Yentrac sees champion ram head to South Australia

“The Poll Dorset rams all had very good eye muscle, weight, and length, which is what buyers look for,” Nutrien Yea branch manager Tyson Bush said.

“The more weight in the rams and lambs, the better. I think the Poll Dorsets averaged about $1600. The White Suffolk lambs sold similarly; I think they averaged around $1400 from memory.”

Mr Bush said the Southdowns were more variable.

“Some years they sell a lot, other years it’s tighter. This year was tighter because lambs are good, but it’s been dry and numbers are down in many areas,” he said.

“Overall, it was a very good result considering everything involved.”

The highest-selling ram reached $3000 and was purchased by Philip Wardle, Eldra Pastoral, from Naracoorte, South Australia.

The ram recently won the Australasian Dorset Championships.

“It’s good to have plenty of buyers,” Mr Bush said.

“Many were repeat customers who know the durability and quality that Yentrac breeds and prepares every year.

“There were also three or four new buyers who had heard about the reputation and the success at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show. Everything flowed well, and the sale went smoothly.”

He said the impact of lamb prices on ram prices is up for debate.

“Lamb prices are driving ram prices, but not completely,” Mr Bush said.

“Older generations will say it’s 10 lambs to a ram, which is $2000 to $4000 if the lambs are good.

“Quality and service of the studs matter a lot, similar to buying a new car — you want good follow-up service.”

The Yentrac Annual Ram Sale was held on Wednesday, September 24 at the Tatura property.