BUYER confidence was high at the Willochra and Gumview combined ram sale at Melrose on Friday, with a full clearance of White Suffolks and Suffolks.
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The total clearance was pleasing for Willochra principal Jeff McCallum and Gumview principal David McCallum, who offered 13 more Suffolks than last year.
Jeff said demand and the good season had contributed to the larger catalogue.
Buyer of the $2200 top price Suffolk ram, Brodie O’Dea, Orroroo, said he liked its size, eye muscle and early growth figures.
The 14-month-old ram had a carcase plus index of 173, a 12-kilogram post weaning weight, -1.3mm post weaning fat and 0.7mm post weaning eye muscle depth.
Mr O’Dea is in the process of establishing his own stud because of the strength of the sheep and meat market.
White Suffolks sold to $1800 five times, all to long-time buyers Barry and Nathan Woolford, BJ Woolford Trust, Booleroo Centre.
The Woolfords bought 12 White Suffolks averaging $1658, and four Suffolks averaging $1825.
RH, MH&HL McCallum, Willowie via Orroroo, bought eight White Suffolks to $1500, averaging $1138.
David McCallum said the two studs were pleased with buyer representation and the presentation of the rams.
“The sheep have come through well considering we didn’t have any summer rains, which meant there was no green feed to go on until the rains at the end of May,” he said.
Landmark’s Dean Paul said the full clearance and new buyers from Kimba and Bordertown demonstrated the quality of the studs’ sheep.
“The strength of these sheep is their frame, and these studs have been around for a long time,” he said.
SALE SUMMARY
White Suffolks 2016 2015
Offered 68 68
Sold 68 68
Top $1800 $1650
Av $1218 $1336
Suffolks
Offered 56 43
Sold 56 43
Top $2200 $2100
Av $1132 $1505
