AFTER a stellar run in the show ring the Frost family of Hillden Poll Dorset stud, “Hillden”, Bannister, topped the year off by presenting an even line-up of rams at their 32nd on-property ram sale on Friday.
Of the 16 stud sires offered 14 sold to a top of $6500 averaging $2696 and of the 134 flock rams, 94 sold to $2400, averaging $1270, clearing 74 per cent for an overall average of $1445.
Although the clearance rate was down compared to their 2017 sale, due to seasonal ramifications having an impact on demand, the draft of rams was described by stud principal Brian Frost as one of the better runs of rams they had presented.
“We knew it was going to be more challenging to clear the rams this year, but we like to provide the same number of rams to our clients that they are used to,” Mr Frost said.
“They were probably the most even line of rams we have presented especially considering the trying period they have been through.”
The top price was paid for a136 kilogram, 2018 senior champion ram at Melbourne Royal snapped up by Alex and Stephanie Wilson of Crown Hill stud, Bigga.
The son of Hillden 295-14, a reserve senior champion ram at the Australasian Dorset Championships, Bendigo, had raw data figures of 48.28 square millimetres eye muscle area (EMA) and 110mm width.
Mr Wilson said the ram had a great hind quarter and structural correctness.
“He had great scans, good length of body and a very true to type outlook,” Mr Wilson said.
“We had our eye on him before the auction because of his performance at Melbourne, obviously to be named the senior champion down there we thought he would be a pretty handy sheep against the southern studs.”
Mr Wilson said the ram will be mated to a specially selected group of Crown Hill stud ewes.
Purchaser of the top-price flock ram for $2400 was return client Virginia McCallum, “Hillcrest”, Bannister, who purchased a second ram for $1600.
The 106kg son of T90-14, a champion lamb ram at Australasian Dorset Championships, had an eye muscle area of 36.55 square millimetres.
The volume buyer was long-term clients James and Natasha McCormack of “Red Hill”, Binda, who took away 11 rams to top at $2000 five times and average $1555.
Also putting together a good draft of rams were loyal clients W.E Curry and Co., Grabben Gullen who purchased eight to average $1250 and Frank and Marryanne Hannan, “Maryfield”, Breadalbane, secured seven to average $1057.
A family of three brothers, James, Robert and Brian Fraser, buying for for three seperate enterprises in the Binda district, made up a strong volume contingent of 16 head to average $1000.
The sale was conducted by Landmark, Goulburn and Duncombe and Co., Crookwell, with Rick Power and Jock Duncombe sharing the rostrum duties respectively.
