A decade of genetic progress was displayed at Melashdan Dorper and White Dorper stud near Tumby Bay and although sales were down on the previous year, the quality of stock continues to grow.
The stud held its 10th on-property sale on Tuesday, selling 49 of the 71 rams offered at an average of $910, down from $1070 the year before, with another five sold after the sale at $600 each.
Fifty-five white Dorpers and 16 Dorpers were offered with the top price ram going for $1700.
Bill Herde, Rudall, bought the top price ram - a 86-kilogram White Dorper ram by Etiwanda 160470, from Etiwanda White Dorpers, Cobar, NSW.
The sale-topper had Lambplan figures of 7 for weaning weight, 11.1 for post-weaning weight and 1.9 for PW eye muscle depth.
Mr Herde said this was his third Melashdan ram sale.
"I think they are well bred, quality Dorpers suited to Eyre Peninsula cereal production country," he said.
Top volume buyer was GJ Baker and Co of Kondoolka Station in the Gawler Ranges, finishing with 10 rams at an average of $880.
Stud principals Gary Fiegert and Janice Fiegert said they knew it would be a tough sale as many of their customers were "feeling the pinch" due to the dry conditions but were proud of this group of rams which involved artificial insemination from sires at Burrawang Stud in New South Wales.
The sale was conducted by Landmark Tumby Bay with Landmark's Leo Redden as auctioneer.
This story first appeared at The Port Lincoln Times.
