New and return support at Palana Poll Dorsets as buyers chase EMA and IMF

An interstate buyer was the one to beat at the 24th annual Palana Poll Dorset ram and ewe sale, held at the Guyra showground on February 25.

The stud sold 44 of 50 rams to a top of $2600 three times, averaging $1700, and 17 of 20 stud ewes to a top of $800, averaging $623.

Leith McColl, Goondiwindi, Qld, secured two of the equal top-priced rams, Palana 41 and Palana 81. Mrs McColl was also the volume buyer of the day, buying a total of eight rams averaging $1800.

Palana 41, by Palana 85-20, was born a twin, weighed 111.5 kilograms and scanned an eye muscle area of 42.43 square centimetres and five millimetres fat.

Palana 81, 104kg, by Palana 54-22, was also born a twin and scanned an EMA of 39.48sq cm and 4mm fat.

Mrs McColl said she had bought Palana rams for five years.

"I'm really happy with the rams - my results in the lambs have been exceptional," she said.

"We're able to turn the lambs over much quicker, and you can really see the progeny coming through in the ewes' results.

"I haven't had any problems with lambing at all - it's been easy."

Vendor Keith Loosemore said it was a good result given the tough season.

"It was encouraging to see buyers taking note of the EMA and IMF figures we provide," he said.

"The majority of purchasers were long-term repeat clients, and it was great to welcome a couple of new buyers as well.

"The rams weren't quite as heavy as they usually are, but I'm very confident their progeny will perform exceptionally well."

Agent Craig Waters, Elders Guyra said the rams presented really well, especially given the seasonal conditions.

The sale was conducted by Elders Guyra with auctioneers Scott Cooper and Myles Williams, Elders.