A range of repeat buyers secured rams for incredible value at Deepwater's 30th annual ram sale last Friday as the Dowdy family celebrated the stud's 50th anniversary.
The Dowdy family offered 160 rams, all of which were $uperborder$ and sold 56 to a top of $1600 at an average of $875.
Stud principal Judy Dowdy, said a lack of buyers and an unpredictable market were the main causes for the drop in numbers compared to 2022, which had a $3600 top at a $1563 average.
The top ram came at Lot 2 for a late July-drop by sire Gleneith 180027 and had a Border Leicester cross index of 125.8.
Bought by Andrew Terry, Lochaber, it was in the top 20 per cent for post weaning eye muscle depth and had a weaning rate of eight.
The volume buyer was Hopevale, Apsley with 11 at a top of $900 for an $890 average.
They were closely followed by GB&RE Hage, Naracoorte with 10 averaging $840 and Ramsden Primary, Binnum with eight averaging $825.
Mrs Dowdy said she was pleased to see many of her regular buyers have confidence for the future with Border Leicesters but was disappointed with the lack of new buyers.
"People were keen to buy quality rams but perhaps not as interested in the Lambplan figures as usual," she said.
"I believe the rams were outstanding this year, especially because our sale was earlier than normal, they were particularly well grown out."
Lot 50 was generously donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service to celebrate the stud's 50th anniversary and also to thank the service after two separate emergency situations involving Mrs Dowdy and husband John.
Southern Australia Livestock's Alistair Haynes, was pleased with the support from repeat buyers and said it shows "they're obviously very happy with the sheep."
"There was a couple of orders that were missing due to a change in operation," he said.
"There's quite a few farmers who are not putting Border Leicester rams over their Merino ewes and are instead opting for terminals, just to get a fat lamb."
My Haynes said it was the best lineup the Dowdy family had ever put out and that the weight for age was fantastic.
"I'm disappointed with the result of the sale considering the quality of the rams.
"I think the shearing side of things has changed the rural industry and I think the confidence in the industry has just taken a hit."
The sale was conducted by SAL Livestock and Nutrien.
