Buyers from NSW, Queensland and Victoria competed for the four stud rams and 138 flock rams presented for sale. Spirited bidding saw Macquarie sell the rams to a top price of $8000 and a $6125 average while the 138 flock rams sold to a top price of $4500 and averaged $1825. This gave an overall average of $1946 for 142 rams, with a 100 per cent clearance.

The top-priced stud ram was purchased by David and Annie Berrell of ‘Midgery Dohne Stud’ Walgett.

Stud rams sold to ‘Havelock Park Dohne Stud’ Stratford, Victoria for $7000 and ‘Koonik Dohne Stud’ Nurcoung, Vicoria for $6000. The top priced two-tooth ram was purchased by ‘Kardinia Dohne Stud’ Corowa for $4500.

Volume buyers of flock rams included Michael O’Brien ‘The Brigalows’ Carinda (17 rams), Dennis O’Brien, ‘Cryon Station’ Cryon (16), Robert Woodward, Swan Hill (15) and Chris Carrigan, ‘Welbon’ Garah (11).

Local sheep producers Phil and Jose Cosgrove ‘Lauriston’, Alex Druce ‘Paringa’, Jim Brennan ‘Dunmore’ and Steve and Tracey Rae ‘Emby’ all purchased rams.

Co-principal John Nadin said he was surprised by the strength of the sale considering the number of rams offered.

“The strength of all the Dohne ram sales this year gives the breed the credibility it deserves,” Mr Nadin said. “A lot of our clients are fifth and sixth generation sheep producers. What it comes down to is the return per hectare, and the Dohne is right up there.

“Macquarie Dohne Stud clients have averaged well over $110 for their complete drop of wether lambs and some clients’ Dohne wool has consistently outsold and tested finer than their Merino clip.

Last week Ian Arnold, ‘Curawalla’ Condobolin sold April/May drop sucker Dohne lambs in Griffith for $94.80.”

Landmark/Landmark Wilson Russ and Elders conducted the sale.