Clout Creek Dorpers | consistently improving

Prices for Dorpers reflect the supply, demand and quality needed to satisfy market segments including studs, commercial prime lamb producers, educational institutions, Organic producers and small area properties (lifestyle block). Future segments may include sheep milk and leather production.
Between 1996 when dorpers were introduced to Australia from South Africa, and 2006, prices were high. Ordinary rams started at $1,000 and ewes brought anything above $1500. Thus, investors achieved adequate returns on their risk capital.
2006 saw prices stablize mainly due to the drought. Even so, good quality animals attracted premium prices from new studs and producers seeking the benefits of dorper genetics; plus wool producers facing unsustainable wool prices and production costs.
A 2007 price decline suggests an increase in supply, as well as buyers being more selective when acquiring new genetics for breeding programmes. 2007 prices for rams and ewes at national sales were as low as $600, while the highest Dorper ram price at Dubbo National Sale was $4,800.
Australia's commercial dorper flock grows at a steady rate with F1 and F2 prices starting at about $80.
Post drought conditions could see Dorper prices remain strong, as more producers use them to generate a competitive edge and improve cash flow.