Full clearance at Macquarie Dohne with increased average and larger draft

The Land By Elka Devney

Buyers sought structure and well-nourished wool at the Macquarie Dohne ram sale, held at Carinya, near Ballimore, on Wednesday, September 24.

All 162 lots sold to a top of $5500, twice, to average $2960, up $769 on last year.

David Berrell, Midgery Dohne stud, Walgett, secured the first $5500 ram, MD241741.

Son of MD228013 and out of MD191564, the June 2024-drop ram had Australian Sheep Breeding Values at +5.84 post weaning weight, +0.14 post weaning eye muscle depth, +8.81 yearling clean fleece weight (YCFW) and -0.38 yearling fibre diameter.

Mr Berrell also purchased MD-214317 son, MD241776, for $4500.

His family-run mixed enterprise includes Angus cattle, cropping, a Dohne stud and 4000 commercial Dohne ewes.

The commercial flock averages 20.5 micron, cuts six kilograms of wool per head and scans at 143 per cent.

“[The top ram] is an all-round correct ram with a strong back end and well-nourished wool,” he said.

“The other ram is a bit of a wildcard, but he has a stylish, bold, well-crimped wool that sets him apart from the top ram.”

Both rams will return to the stud, each running with 60 to 70 ewes in a February-March joining.

Last year, Mr Berrell sold 2300 wether lambs to Fletchers, Thomas Foods International and through the saleyards, averaging $292 a head.

CA and JM Ross, Balmoral, Victoria, bought the second top-priced ram, MD241770, for $5500.

Son of MD228067 and out of MD181144, the June 2024-drop ram ranked in the top five per cent of the breed for +2.02 yearling eye muscle depth and top 20pc at +14.05 YCFW, and +0.10 number of lambs weaned.

The Ross family also purchased three other rams to average $4125.

Volume buyer Thomas, Annie and Michael O’Brien, Brigalows, Carinda, purchased 31 rams to $3500 to average $2806.

Structure, fertility and conformation topped the family’s priorities.

They run 6000 Dohne ewes averaging 20 micron, joined mid-November.

Stud co-principal John Nadin, Macquarie, said he was thrilled with the sale’s result.

JG and SK Currey, Aberfoyle, Walgett, bought 16 rams to $5000 to average $3218.

DP O’Brien, Cryon Station, Walgett, secured 16 rams to $4000 to average $2968.

Nutrien Clemson Hiscox and Co, Walgett, conducted the sale, with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.