A strong return client base set a solid platform for the Scott family, Valley Vista Poll Dorsets, Coolac, to add $1045 to last year's average price, as buyers scrambled to get the 2020-drop rams for this year joining.
This year was our first year we have predominantly offered spring-drop rams, with an aim to move to younger rams that are at a more relatable age for our commercial producers
- Joe Scott, Valley Vista
The sale topped at $5500 and averaged $2768, up from $1723 last year, to record one of the highest flock ram averages for the breed for the complete clearance of 136 rams..
The top ram, VVP131TR was snapped up for $5500 by Adam Twyford, Cootamundra, and described as a muscly, compact ram with good bone and structure.
It was by Derrynock 33-18, and out of Valley Vista Park 'Eliza' 5-13, a seven-time champion ewe including supreme interbreed exhibit at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show and Canberra Royal Show.
Valley Vista stud principal Andrew Scott said he had tremendous get up and go with a weaning weight of 10.59 and a post weaning weight figure of 15.53.
Athel and Cynthia Brooks, Brookglen Pastoral Company, Cooma, paid $5000 for a Tattykeel 90-14 son, with a moderate birth weight, large eye muscle area of 47.5 square centimetres and positive carcase and weaning weights - a real meat packed, carcase machine.
Mr Brooks said they had bought three rams over the years since 2014 and believed they had really improved his flock across the board.
"We were trying to follow the Tattykeel 90-14 line, as they had done really well for us," he said.
Mr Brooks said the Valley Vista rams really suited the Monaro area well, you can put them across first cross ewes or straight across Merinos as a really versatile multi purpose ram with good stretch and structure.
Last year's top-priced buyer Bill Kingwill, Jeremiah stud, Adjungbilly, paid $5000 for a new stud sire, while Eulonga Pastoral Company, Coolac, also paid $5000 for one of their three rams averaging $4500.
Mr Scott said the sale was very pleasing and the majority of the action from clients with Merino flocks, looking to join Poll Dorsets to their cull and older age ewes.
Joe Scott also commented there was good demand for the first sons of Derrynook33-18, a ram they bought in 2019 for $19,000.
"This year was our first year we have predominantly offered spring-drop rams, with an aim to move to younger rams that are at a more relatable age for our commercial producers," he said.
Mr Scott said they would back up this sale by holding their first summer sale in early January, where they will offer both rams and a selection of stud ewes for sale.
"The ewes will be joined to Tattykeel 274-20, a ram the we purchased this year for $32,000," he said.
There were a selection of volume buyers on the day, lead by David Clarke, T.A Field Estates Pty Ltd, Jugiong, who loaded 16 rams for a $2525 average, while Jim Honner, Marian Partnership, Rojibo, Jugiong, loaded his 11 at $2145.
DJ Graham Trust, Coolac, bought seven rams at $2657, before HR Goldsworthy and Company, Junee, unleashed buying five rams at the top end to average $4160 and Gunnong Jugruwah, Coolac, $3950 for their five.
GH Harris and Sons, Coolac, secured eight rams for a $2350 average, while the Lenehan family, Hopewood Pastoral Company, Coolac, bought seven at $2114 and Mark Johnson, through Nutrien, Wagga Wagga, bought his seven at $3000 apiece.
Long time buyer Curwin Maclure, "Dunedin", Tarcutta, had been buying at the Scott families sale since its inception and again took home five rams averaging $3120.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien with Tim Woodham, Hamish McGeoch and Harry Waters as auctioneers.
Brett Tindal
National Livestock Manager for ACM Agri. 22 years experience in the Livestock Media industry. Media, Marketing, Photography, Videography and Livestream
National Livestock Manager for ACM Agri. 22 years experience in the Livestock Media industry. Media, Marketing, Photography, Videography and Livestream
