Burrawang White Dorper ram sale tops $25,000 near Ootha with full clearance
Summary
A proven White Dorper sire already at work in the Burrawang stud's embryo and natural joining programs drew the top bid at the stud's spring on-farm ram sale near Ootha on Thursday, October 8. The 28th on-farm sale, held at Burrawang West Station, cleared all 151 rams offered to a $25,000 top for an average of $4526.
All 70 White Dorpers sold to $25,000, averaging $4807, while all 81 Dorpers sold to $10,000, averaging $4284. The overall average was up almost $700 on the October 2025 sale, when 147 of 148 rams sold to $12,000 and averaged $3833.
The top-priced ram, Burrawang Double 241148, went to Gingie Pastoral Company, Walgett, through Elders Coonamble. The two-year-old Type 5 ram, by Burrawang Crinkle and out of Burrawang WD 210817, was bred through embryo transfer and weighed 127 kilograms. Its Australian Sheep Breeding Values rank it in the top 10 per cent of the breed for weaning weight at +10.17 and post-weaning weight at +14.91, and in the top 10 per cent of its drop for post-weaning eye muscle depth.
A second proven sire, the Dorper ram Burrawang Impact 230122, made $10,000 to Dust n Rain, Pooncarie. Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon and Co, Forbes, conducted the sale.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered and sold | 151 (full clearance) |
| Overall average | $4526 |
| Top price | $25,000 |
| White Dorpers sold, top, average | 70 (all) to $25,000 at $4807 |
| Dorpers sold, top, average | 81 (all) to $10,000 at $4284 |
| Rise on the October 2025 average | Almost $700 |
| October 2025 rams sold, average | 147 of 148 at $3833 |
| Largest single draft | 22 rams at $5409 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Burrawang ram sale top at?
The sale topped at $25,000 for Burrawang Double 241148, a White Dorper. The Dorpers topped separately at $10,000. The overall average was $4526.
How many rams sold?
All 151 rams offered sold, giving a full clearance. That comprised 70 White Dorpers and 81 Dorpers.
How did the result compare with last year?
The overall average was up almost $700 on the October 2025 sale, when 147 of 148 rams sold to a $12,000 top and averaged $3833. The 2026 top price more than doubled.
What ASBVs did the top-priced ram record?
The two-year-old Type 5 ram ranks in the top 10 per cent of the breed for weaning weight at +10.17 and post-weaning weight at +14.91. It is also in the top 10 per cent of its drop for post-weaning eye muscle depth. It weighed 127 kilograms and was bred through embryo transfer.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Gingie Pastoral Company, Walgett, secured the ram through Elders Coonamble. That operation moved from Merinos to White Dorpers several years ago and is a regular buyer, having paid $32,000 for the sale-topping White Dorper in March 2025.
What made the other leading prices?
The Dorper ram Burrawang Impact 230122, a proven sire by Burrawang Shotgun, made $10,000 to Dust n Rain, Pooncarie. Burrawang 250166 made $8500, a 19-month-old Type 4 ram weighing 119 kilograms with a 50-millimetre eye muscle depth, ranking in the top 10 per cent of its drop for weaning weight, post-weaning weight and eye muscle depth.
Who were the volume buyers?
An Ivanhoe buyer took 22 rams at a $5409 average, split evenly between Dorpers and White Dorpers. Pomona Hill, Wentworth, bought 14 Dorpers at $3679, Crettenden Partnership 12 White Dorpers at $4542, and Ramps Ridge, Balranald, 10 Dorpers at $5250.
What traits were buyers seeking?
Buyers cited constitution, growth rate, shape, weight, length, feet and overall structure. One Nyngan buyer looked for a clean belly, long body and good feet, noting their sheep must walk long distances in that country.
