A PORTLAND sheep stud breeder has forked out $6200 at auction for a ewe, to boost his genetic stocks.

The year and a half old Poll Dorset ewe arrived at Philip Morton’s property last weekend, and he says he is very happy with his purchase.

Surprisingly, given the lofty price he paid, Mr Morton thinks he got a bargain for the sheep which he travelled 1400km to buy from renowned NSW breeder Tattykeel.

“I thought I'd have to pay more,” he said.

“There was a guy on Kangaroo Island was bidding against me online, but anyway I won.

“I was prepared to go to $8000 or a fraction over for her, that’s how much I had in my pocket.

“When I got her for $6200, I was very excited, and that’s why then I bought another one.”

Before the sale the sheep are all listed online, with the ewe listed as the best of the 40 on offer, and Mr Morton had made his mind up to bring it back to Portland before he had even seen it in person.

Mr Morton has been breeding sheep for 32 years and buying stock in the Tattykeel annual auctions for around eight years, and this year decided to step up his investment in his stud farm, Garden Park Poll Dorsets.

The Morton’s sheep have also been successful in the local shows, their ‘lamb ram’ entry in the Tyrendarra show being awarded the best breed in the show.

“I decided if you want to win in the show room you’ve got to get the best, and she is one of the best you'll ever see.

“If you want to get up there, that's what you got to do. You’ve got to buy big, pay big money, and then away you go.

“I've got to the stage where they're nearly pure Tattykeel, that’s what I’m after.

When farmers come here [to buy flock rams], they really sell themselves.”

He says her outstanding length and balance (even distribution of build along the body) makes the ewe so valuable as breeding stock, and for showing.

 It’s been a long trip back for the ewe, who is yet to be given a name by Mr Morton and his wife Kaye.

He says he’ll let her settle in and get used to the Portland weather, but has already picked out a ram for her and is looking forward to seeing the top shelf lambs that she will produce.

“With her progeny, I’m sure I’ll be making my money back fairly quickly,” Mr Morton said.