Eating quality genetics drive Gooramma Poll Dorset sale to a $21,000 top and full clearance at Galong
Summary
Eating quality and standout carcase shape drove spirited demand at the Gooramma Poll Dorset annual on-property sale at Galong on Friday, September 18, where a thriving sheepmeat market underpinned strong competition. All 166 rams sold to a $21,000 top and averaged $4219, while the 30 stud rams averaged $6350. The top-priced ram, Gooramma 250056, was secured for $21,000 by a partnership of two studs planning to use him on stud ewes and for artificial insemination. The 150-kilogram ram recorded Australian Sheep Breeding Values of +6.09 for carcase weight and a post-weaning eye muscle depth of +2.39. The second-top ram, Gooramma 250427, made $20,000; the May 2025-drop, 138-kilogram ram sat in the top 1 per cent of the breed for intramuscular fat, the top 5 per cent for shearforce at -3.75, and in the top 10 per cent or higher across all eye muscle depth values. A further standout, Gooramma 250203, sold online for $6000, ranking in the top 5 per cent for carcase and dressed weight at +7.95 and +4.09. Repeat buyers were active, with two rams making $9000 each and further pairs selling at $4000. The vendor said the program had deliberately retained muscle and fat to deliver an excellent eating experience, responding to supply-chain opportunities in the lamb sector. Auctioneers pointed to recent record first-cross ewe prices and firm lamb values as reasons for buyer confidence. The sale was conducted with online bidding provided by AuctionsPlus.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Rams offered and sold |
166 (100% clearance) |
|
Top price |
$21,000 (Gooramma 250056) |
|
Overall average |
$4219 |
|
Stud ram average |
$6350 (30 rams) |
| Second-top price |
$20,000 (Gooramma 250427) |
|
Top ram carcase weight ASBV |
+6.09 |
| Second-top ram IMF ranking |
Top 1% of breed |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Gooramma Poll Dorset sale?
The top-priced ram, Gooramma 250056, sold for $21,000 to a two-stud partnership. It was earmarked for use on stud ewes and for artificial insemination.
What was the average price?
All 166 rams sold to average $4219. The 30 stud rams averaged a higher $6350.
What data did the top ram record?
The 150-kilogram top-priced ram recorded an Australian Sheep Breeding Value of +6.09 for carcase weight and a post-weaning eye muscle depth of +2.39.
What made the second-top ram notable?
The $20,000 second-top ram sat in the top 1 per cent of the breed for intramuscular fat and the top 5 per cent for shearforce. It also ranked in the top 10 per cent or higher across all eye muscle depth values.
Was there a total clearance?
Yes, all 166 rams on offer sold. Buyers ranged from dual-purpose and first-cross operations through to leading Poll Dorset breeders and composite producers.
Why was demand strong?
A thriving sheepmeat market and record first-cross ewe prices underpinned buyer confidence. Firm lamb values were also cited as supportive.
What was the breeding focus described by the stud?
The stud said it had deliberately retained muscle and fat to deliver an excellent eating experience. It pointed to supply-chain opportunities in the lamb sector.
