Calga Dohne Production ram sale posts a full 88-head clearance and higher average at its first on-property sale as buyers chase carcase and wool traits
Summary
Strong support from local and repeat buyers underpinned the 22nd annual Calga Dohne Production ram sale, held for the first time on-property at Calga Station on September 9. The stud sold all 88 rams under the hammer for a full clearance, an average of $3139 and a top price of $6000, with the average running nearly $500 higher than the previous year. The top-priced ram, lot 48, made $6000 to a buyer operating through Elders Bathurst for a Cudall-based property. The twin-born, April 2025-drop ram combined a strong phenotype with balanced figures, recording a post-weaning weight of +13.54 in the top 5 per cent of the breed, a post-weaning eye muscle depth of +1.46 in the top 10 per cent, and a Dohne Plus index of 231.39, also in the top 5 per cent. The second top-priced ram sold for $5000 and will join a Dohne stud at Streaky Bay in South Australia, offering a post-weaning weight of +10.30, yearling clean fleece weight of +19.77 and yearling fibre diameter of -1.53, ranking in the top 5 per cent for each trait. The day's volume buyer, from Warrumbungle, secured 15 rams at an average of $3116, paying to $4750. Buyers also travelled from central and southern Queensland, northern Victoria and South Australia. The milestone on-property sale, held after 21 years at the Coonamble Showgrounds, reflected continued value placed on the Dohne's dual-purpose carcase, growth and wool attributes.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams sold | 88 of 88 (full clearance) |
| Average price | $3139 |
| Top price | $6000 |
| Average vs last year | nearly $500 higher |
| Top ram PWT | +13.54 (top 5%) |
| Top ram Dohne Plus index | 231.39 (top 5%) |
| Second top price | $5000 (Dohne Plus 211.34) |
| Sale milestone | 22nd annual; first on-property after 21 years |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did the Calga Dohne sale sell out?
Yes, all 88 rams sold under the hammer for a full clearance. The sale averaged $3139 and reached a top of $6000.
How did the average compare with last year?
The average of $3139 was nearly $500 higher than the previous year. The vendor was pleased to see long-term clients still operating at those prices.
What made the top-priced ram stand out?
The twin-born, April 2025-drop ram combined a strong phenotype with balanced figures. He recorded a post-weaning weight of +13.54 (top 5 per cent), a post-weaning eye muscle depth of +1.46 (top 10 per cent) and a Dohne Plus index of 231.39 (top 5 per cent).
What were the second top-priced ram's figures?
The second top ram sold for $5000 and will join a Dohne stud at Streaky Bay in South Australia. It recorded a post-weaning weight of +10.30, a yearling clean fleece weight of +19.77 and a yearling fibre diameter of -1.53, each in the top 5 per cent.
Who were the main volume buyers?
The day's volume buyer, from Warrumbungle, secured 15 rams at an average of $3116, paying to $4750. Other buyers took 13, 11, seven and six rams across various operations.
Why was this sale a milestone?
It was the 22nd annual sale and the first held on-property at Calga Station, after 21 years at the Coonamble Showgrounds. The move aimed to give clients a more personal experience.
What traits do Dohne buyers value?
Buyers continued to value the Dohne's dual-purpose attributes, particularly carcase and growth. There was also a strong focus on quality, finer-micron wool with good fleece weight.
