Stunning average lift of more than $1000 on White Dorpers at Saltbush

Strong competition resulted in a high average and full clearance at the fifth Saltbush White Dorper ram sale at Port Augusta.

A total clearance was achieved, with all 119 rams sold, to an average of $2460.

This was a remarkable $1079 lift in average on 2024.

The top-priced ram was secured by Billa Kalina Pastoral, north-west of Roxby Downs, for $4200.

This year's sale attracted about 20 registered buyers from WA, NSW and from across SA.

With a strong lineup of sale rams, there was competitive bidding in the ring and online through AuctionsPlus.

Saltbush White Dorper principal Jamie McTaggart was rapt with the result of this year's sale.

Mr McTaggart said he "genuinely believed" the reason for their success and such a high average came down to Lambplan results and data.

"We have some of the best in Australia...we had really good industry leading figures," Mr McTaggart said.

"The quality of sheep and the data is what is driving the success of our sale."

With no plans of changing the sale structure and continuing to run from Port Augusta Racecourse, Mr McTaggart said clients could expect the same quality and number of rams to be presented in years to come.

He said their belief of what made a good Dorper was backed by the data available.

Nutrien auctioneer Gordon Wood said it was a "fantastic and really, really good sale" and was up nearly $1000 on average from last year's sale.

"There were quite a few new buyers there as well as one on the phone with one of our agents from WA who bought about 11 or 12 and needed more," Mr Wood said.

He said there were a number of other new clients online through AuctionsPlus as well who drove the bidding wars among the rams.