Narranmore Poll Dorset spring sale tops at $4800 with 83 rams sold to a loyal, repeat client base
Summary
The Narranmore Poll Dorset stud's annual spring ram sale, held on-property at Elong Elong on Friday, September 11, drew strong competition from a loyal, mostly repeat client base. The top-priced ram reached $4800, and 83 rams sold from 110 offered to average $1955. A well-known local prime lamb producer, who regularly tops the district lamb market, paid the top money for a heavily-muscled ram weighing 121 kilograms and recording an eye muscle area of 39.09 square centimetres on Stockscan figures. That buyer secured four rams at an average of $3275, planning to join them over first-cross ewes in an operation turning off about 1500 lambs annually. The second top-priced ram made $4700 for another loyal client, a well-muscled sire with an eye muscle area of 43.12 square centimetres and weighing 119 kilograms; that buyer took four rams averaging $4275. Another repeat buyer secured six rams to a top of $3000. Volume buying was solid, with one return client taking 17 rams and a first-time buyer selecting 14. Established more than 35 years ago, the stud focuses on true Dorset type, good conformation, quick growth and early maturity to suit sucker production, with genetics also suited to joining over Merinos. Buyers return each year for the rams' growth rate, length and square frames, and the strong average reflected sustained demand despite recent declines in local ewe numbers.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top ram price | $4800 |
| Rams sold / offered | 83 of 110 |
| Average price | $1955 |
| Top ram weight | 121 kg |
| Top ram eye muscle area | 39.09 sq cm |
| Second-top ram price | $4700 |
| Second ram eye muscle area | 43.12 sq cm |
| Stud established | more than 35 years ago |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Narranmore Poll Dorset sale?
The top-priced ram made $4800. It was a heavily-muscled ram weighing 121 kilograms with an eye muscle area of 39.09 square centimetres.
How many rams sold and what was the average?
A total of 83 rams sold from 110 offered. The sale averaged $1955.
What did the top buyer plan to do with the rams?
The top buyer, a well-known local prime lamb producer, bought four rams averaging $3275. They planned to use them over first-cross ewes in an operation turning off about 1500 lambs annually.
What were the second top-priced ram's figures?
The second top-priced ram sold for $4700, weighed 119 kilograms and had an eye muscle area of 43.12 square centimetres. That buyer purchased four rams averaging $4275.
How long has the stud been operating?
The stud was established more than 35 years ago. Some buyers have been purchasing its genetics since it began.
What does the stud focus on breeding?
It focuses on true Dorset type with good conformation, quick growth and early maturity to suit sucker production. Many buyers also use the rams over Merino ewes.
Why do buyers return to the sale each year?
Buyers value the rams' growth rate, length and square frames. Almost all buyers are repeat clients, many of them local producers who top their district lamb markets.
Have local ewe numbers changed recently?
Yes, ewe numbers in the area have dropped dramatically for various reasons. As a result, the stud has reduced the number of rams it breeds.
