Stronger pastoral demand lifts Babirra Dohne ram sale at Stansbury to a $3200 top and $1335 average
Summary
Stronger demand, particularly from pastoral buyers, lifted results at the Babirra Dohne and Poll Merino ram sale at Stansbury. The vendors sold 29 of 30 Dohne rams to a top of $3200 and an average of $1335, improving on the previous year, when 25 of 30 Dohnes cleared to a $1248 average. The top-priced ram, offered as Lot 11, was secured by long-time client Blackville Trading Trust of Caltowie for $3200. A triplet sired by Babirra sire 3082, the ram carried a Dohne Index of 174.6, placing him in the breed's top 10 per cent, and a yearling weaning weight breeding value of 9.7, ranking in the top 5 per cent. His fleece measured 17.1 micron with a 3.3 standard deviation, 19.1 coefficient of variation and 99.9 per cent comfort factor, and he recorded Australian Sheep Breeding Values of 0.9 for eye muscle depth and 0.2 for fat, with an actual eye muscle depth of 44mm. The same buyer also took Lot 20 for $2000. Volume support came from a Broken Hill operation that purchased 15 rams to average $1053, while Ulooloo Dohnes of Hallett bought two averaging $1350 and AE Clarke and Sons of Cradock took four during the auction to average $1700, plus two stock rams afterwards. Seven Poll Merino rams were also sold through a helmsman auction, topping at $1400. The sale was conducted by Elders in conjunction with Nutrien.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Dohne rams sold | 29 of 30 |
| Top price | $3200 |
| Sale average | $1335 |
| 2025 average | $1248 |
| 2025 rams sold | 25 of 30 |
| Top ram Dohne Index | 174.6 (top 10%) |
| Top ram fleece | 17.1 micron |
| Poll Merino top price | $1400 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the Babirra Dohne sale perform?
The vendors sold 29 of 30 Dohne rams to a top of $3200 and an average of $1335. This was a stronger clearance and average than the previous year.
What were last year's figures?
In the prior year, 25 of 30 Dohnes sold to an average of $1248. The 2026 result improved on both clearance and average.
What made the top ram stand out?
Lot 11, a triplet, carried a Dohne Index of 174.6, placing him in the breed's top 10 per cent, and a yearling weaning weight breeding value of 9.7 in the top 5 per cent. His fleece measured 17.1 micron with a 99.9 per cent comfort factor.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
A long-time client from Caltowie secured Lot 11 for $3200. The same buyer also purchased Lot 20 for $2000 and intends to use the top ram over Merino-Dohne ewes.
Which buyer took the most rams?
A Broken Hill operation again provided strong support, purchasing 15 rams to average $1053. Other multiple-ram buyers came from Hallett and Cradock.
What carcase figures did the top ram record?
The ram recorded Australian Sheep Breeding Values of 0.9 for eye muscle depth and 0.2 for fat, with an actual eye muscle depth of 44mm. It was regarded as well-balanced with good structure and carcase.
Were Poll Merino rams also offered?
Yes, seven Poll Merino rams sold through a helmsman auction. They topped at $1400.
Who conducted the sale?
The sale was conducted by Elders in conjunction with Nutrien. Demand was particularly strong from pastoral buyers.
