Strong Dorper demand from near and far drives Melashdan sale success

Melashdan's 16th on-property Dorper sale at Tumby Bay was hailed a success, with Gary and Janice Fiegert achieving a 95 per cent clearance and an impressive average of $2336.

A total of 102 rams were offered, with 97 selling to a strong field of buyers from across South Australia and interstate.

It was another strong sale for the stud that sold all 102 rams offered in 2024, to a top of $6300 and average of $3118.

Stud principal Gary Fiegert said he was thrilled with the result, particularly given the tough seasonal conditions many clients had faced.

"It was a good day - lovely weather, and then we got 20 millimetres the next day," he said.

"We managed to sell most of them, so we were very happy given there wasn't much feed around."

He made note of the strong local support on the day.

There were also plenty of buyers from a wide area, with a number of rams crossing state borders and being delivered as far away as Cobar and Moulamein, NSW.

The top price of $5800 was paid by Jacob Mills, on behalf of the Mills Family, who purchased the standout lot 11, along with four other rams.

Mills' purchase capped a strong showing of consistent rams throughout the draft, reflecting the stud's focus on breeding for 'carcass quality, structure, and fertility. That's the main criteria,' said Mr Fiegert.

Selling agent, Darren Old of BR & C Agents described the sale as being solid, particularly early on.

"It started off really well on the heavier rams, with buyers from South Australia and a few online from New South Wales chasing the higher quality rams," he said.

"Towards the back end, the demand weakened - probably a sign of the times, being late in the sale season and with a poorer season in a lot of places."

Mr Old said there was a notable lift in local support this year.

"We probably had more local buyers than we've had in the past - up to Cowell Bay and across to Jamestown," he said.

"A lot of the other rams went to regular buyers in Balranald, Wentworth and Broken Hill (NSW) and some went to Moulamein in the Riverina.

"The rams might have been a bit lighter than last year due to the season, but the overall quality was up.

"They get better and better every year with more type fives in the whites and more type fours in the blacks."

He commended the Fiegerts on their selection and continued genetic growth.

"They're really critical about their legs and feet, early growth, and like a soft-coated animal," Mr Old said.

"They've spent a lot of money over the last couple of years (on genetics) which is really starting to shine through."

The sale was auctioneered by David Whittenbury of BR&C Agents Broken Hill.