Melashdan Dorper sale clears 115 rams at Tumby Bay for a record $3803 average
Summary
The Melashdan Dorper and White Dorper stud celebrated a full clearance and record sale averages across both breeds at its 17th annual on-property ram sale at Tumby Bay on Monday, October 12. All 115 rams sold under the hammer and through AuctionsPlus for a 100 per cent clearance and an overall average of $3803, with strong, consistent bidding throughout.
The 40 Dorpers sold to a top of $6600 and averaged $5040, up more than $3000 on last year's average, while the 75 White Dorpers reached $6400 and averaged $3144, an increase of $515. The draft included seven Type 5 and 34 Type 4 rams, classed and typed by the stud's classer, who has worked with the flock since 2017.
The stud principals were thrilled with the result, particularly given they had increased the number of rams offered. They said it was the most they had ever offered and the highest averages they had achieved across both drafts, crediting an excellent season and good paddock feed for what they rated the best paddock-raised rams they had presented.
A mix of returning and new buyers from South Australian pastoral and farming country, as well as interstate, contributed to the result.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Rams offered, sold | 115 offered, 115 sold |
| Clearance rate | 100 per cent |
|
Overall average |
$3803 |
|
Dorpers sold, top, average |
40 to $6600 at $5040 |
| White Dorpers sold, top, average | 75 to $6400 at $3144 |
| Dorper average lift |
Up more than $3000 |
| White Dorper average lift | Up $515 |
|
Volume buyer draft |
14 rams |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Melashdan Dorper sale top at?
The Dorpers topped at $6600 and the White Dorpers at $6400. All 115 rams sold for a 100 per cent clearance at an overall average of $3803. Both breed averages were stud records.
What did each breed average?
The 40 Dorpers averaged $5040, up more than $3000 on last year. The 75 White Dorpers averaged $3144, an increase of $515. The draft included seven Type 5 and 34 Type 4 rams.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Return clients Ridgeview Dorper and White Dorpers, Orroroo, paid $6600 for lot 25, M250277. Sired by Deepdale 230368, the 120 kilogram Type 4 Dorper was the heaviest ram in the catalogue, with breeding values of +12.38 for post-weaning weight and +3.09 for maternal weaning weight.
What was that buyer looking for?
The buyers said the ram stood out for structure, growth rate and the ability to carry his size well, describing him as really well balanced for his size. Running both stud and commercial flocks on pastoral country, they prioritise conformation, mobility and longevity, needing rams that can walk over large areas. They bought a further seven Type 4 and Type 5 rams across both breeds.
Who bought the top White Dorper?
Yadlamalka Pastoral, Port Augusta, bought lot 12, M250616, at $6400. The stud had initially intended to retain the 108 kilogram sire prospect before deciding to offer him. Sired by Burrawang Crackerjack T5 200968, a ram used extensively in the stud, he recorded a maternal carcase production index of +147.13.
Who were the volume buyers?
AC Pastoral, Broughams Gate, New South Wales, took 14 rams. McClure Forward Farming, Wilcannia, and Little Para, Wentworth, purchased nine rams each, and Alladawe, Tyrrell Downs, Victoria, bought eight.
How widely did the rams sell?
Rams headed to Port Lincoln, Cowell, Port Augusta and Orroroo in South Australia. Others went to Wilcannia, Wentworth, Packsaddle, Broken Hill, Balranald and Hay in New South Wales, and to near Sea Lake in Victoria.
Why were buyers reinvesting this year?
One leading buyer said that after almost a decade of tough seasons, the good year had given them the opportunity to reinvest in top genetics. The stud principals credited the season and good paddock feed for the condition of the draft. The sale was conducted by BR&C Agents, Mildura.
