SALE SUMMARY
Border Leicesters 2016 2015
Offered 97 105
Sold 97 65
Top $2400 $3000
Av $1558 $1040
Poll Dorsets
Offered 94 100
Sold 86 65
Top $2000 $2000
Av $1091 $1008
BUYERS raised their hands high at Morton stud’s 39th annual sale in a vote of confidence in the prime lamb industry and new stud principals Emily and Scott Davidson.
The couple’s decision to take on the respected Border Leicester and Poll Dorset studs from Emily’s father John Corbin early this year paid dividends, with 183 rams averaging $1338 on Thursday last week at Lucindale.
Both breed averages were up on the 2015 sale, but the noticeable lift was selling an extra 50 rams.
The Border Leicesters followed the buoyant seasonal trend as expectation grows the best first-cross ewes may crack a magical $300.
In a total clearance, the Borders achieved a cracking $1558 average – up $500 on 2015. The 43 registered bidders from the South East and Murraylands were more selective on the Poll Dorsets, with 86 of 94 selling for a $1091 average.
The sale’s $2400 top price was paid for Lot 3 – one of five Border Leicester stud rams offered.
The good framed, well-balanced son of Jackson 287-12 sold to young stud breeder Tom Munro, Taronga Park, Hynam.
Many noted first-cross ewe breeders were among the buyers, including Greg Fisher, Clover Ridge, Marcollat, who bought six rams including the $2200 second highest price ram at Lot 2.
It was by the same Jackson ram and had the highest maternal $ index in the catalogue at 123.8.
The Lambert family, Bimbimbie, Penola, bid strongly in the top end of the catalogue, with 15 rams to $2100 twice, averaging $1693.
Elders Millicent’s David Little was another major Border Leicester buyer with three volume orders.
Famazos bought 11 rams averaging $1619, JL Sutherland bought nine rams averaging $1744, and Kirkland Pastoral Co bought five rams averaging $1580.
AJ&PA McBride featured strongly in the Poll Dorset offering, buying both the top price ram and finishing as the sale’s volume buyer.
Their Konetta property, Greenways, paid the $2000 top price with livestock consultant Leigh Allan doing the bidding. The May 2015-drop ram, sired by Valma 22-12, had great length and carcase appeal.
Brooklyn Station, Lucindale, bought 26 rams across the sale, from $700 to $1000.
Another large order came from LS Johnson & Son, Naracoorte, with 10 rams averaging $1310, including two stud prospects at $1600 and $1700.
S&R DiGiorgio & Sons, Lucindale, bought seven rams to $1900.
Mr Davidson said their first sale was above expectations and was a reflection of the sustained strength in the sheep industry.
“It was fantastic to see repeat clients as well as new ones,” he said.
“It gives Emily and I confidence as we look to move the studs forward and raise our profile.”
Pinkerton Palm Hamlyn & Steen joined Elders as selling agents for the first time, bringing a number of new clients. Josh Manser and Ronnie Dix shared the auctioneering duties.
“There were plenty of buyers on the Border Leicesters, but we were just lacking buying depth in the Dorsets,” Elders auctioneer Ronnie Dix said.
“The buyers of the Dorsets got good value for money.”
Morton stud also had on display its three rams reserved for the Horsham Border Leicester Show & Sale on November 7.