid top price of $1600 for two 18-month-old rams at the annual Gillmore Spring Drop Poll Dorset Ram sale on February 7.
In a 91 per cent auction clearance for Les and Gillian Ryan and family, Yeoval, 64 rams sold at auction from the 70 offered sired by Ashley Park, Abelene Park and Maccelslie Park sires selling in pairs of pens of three to average $1114.
The Baker family has been buying Gillmore rams for several decades while also returning to secure 14 rams while paying up to $1350 were Ted and Fiona Hodges, prime lamb producers at “Avoca”, Baldry, whose draft averaged $1264.
First-time buyer, Jim Hoadley, “Longdale”, Euabalong West, paid up to $1400 for his baker’s dozen averaging $1205 while Simon Goddard, “Yattendon”, Coolah, returned to buy 10 rams to $1200 to average $1000.
Colin and Dianne Hutchins, “Boganville”, Peak Hill, secured four rams for an average $1275 while paying up to $1350 for their draft pair.
Another returning client Peter Anderson, “Glenelg”, Suntop near Wellington, bought three rams at $1350 each while another Wellington prime lamb breeder, Mac Harvey and family, “Apsley”, secured four rams topping at $1350 to average $1100.
Among single ram buyers were the Crockett and Cudden families of Wellington.
The sale was conducted by Elders Stud Stock, Dubbo, with Martin Simmons the auctioneer.