'True to type' Janmac Dorset impresses SA stud to sell for $11,250

Over the years the Hausler family have built up a strong clientele on both sides of the SA-Vic border but being six kilometres outside the 40km cross border buffer zone saw many SA buyers and agents unable to attend.

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However holding a pre-sale inspection day at Frances for these SA clients to attend and interfacing the sale with Elite Livestock Auctions enable many of their clients to operate.

In one of the biggest on-property sales in Vic, Janmac sold 221 of the 230 rams for a $1821 average- 22 more rams than 2019.

In the breakdown 182 of 191 Poll Dorsets topped at $11,250 and averaged $1860 and all 39 White Suffolks topped at $2300 and averaged $1638.

This year's result included a new stud record of $11,250 paid by the Kelly family, Zacman Poll Dorset stud, Binnum for lot 20, 190025.

The sale topper was sired by Kurralea 234/16 which Janmac bought in partnership with Ulandi Park for $15,000.

Zacman stud's Samantha Kelly was very happy with their new stud sire.

"We had a limit in mind and went to that, but we thought the ram was well worth it," she said.

"He was a true-to-type Dorset with nice clean points and good structure and good topline and butt. We looked at him at the open day at Frances and he caught our eye."

The ram had tremendous early growth weighing 90 kilograms in November last year.

Three other rams in the sale also exceeded Janmac's previous best price.

Charlie Koch, Tallageira Pastoral Company, Frances, snared lot 3, 190247 for the $8000 second highest price and Cameron Grundy, Naracoorte, bought lot 7, 190305 for $6250.

Ten rams are bound for stud duties including lot 10 to Pembroke stud, Telangatuk East, Vic, for $6000.

The stud's popularity with local producers was evident with three of the largest buyers all from Goroke.

Rich Farming secured 22 rams to $2000; AG&LE Brook with 15 rams to $1600 and Ellis Brothers took home 14 rams to $2100.

Also among the volume buyers were McGinty Family Trust, Apsley, Vic, who bought 13 rams to $2600, and KP Farms, Naracoorte, who secured 14 rams to $2500.

Co-principal Grant Hausler, who runs the stud with his brother Bryce, was thrilled with the result.

"We know we have a good core group of clients but there were a lot of uncertainties with the border restrictions," Mr Hausler said.

"The top price doubled our previous record and we also had sales at $8000, $6250 and $6000, all above our previous top. We're stoked."

There were 41 registered bidders in the crowd and more than 30 on Elite Livestock Auctions.

"There's no doubt that contributed to the success, particularly on the top end, and I'd expect we'll continue with that combination," Mr Hausler said.

Mr Hausler said there was deep quality in the offering which was one of the biggest sales in Vic.

"There were very good buying opportunities at $900-$1000 in the last 30-odd sheep and that was quite deliberate," he said.

"We'd sooner make sure everyone got a chance to buy rather than worry about the highest average."

He paid tribute to return clients.

"It's a team effort and we've got a strong group of clients, some have been with us for 40 years and they know the sheep work, but we also had some new buyers this time," he said.

Rodwells Edenhope's David Hanel said repeat buyers, particularly locals, were a major force in the sale's success. "They have a lot of local support," he said.

"The field day in SA certainly helped the interest and enabled SA clients to view the stud and selected rams and then have the confidence to bid online."

Mr Hanel said the increased stud interest was testament to the work they put in.

"The studs have always been there, but the genetics are starting to flow through and showing on the scoreboard," he said.

Nick Heffernan from Nutrien Livestock in Naracoorte said the combined on-farm and online sales overcame the border restrictions and potentially attracted more bidders.

"Considering the conditions we were put under, the rams sold very well, and SA buyers supported the sale very well online. We had five clients bidding in our branch in Naracoorte who bought more than 30 rams," he said.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien Livestock Naracoorte and Rodwells Edenhope.