Repeat buyers show confidence in Ulooloo Dohnes at annual on-property sale

Ulooloo Dohne Merino stud, Hallett, drew strong repeat support at its annual sale, where every registered bidder took home a ram.

The sale sold 35 of 60 offered and averaged $1291 across the catalogue, easing from $1364 last year, with Lot 6 topping proceedings at $3400.

The twin ram, by Ulooloo 200033, was bought by Phil Clarke, Bin Bin Station, Keilira.

On Sheep Genetics, it ranked in the top 10 per cent of the breed with figures of 5.9 for weaning weight, 8.8 yearling weight, 16.7 yearling clean fleece weight and an index score of 175.9.

It also sat in the top 20pc for post-weaning weight and yearling coefficient of variation, a measure of fibre diameter consistency.

The ram carried a 18.3 micron wool with a coefficient of variation of 15.2.

Mr Clarke, who has supported the Hall family for over a decade, said the ram offered the balance he was chasing.

"It had meat and wool - both traits we look for," he said.

"We usually work through the catalogue, but I'd never buy a ram without seeing it first. This one ticked the boxes."

Bin Bin Station secured five rams at an average of $1880.

Mr Clarke said their Merino-Dohne rotation program relied on genetics that combined maternal and growth traits.

"We've used these rams for years and they've always done well for us," he said.

"The sheep have been well prepared again this year, and they've handled the season as well as could be expected."

Ulooloo stud principal Robert Hall said the sale's clearance was back on previous years, which reflected the season.

"Some of our larger clients had already flagged they wouldn't need rams, with ewe numbers and joining programs still up in the air," he said.

"We were expecting that, but we're grateful to the buyers who came along.

"The loyalty of long-term supporters shows the confidence they have in our sheep."

He described the $3400 top ram as "a complete package".

"He was a deep-bodied, well-muscled animal with very good wool and the figures to back it up," he said.

Volume buyers included Tigmas Proprietors, Yunta, with nine rams averaging $1089, and Capago Station, which purchased seven to average $829.

Elders stud stock's Tom Penna said bidding was strongest at the top end.

"The rams that combined data and phenotype attracted the most competition," he said.

"Buyers were selective, but those who needed quality genetics were prepared to pay for them."

Nutrien auctioneer Shannon Jaeschke said the Halls had once again presented a high-quality draft.

"The whole family does an excellent job for the Dohne breed," he said.

"Even in tough seasons, they put up rams with the right type and the supporting data.

"While overall demand was softer, the sale result was still a positive one."

The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien.