Netley Park stud posts a record $2191 Poll Dorset average and stronger Border Leicester result at Mundulla
Summary
Loyal long-time clients from the South East and western Victoria dominated bidding at Netley Park stud's 31st annual ram sale at Mundulla, lifting the Poll Dorsets to a record average. A much smaller Poll Dorset offering than the previous year, coupled with a much-improved season, prompted buyers to lift their bids and secure the rams available. The result was a total clearance of 34 Poll Dorset lots for a record $2191 average, up nearly $1000 on the previous year and well above the stud's previous best of about $1600. The Border Leicester average rose $400, reflecting first-cross ewe breeders' confidence in ewe prices at upcoming sales, with 49 of the 62 maternal sires offered selling for a $1620 average. The $3200 top price came early, securing Lot 2 of the Poll Dorsets, at 132 kilograms the heaviest ram in the sale, carrying a 48 millimetre eye muscle depth and 7 millimetre fat depth. Also from the first pen, a 119-kilogram ram with a 44 millimetre eye muscle depth sold for $3000, while the top Border Leicester made $2400. Volume Poll Dorset buyers included operations taking seven and five rams at averages near $1971 and $2020, while Border Leicester support was led by two buyers each securing 15 rams. The stud principal credited a good early break and outstanding season for the weights and muscling, and said numbers could return to about 60 rams next year if demand warranted.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
|
Poll Dorset lots cleared |
34 (total clearance) |
|
Poll Dorset record average |
$2191 (up ~$1000 YoY) |
| Top price (Poll Dorset) |
$3200 (Lot 2) |
|
Border Leicester maternal sires sold |
49 of 62, avg $1620 |
| Border Leicester average change | Up $400 |
|
Top Border Leicester price |
$2400 |
|
Heaviest ram weight |
132 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Netley Park sale?
The top price was $3200 for Lot 2 of the Poll Dorsets. At 132 kilograms it was the heaviest ram in the sale.
What was the Poll Dorset average?
The Poll Dorsets recorded a record $2191 average with a total clearance of 34 lots. This was up nearly $1000 on the previous year.
How did the Border Leicesters sell?
The Border Leicester average rose $400, with 49 of the 62 maternal sires selling for a $1620 average. The top Border Leicester made $2400.
Why did the Poll Dorset average rise so sharply?
A much smaller offering than the previous year and a much-improved season prompted buyers to lift their bids. The record average also topped the stud's previous best of about $1600.
What were the details of the top-priced ram?
The $3200 top ram weighed 132 kilograms and carried a 48 millimetre eye muscle depth and a 7 millimetre fat depth. It was the heaviest ram offered.
How many lots sold in total?
The Poll Dorset section achieved a total clearance of 34 lots. Among the Border Leicesters, 49 of 62 maternal sires sold.
Could Poll Dorset numbers increase next year?
The stud indicated numbers could return to about 60 rams next year if demand warranted. A few factors had reduced the Poll Dorset offering this year.
