DOHNE versatility was the focal point for buyers at the multi-vendor Ultimate Dohne ram sale at the Mount Pleasant Showgrounds on Friday.
The sale had representatives from three studs - JAG, operated by Lily Cameron, and Koonik and Hamilton Run, operated by Darren and Fiona Cameron.
The top price of $3000 was achieved three times to three different buyers, while 33 of the 50 rams offered sold to an average $1539.
The top price was first achieved at Lot 4, JAG200039, which was snapped up by new client AL&JE Fry, Wirrega.
John Fry bought three rams in total, to average $2200.
Elders Bordertown agent Brenton Henriks said the Dohne rams will be joined with White Suffolk-Merino -cross ewes.
"The Dohne breed will give a good wool cut, lower micron, non-mulesing, length of body, muscling and high number of lambs weaned," he said.
The ram was in the top 5 per cent of the breed for yearling clean fleece weight at 11.32 with wool figures of 17.4 micron, 3.2 standard deviation, 18 coefficient of variation and 99.6 per cent comfort factor.
Lot 31, KDS214408, sold to repeat client Dane Sommerville, Windjara Ag, Spalding.
It had wool figures of 18.7M, 3.3SD, 17.6CV and 99.2CF.
Windjara Ag have transitioned to a pure Dohne flock developed from a Merino base after buying Dohne rams for about eight years.
They are pleased with Dohne's ability to produce lambs, have a high lambing percentage, are a dual purpose sheep producing a 5.5-6 kilogram fleece that is 19-20M.
Mr Sommerville was selecting for frame, structure with good feet and white crimpy stylish wool and YCFW.
He was after four rams but, with the quality and selection offered, secured six rams to average $1600.
Lot 50, KDS214374, sold to KN&LG Krause, Western Flat.
The Krause's run a pure Dohne flock, which is mated to Border Leicester-East Friesian rams.
They selected on data first then visual.
Tag 4374 was top 5pc for weaning weight at 6.94 and post-weaning weight at 7.31 with wool figures of 17.8M, 3.2SD, 18.0CV and 99.4CF.
The Krause's bought three rams to average $2200.
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Volume buyer was Nick Miller, Josch Holdings PTY LTD, Mallan, NSW, who saw the studss display at Hamilton Sheepvention, Vic. He bought 13 rams to $2600 to average $1293.
Josch Holdings have been breeding first-cross lambs but are changing to Dohnes to put value back in the wool. They are after early growth and weight gain to sell lambs at five to six months of age.
Nutrien auctioneer Leo Redden said, with rams selling to such diverse breeding operations it showed the Dohne breeds ability across multiple composite flocks.
"They are a low risk way to address fertility and breach wrinkle," he said.
Stud principal Fiona Cameron said they were happy with the sale.
"With the purchase of two SA studs, we aim to keep growing and offer rams to our SA clients," she said.
Nutrien Fawcett conducted the sale.