Proven genetics drive a 93 per cent clearance and twin $4000 top prices at the Rowallan Poll Dorset ram sale
Summary
Proven genetics and consistency drew strong bidding from return buyers at the annual Rowallan Poll Dorset on-property ram sale at Crowther. The stud recorded a 93 per cent clearance, with 154 of 165 rams sold to average $2570 and a top price of $4000 achieved twice. The first ram to reach $4000 was a twin-born sire that carried four Australian sheep breeding values in the top 20 per cent, including an intramuscular fat figure of 0, a dressing percentage of +3.3, an eating quality index of +157 and a Terminal Carcase Production index of +159, with its birthweight, post weaning weight and post weaning eye muscle depth all inside the top 30 per cent. The second $4000 ram, also twin-born, featured six traits in the top 30 per cent, including a birthweight of +0.2, eye muscle depth of +3.2 and a dressing percentage of +3.1. Both top-priced rams shared the same proven sire that combined low birthweight with high growth. The second-highest price of $3800 went to a ram ranked in the top 1 per cent for eye muscle depth, dressing percentage, eating quality and Terminal Carcase Production. Volume buyers were active, with one securing six rams to average $3333 and a top of $3600. Reported buyer intentions showed about 70 per cent of sires would finish lambs to kill specifications, while roughly 30 per cent would produce store and feeder lambs. The result reflected buyer confidence in balanced figures, moderate birthweights and dependable Poll Dorset genetics amid tight ewe supply across the country.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Clearance rate | 93% |
| Rams sold | 154 of 165 |
| Average price | $2570 |
| Top price | $4000 (twice) |
|
Second-highest price |
$3800 |
| Top ram ASBVs in top 20% | 4 |
| Sires used to finish lambs to kill spec | ~70% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What clearance and average did the Rowallan sale achieve?
The stud recorded a 93 per cent clearance, selling 154 of 165 rams. The line averaged $2570 across the sale.
What was the top price?
The top price of $4000 was reached twice, for two twin-born rams. Both were sired by the same ram.
What were the figures on the first $4000 ram?
It carried four Australian sheep breeding values in the top 20 per cent, including intramuscular fat of 0, a dressing percentage of +3.3, an eating quality index of +157 and a Terminal Carcase Production index of +159. Its birthweight, post weaning weight and post weaning eye muscle depth all ranked in the top 30 per cent.
What made the second-highest ram notable?
It sold for $3800 and ranked in the top 1 per cent for eye muscle depth at +5.2, dressing percentage at +4.4, eating quality at +172 and Terminal Carcase Production at +175. It kicked off the sale strongly.
How were the two top-priced rams bred?
Both were sired by the same ram that combined low birthweight with high growth. Both were also twin-born.
What are buyers using the Rowallan sires for?
Reported figures showed about 70 per cent of sires purchased are used by producers finishing lambs to kill specifications. Around 30 per cent of buyers use the sires to produce store and feeder lambs.
Where and when was the sale held?
The annual on-property sale was held at Crowther on Friday, September 4. Return buyers featured strongly through the offering.
