Jamie-Lee Oldfield, Naracoorte Community News
An improved clearance and record high average proved prime lamb producers were keen to put Janmac genetics into their flocks. The Hausler family of Janmac Poll Dorsets and White Suffolks held their 18th annual on-property sale at Goroke, Victoria, on Wednesday, selling rams to a top of $7000.
They offered 16 specially selected Poll Dorset rams which all sold for an average of $3281, before achieving a total clearance of 133 Poll Dorset flock rams which averaged $1977 – a record high for the stud.
“The highlight was the depth of buying, in particular in the Poll Dorsets, and the willingness to invest in those sheep – it was pretty exciting”, said co-principal Grant Hausler.
“We are known for meaty deep sheep – good carcass sheep – and it was evident people were chasing carcass and I guess they found it”, he added.
More than 20mm of rain and strong winds didn’t deter buyers from attending the sale, with both repeat and new faces buying in volume.
”Overall we were very happy with what was presented and the support – it’s a business for us yes, but also the satisfaction of putting up a line of rams people appreciate is really important to us, we value it and we pride ourselves on it – you only get one crack at it, it’s like a footy grand final.”
Athlone Poll Dorset, Southdown Stud, Penshurst, picked up the top priced select sire in Lot 5, Tag 394/21. The May 2021 drop ram was by Mallee Park 36/18, weighed more than 130kgs and had an eye muscle depth of 53.
“We identified him early as a standout sheep and collected 100 doses of semen for our own use – he was a very long ram with good muscling, a really appealing stud sire,” Mr Hausler said.
Athlone stud principal Henry Cameron said they looked to Janmac because they had a similar style of sheep.
On the top price ram, Mr Cameron said it “ticked all the boxes” and was particularly drawn to its “length and hindquarter”.
The Cameron family also selected a second ram for $2600 from the flock offering. Cameron Grundy of Grundy Pastoral purchased two of the select sires, including the equal second highest priced Lot 9 at $5500, a May 2021-drop ram by Janmac 21/19, and Lot 7 at $4000.
Nutrien Ag Solutions Naracoorte agent Nick Heffernan described it as a “very, very solid sale”.
“It achieved an increase in average on last year, with a lot of repeat buyers buying at the top end of the catalogue – the rams are obviously doing what they need them to, and they are happy to spend the money on the genetics,” he said.
“It was a strong sale, but it was still good value buying, with plenty of rams from $1000 to $1500.
“The Janmac lineup is very even so everyone knows what they are getting.”
Mr Heffernan added the area was having a very good season and everyone was happy with the volume of feed on hand.
“Lamb prices are back on the last year and half, but producers are still getting rewarded very well.”
Janmac also offered 51 White Suffolk rams, with 31 sold to a top of $2800 and average of $1609.
Volume buyers were in abundance, with the vast majority of the 38 successful bidders taking three or more rams.
KP Farms, Naracoorte, SA, took home the biggest haul, selecting 15 rams across the two breeds for an average of $2506.
They paid the equal-top price for White Suffolks of $2800 and topped at $2600 for Poll Dorsets.
Picking up 12 rams was local buyer and long-time Janmac supporter Rich Farming Trust, Goroke, averaging $2000 for their selection of Poll Dorsets, and paying to a top of $2200.
WD, RG & NW Robinson, Ullswater, found plenty of value in the sale, averaging $1554 for 11 lots, paying between $1200 and $1800 for their Poll Dorset selections.
GK & LE Sambell of Kybybolite, South Australia, found what they were looking for at the start of the sale,
paying $3000 and $5500 – the equal second-highest price of the sale – for two of the select Poll Dorset rams, and $3000 for a third from the flock offering.
“We are humbled by the ongoing support of valued friends, family and clients,” said Mr Hausler. “It was a great day for the stud”
Auction conducted by Nutrien Livestock Naracoorte, AWN Edenhope and livestreamed with Auctions Plus.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
