As the nation paused on Remembrance Day to honour the sacrifices of our wartime heroes, Ian McIntosh reflected on his own achievements as the hammer came down on a career spanning 64 years.

Mr McIntosh was visibly upset as his Mirnoo stud, the oldest Poll Dorset stud in Victoria, was sold in a complete dispersal at the Benalla showgrounds last Wednesday.

The sale ended a sheep breeding dynasty, with the stud listed as flock number nine on the Australian Poll Dorset Register and the McIntosh name synonymous with the formation of the breed.

Mr McIntosh, who recently suffered a debilitating stroke, said it was a reluctant sale.

"It's very sad," he said.

"I'll miss the sheep most of all."

At 81 years old, Mr McIntosh can boast a resume which is the envy of most within the industry.

He is a founding member, past president and life member of the Poll Dorset Association - and is also an Australian Sheep Breeders Association life member.

The stud was set up in 1945 in Merrigum, where the McIntosh family began joining Ryeland rams with Dorset Horn ewes.

The family moved around over the years to Cobram and the Benalla district before retiring to Stewarton in 1993.

As for the sale itself, the top ram sold for $600, while the top ewe went for $550.

Mr McIntosh said he was "reasonably happy" with the results.

"A ram for $600 is about an average price, but a ewe for $550 is a very good price," Mr McIntosh said.

"It was good to see a big crowd despite the heat - it was a solid sale."

Mr McIntosh's son, Dougal, said his father could be proud of his achievements.

"He's a very modest man, but he's done a hell of a lot over the years," Dougal said.

"It's tough selling up, it's an emotional day."

The last sheep of flock number nine - 95 ewes, three stud rams and 21 flock rams - have now moved on to different owners.

jordan.oliver@sheppnews.com.au