Wrattenbullie Poll Dorset sale averages $2114 at Naracoorte with a $5000 top
Summary
Despite offering a few more rams this year, the Wrattenbullie stud still posted a modest rise in average and one of the best averages among the South Australian Poll Dorset studs this selling season. After a couple of very strong sales, the stud lifted its offering at the Naracoorte Showgrounds to 138 flock rams to ensure there were rams for all budgets.
That had the desired result, with plenty of lots in the final 50 making $1200 to $1600 while buyers still paid $2200 to $2800 for the top picks among the flock rams. All up, 147 stud and flock rams averaged $2114, against last year's 134 rams at a $1908 average and an $11,000 top. Broken down, the 138 flock rams averaged a credible $2040, while nine stud rams averaged $3244 and sold into three states.
The stud ram sale high was $5000, paid for lot 3, Wrattenbullie 250458, by Konongwootong stud, Coleraine, Victoria. The buyer had judged the Poll Dorsets at the Royal Adelaide Show last month and placed the ram as his reserve senior champion. The ram was also reserve intermediate champion at the Australasian Dorset Championships in Bendigo. The June 2025-drop son of Morton 230091 goes into a stud of about 500 ewes.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Stud and flock rams sold, average | 147 at $2114 |
| Flock rams sold, average | 138 at $2040 |
| Stud rams sold, average | 9 at $3244 |
| Stud ram sale high | $5000 |
| Second top price | $4200 |
| 2025 result | 134 rams at $1908, $11,000 top |
| Registered bidders | 40 |
| Largest draft, average | 12 rams at $2017 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Wrattenbullie Poll Dorset sale top at?
The stud ram sale high was $5000 for lot 3. All up, 147 stud and flock rams averaged $2114. That was one of the best averages among the South Australian Poll Dorset studs this selling season.
How did the result compare with 2025?
The average rose modestly from $1908 to $2114 on a larger offering. Last year 134 rams sold and topped at $11,000, so this year's top was well back. The stud deliberately lifted numbers to 138 flock rams to cater to all budgets.
What did the flock rams and stud rams make separately?
The 138 flock rams averaged $2040, with plenty of lots in the final 50 making $1200 to $1600 and the top picks reaching $2200 to $2800. The nine stud rams averaged $3244 and sold into three states. The auctioneer described the stud rams as very good buying.
Who bought the top-priced ram?
Konongwootong stud, Coleraine, Victoria, paid $5000 for lot 3, Wrattenbullie 250458. The buyer had judged the Poll Dorsets at the Royal Adelaide Show last month and placed that ram as his reserve senior champion. It was also reserve intermediate champion at the Australasian Dorset Championships in Bendigo.
Why did that ram appeal?
The buyers cited a good honest balance of figures, plenty of meat, a good physical scan in Adelaide and correctness on his feet and legs. The ram was one of a few they had picked out of the stud catalogue, and the final choice reflected the preference of the family member now running the stud. The June 2025-drop son of Morton 230091 will join a stud of about 500 ewes.
What made the second top price?
Another son of Morton 230091, lot 2, made $4200 to Vanita stud, Kingston. It was one half of Wrattenbullie's second-placed pair of rams from Adelaide. The same Victorian buyer also took lots 1 and 6 at $3000 and $3200 for Shirlee Downs, Western Australia.
Who were the volume buyers?
Fry Family Farms, Frances, bought 12 rams at a $2017 average, and Morundah, Bool Lagoon, secured 10 at a $2160 average. PPHS put together 11 rams at a $1773 average for Bronzehaven. There were 40 registered bidders, many of them long-time clients turning off heavy lambs at a young age with plenty of carcase.
Why is demand for Poll Dorset sires strong?
The stud principal reported strong demand, saying producers are starting to put Dorsets over composites and finish more lambs. He argued you are never going to finish a lamb better than with the Dorset cross in them. He was also pleased no one missed out on rams this year, having set the offering to meet a range of price points.
