THE Hall family at Hallett were "blown away" with their on-property sale's result on Thursday last week, after interstate support helped the stud to an unexpected $10,000 top price.
Ulooloo Dohne Merino stud cleared all 80 rams offered and had an $1931 sale average, with a couple of pastoralists snapping up large drafts for the season ahead.
Interstate online bidders Thomas and Sophie Holt, Urana, NSW, secured the $10,000 top price ram and also bought a further five rams, averaging $4016.
It has a post-weaning weight of 6.8, putting it in the top 10 per cent of the breed for that trait and a top 5pc yearling weight of 8.
Its PW eye muscle depth of 1.2 was in the top 20pc and 0.5 fat was in the top 10pc.
The ram had a yearling fibre diameter of -0.2 and yearling co-efficient of variation of -0.8, 18.6 micron fleece and 99.6pc comfort factor, while its Dohne Merino Index also in the top 5pc of the breed, at 180.1.
The $5200 second-highest price ram was bought by Hill View Dohne Stud, Streaky Bay, to help maintain the stud's fleece weight.
It was sired by home-bred sire, Ulooloo 200434, that was in the champion pair competition at the 2019 Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show.
It has a PWT of 7.9, putting it in the top 5pc of the breed for that trait and a top 5pc YWT of 9.7.
Its PW eye muscle depth of 1.3 was in the top 10pc and 0.4 fat was in the top 20pc.
The ram had a YFD of -0.1 and YDCV of -1.0, 18.7M fleece and 99.8pc CF, while its Index was also in the top 5pc of the breed, at 182.5.
It was sired by a home-bred sire that goes back to Jarramongup genetics.
Stud principal Rob Hall said the sale's result was "way above expectations".
"Good even line of dual purpose sheep. They had a great start and although it was a tough summer, they have begun to blossom.
Mr Hall was not expecting a $10,000 top price.
"He attracted a lot of attention - I did not imagine anywhere near that price."
Hill View co-principal Robert Holmes said it would provide a new bloodline for the stud.
"It had the figures we were chasing - it will be put to work in November over stud ewes."
The stud secured another ram at $3200.
Volume buyer Wilcannia producer Andrew Greenshields bought a draft 17 rams to $1600, averaging $1294.
Nutrien Ag Solutions stud stock's Gordon Wood said Ulooloo sheep were in paddock condition, athletic and ready to join with ewes.
"The data is at the top end of the Dohne breed, nationwide.
Mr Wood said the sale was "incredibly hot", particularly through the online platform.
More than 150 bids were made online, averaging $2148.
Valda Downs through Elders Broken Hill secured 12 rams to $1500, averaging $1125.
Womberra Pastral through Nutrien Ag Solutions Mildura nine to $1600, averaging $1044, while Mergenia Station, Cavenagh, secured seven to $4400, averaging $2528.
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