A RECORD price was set at Hamilton’s Sheepvention ram sale this week with a Limestone Coast producer fetching $35,000 for a poll merino ram.
Keith producers Geoff and Bernadette Davidson of Moorundie Poll Merino Stud smashed the record at the annual event, but it was not their first time in the spotlight.
Since first taking part in the sale four years ago, the couple has achieved the feat of highest selling ram each year but the record sale was something they had not imagined.
“There are so many really great sheep at Sheepvention so you never know what will happen,” Mr Davidson said.
“We did take this ram to Bendigo earlier and there was a lot of interest in him, so we knew he would sell well, but we definitely did not expect a record.
“We are definitely proud of the sale and it is just a reflection of how much we put into our sheep to get them to this level.”
Relocating to the South East from the Mid North around 10 years ago, the Davidsons believe the move has helped shape their stud into producing “all rounders”.
“Sheep that you breed in the South East are different from the Mid North,” Mr Davidson said.
“They are more suitable to any climate down here – the Mid North is a very good sheep breeding area but the South East just gives more diversity.
“We have invested a lot of time changing the wool type and breeding the animals differently to make them so versatile.
“I also think living so close to Western Victoria has been quite beneficial to us as well.
“It is a really strong sheep region and being close to events like Sheepvention is so important for networking and making connections, not just selling sheep.”
The pair also claimed first and second place in the short wool pen of five judging.
Although they had a strong event this year, Mr Davidson said he was not expecting a repeat next year.
“We do not go along to set records, so it is not something we have at the front of our minds,” he said.
“Of course it would be great to get the highest price lamb again next year, or even set another record but we are just happy to do the best we can and represent ourselves well.”
