Kardinia Dohne is still optimistic after celebrating 20 years in the stud game
The Land By Jamie Brown
Kardinia Dohnes at Corowa celebrated their 20th on-farm annual ram sale on September 18 alongside some new faces and other commercial producers who have bought from the Mills family for their entire stud journey.
Of the 50 Dohne Merino rams on offer 42 sold to average $1700 and top at $3800.
The best-priced sire was 15-month-old tag number KD241478, by KD220405.
Purchased by Richard Johnston, Esk Farm, Longford, Tasmania – a client of Kardinia’s for the past 15 years – his new ram presented with estimated breeding values including top 10 per cent of the breed for yearling clean fleece weight.
“He is a balanced ram and suited to Mr Johnston’s program,” stud co-principal Donald Mills said. “His white, soft wool fits his environment.”
The Kardinia Dohne wool clip averages 19.5 micron and is managed as non-mulsed and accredited under the Responsible Wool Standard, selling into Australia’s largest traceable wool program, Genesys, through Fox and Lillie.
One of Kardinia’s longest customers, Col and Dan Withers, of Cawarra Pastoral Pty Ltd, Mulwala, went home with two lots at $3600, including KD241555 by KD220285, with impressive EBV figures showing top 10pc for index value, yearling clean fleece weight, post-weaning fat and post-weaning weight. He was in the top 30pc for eye muscle depth and number of lambs weaned.
First-time buyer Scott Francis, Rutherglen, bought three rams, telling the Mills family – Donald, Karen and Matt – that the Dohne sires would add value to his wool clip without compromising growth and fertility in his composite flock.
Volume buyer was Wokolena at Wagga Wagga who bought 11 rams to average $1650 and top at $2200 for KD241532 by KD220285 presenting with top 10pc figures for lambs weaned, long with post weaning fat. He also showed in the top 30pc for production index and yearling diameter coefficient variant.
The season in the Riverina has improved in recent times and Mr Mills said producers expressed “quite a bit of optimism” going forward.
“Wool prices are sustainable now since the rise, the largest gain since before COVID, and it is trending in the right direction,” he said.
“Meanwhile lamb and mutton is selling at historic highs. We hope things stay at this level for the next couple of years.
The sale was hosted by Elders Albury and Nutrien Stud Stock with AuctionsPlus collecting online bids.
