Goulburn January Sale - Daramalan Progeny Top Prices

There were about 16,500 sheep for sale at the Goulburn saleyards on January 6^th. The vast majority were first cross ewes and buying interest was strong with the yards absolutely packed. The average sales price was $188 and a highest price of $262. Ewe lambs made a top price of $168!!

Daramalan was not directly a seller, as we are not counting the last (and worst) ten Border Leicester rams that were sold to clear the pastures for 2012. However, three of the top six first cross ewe sales had a connection to Daramalan as the ewes were from our rams sold in 2010. That is a great result for the ram buyers and good ‘referred marketing’ for Daramalan. It demonstrates the quality of our rams and how well suited they are to local producers and conditions. Also a big ‘thankyou’ to those ewe sellers that marketed them as ‘from Daramalan’ – we are so pleased you had a successful year and sale.

In 2012 we will produce about 55 Border Leicester rams for sale in November. We could sell 90 but would rather have fewer rams of a higher quality. So far the season has been good, if wet, and it is time for fencing and maintenance. It is also time to sow a crop of oats in the alfalfa paddock for some feed and choke out the weeds.

It is also time to plough up the house paddock, put in the irrigation pipes and plant the orchard and garlic bulbs. There will be apples, pears, quinces, olives and four varieties of garlic as a trial and to grow seed bulbs for next year. It has taken longer to get organised than we hoped and will be all the more satisfying when we harvest. The medium term plan is to become self sufficient in fruit and vegetables and fully embrace seasonal slow food principles.

Successful Ram Sale #2

Daramalan Border Leicester Stud’s second annual sale, held in conjunction with Logancrest Poll Dorset Stud on property at Logancrest, Crookwell, was held on a hot and extremely windy November 14^th – at least the rain stayed away on the day!

Despite the positive outlook for sheep meat and the prime lamb markets 25 of 40 Border Leicester rams offered were sold at auction for an average of $636 with buyers getting great value for money.

The top price of $900 was paid twice by Daniel Tarlington from repeat buyer Veolia Environmental Services, Collector. They also bought six other rams and were the high volume buyer on the day.

Other volume buyers were Ian Cusack of Bywong Holdings, Sutton buying 5 at average $570, Rod McCarthy of Akoonah, Middle Arm buying 4 at average $612.50, EG, R & DE Robertson of Binda buying 3 at average $616 and Gunning Grazing Co. buying 3 at average $633. Brian McCormack of Apsley, Laggan and BJ & KN McIntosh of Crooked Corner completed the list of buyers at auction.

Daramalan Stud owner David Dawes said after the sale that he was “Somewhat disappointed by the lower clearance rate but happy enough with the prices as buyers got exceptional value for money.” He also noted, “The results reflected the increased numbers of Border Leicesters for sale and a reduction in demand as Merino farmers rebuilt their Merino flock sizes.”

David would like to thank all the buyers and under bidders for their valued support, Craig and Sharon Coggan for hosting the auction, all the hardworking helpers on the day and looks forward to the sale next year. Mark Watson and Denis Hewitt of Elders Crookwell with Steve Ridley of Elders Goulburn as auctioneer conducted the sale.

Logancrest Poll Dorset Stud, Crookwell, sold 33 of 34 selected Poll Dorset rams to a top of $1150 and an overall average price of $766, up 38% on 2010.

Owner Craig Coggan was “Extremely pleased with the prices paid and would like to thank all the buyers and underbidders. Our rams were in immaculate condition and are ready to work now for their buyers.”

Craig and Sharon would like to thank all the buyers for their continued support, all of the helpers at the sale and look forward to welcoming you to the sale next year. The auctioneer was Daniel Croker of Landmark, Goulburn.