Loyal buyers enjoy value at Galaxy Park

Despite the well-presented offering, both breeds averaged less than 2016.

White Suffolk stud sire Anden 288 left its mark on many progeny in the sale which boasted exceptional post weaning weights.

More than half of the catalogue offered by Geoff, Jill, Michael and Carolyn Gale were sons of 288 including Lot 5, the $1700 top price.

“We only used him for two years and this is the second year – he has done a good job for us,” Geoff said.

The sale topper which had a carcase plus index of 209.93 was knocked down to DM&L Traeger, Lameroo.

AC&BL Beggs, Kingston, secured seven White Suffolk rams for a $1207 average, including the $1650 second top price at Lot 9.

Fingerpost, Kingston,was the sale’s volume buyer with 10 rams for a $850 average.

Mount Boothby Pastoral, Tintinara, took home nine rams for a $1122 average.

Bidding was more subdued on the Gales’ Prime SAMMs with 16 of 28 rams finding homes for a $718 average.

Five of these will be shown at the Royal Adelaide Show, including the $1200 sale topper which has been entered in the objective measurement class.

The 22 micron ram sired by GP8 was bought by Rob Rishworth, Padthaway, who was impressed by size, width across the topline and “nice, bright wool.”

Mr Rishworth has been getting great results using Prime SAMMs over his Border Leicester-Merino ewes to breed replacements.

“We are dropping the micron from 28 to 22M in one cross and getting a big framed sheep with very similar fertility,” he said.

“With a $5/kg difference in price from six kilograms we are $30 better off.”

Mr Rishworth bought five White Suffolks and Prime SAMMs for a $980 average.

Landmark stud stock’s Richard Miller was the volume Prime SAMM buyer snapping up six rams for Lake Hawdon Props, Robe, for a $867 average.

Stud principal Geoff Gale was pleased with the competition on the top end of the White Suffolks but said they had “more to do” on the Prime SAMMS.

“The SAMMs have been a little bit up and down with some years better than others,” he said.

“This year the prices have been good but we didn’t get a lot of a clearance.”

Mr Gale was pleased to see clients getting good results for their prime lambs in the saleyards and on-hooks.

“Of course they have to be good farm managers but we like to think our genetics play a part.”

Elders auctioneer Tom Penna said the good season had enabled the sheep to reach their genetic potential 

“This year’s yarding had plenty of stretch and width and good wool types and the figures are as good as you will see in any White Suffolk stud,” he said.

Galaxy Park will offer another 90 White Suffolk rams at its Monarto sale on September 26.

Elders and Landmark were joint selling agents.