Tassie Buyers travel Stirling Dohnes, sale reach $1100 top twice, av $853
Stirling Dohnes hold their 9th annual on-property sale at Glenthompson on the 8th of November, saw 34 rams sell to a high price of $1100 twice and an average of $853. While the top and average prices dropped from last year, this was to be excited due to the dry conditions across Australia.
Gippsland buyer, Tony McNeilly, Seaspray purchased one of the top priced rams. Mr McNeilly said he had been using Dohnes for about ten years.
“We are finding the Dohnes very suitable, they are performing well.” “They are dual purpose, and their fertility is the big advantage.”
Tony and Jane McNeilly with stud principal Murray Rogerson hold the top priced ram.
The second top price ram was purchased by Noel Clear, Bracknell Tasmania, with his agent Andrew Murfet from Roberts Ltd attending the sale as well meant they could select the right rams for Noel.
After only being in Dohnes for 4 years, Mr Clear is seeing major improvements in his commercial breeding program, with the introduction of the breed proving that it can withstand the wet Tasmanian climate and remain maternally productive.
Benefits from introducing the Dohnes in particular were seen in increased carcass weight and condition score, in addition to an overall improvement in constitution.
“With this we saw the lambs go through the winter far better, where in previous years they struggled,” Mr Clear said.
Mr Clear is particularly impressed by the Dohne’s fertility and claims they rear more lambs than the Merinos.
Stirling stud principal Murray Rogerson with purchaser, Noel Clear and agent Andrew Murfet holding the top priced ram.