More rams spelled more demand, success for Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets

Hot competition and a perfect clearance of 180 head was a strategy paid off when it came to the Ridgehaven Poll Dorsets annual ram sale on Thursday, September 10, at Cudal.

Selling 30 more than the same sale last year, every lot found a home, selling to a top of $5000 for a sale average of $2580.

"We always have a strong clearance, but at 100 per cent after putting in an extra 30 rams this year, it tells us demand was clearly there," said stud co-principal, Isabele Roberts.

Lot 22, Ridgehaven 250066, proved the top-priced ram, selling online to Mark Barton, Nutrien Ag Wagga, on account of Yarraman Pastoral Co, Bigga. The same buyer also also bought lot 21 at $3500.

The single-born ram boasted a Terminal Carcase Production (TCP) figure of 148.68, and a lamb eating quality (LEQ) score of 146.23, both high index scores.

"It was the carcase quality we were chasing," Mr Barton said.

"The client will use him in their own program, which grows about 7000 second-cross lambs. That ram was a massive sheep, and he'll put a lot of grunt back into the lambs while we try to keep getting that carcase quality."

Ridgehaven 250066 was an April 2025-drop by Gooramma 220064 , and had been used in the 2026 Ridgehaven young sire team.

At 144 kilograms, he had exceptional raw weight for a 16-month-old ram, with a birth weight (BWT) of 0.59 and a weaning weight (WWT) of 11.02.

Combined with a post-weaning weight (PWT) of 15.99, he had efficient growth markers.

"If he can put some of that quality into 15 or 20 sons from our stud ewes, we'll be pretty pleased," Mr Barton said.

"But the main thing was really that carcase quality, trying to get high-end prime lambs from the flock."

With a total purchase of 13 rams across the catalogue, one of the sale's significant volume buyers was James Hermiston, who runs the first-year Billa Pastoral, Conargo, with his partner Mel Edwards.

Bidding online, Mr Hermiston was active through the early lots but said prices were "too hot", and eventually opened his account at lot 63 for a $3200 top and an average of $2707.

"We were first-time buyers at Ridgehaven," Mr Hermiston said.

"We run about 3000 ewes here in Conargo and do a Merino-cross with a Poll Dorset.

"It was through talking to some experienced producers that had bought from Ridgehaven before with good results that brought us to the catalogue.

"I was very impressed with the genetics, which was our main aim in terms of studs."

Mr Hermiston had someone assess the rams' phenotype ahead of bidding, and he shortlisted about 30.

"I probably would have gone for about eight before I actually got one, but that's really great to see for the stud," he said.

"It's finally being reflected in prices, which I think is only fair with the way the sheep job is."

Agent and auctioneer Luke Whitty, KMWL & Co, Forbes, said a mix of strong repeat business and new faces, but also an appreciation for strong data, led to the clearance and healthy prices.

"The way the industry is going now, whether it's in your prime lamb industry or your beef, it all comes down to data collection, and getting those indexes to suit what you're trying to breed," he said.

Mr Whitty said the sale's buyers spanned Toowoomba, Qld, to Gundagai and as far west as Lake Cargelligo.

Among the notable locals was sale veteran Robert Norrie, South Bandon Farming, Eugowra, who bought seven rams for an average of $3214.

"I've been coming to this sale for more than 25 years, and they are very good at what they do here," he said.

"They are good sheep and they're hardy. They don't ever break down for me."

With 19 ewes offered and sold alongside the sale's 180 rams, the Ridgehaven annual sale grossed $483,200.

Ms Roberts said the results were a reflection of the value lamb producers put on quality ram genetics, the importance of selecting the right genetics for each business, and excitement in the future of the lamb industry.

"Buyers are thinking about the lambs they want to produce and sell, and selecting ram genetics than can achieve those results.

"We work hard in our stud breeding program to ensure high confidence level in all the rams that the shed, and the team is overjoyed with the sale results. Over 40 registered buyers and online bidding, it like our sale was the place to be."

The sale was conducted by KMWL & Co, Forbes, with Luke Whitty the online interface provided by AuctionsPlus.