White Suffolks
SALE SUMMARY
2017 2016
Offered 72 63
Sold 71 47
Top $1400 $1300
Av $889 $834
Suffolks
2017 2016
Offered 15 12
Sold 14 11
Top $1200 (4) $900
Av $1000 $754
GYPSUM Hill studs, Padthaway, celebrated 40 years of stud sheep breeding with a new sale shed and a record Suffolk average at its 33rd annual sale.
In a near total clearance, stud principals Andrew and Tanya Frick sold 71 of 72 White Suffolks for a $889 average, while 14 of 15 Suffolks averaged $1000.
There were plenty of positives with the averages of both breeds lifting and an extra 27 rams sold than 2016.
Despite the strong top end buying there was still plenty for those with lesser budgets, with 24 rams selling at $600.
Nearly a decade ago the Fricks relocated from Lochiel in the Mid North but have built a loyal following in the Naracoorte and Padthway areas with their commercially focussed, paddock prepared rams.
Rams also found new homes in the Adelaide Hills and Mid North.
John Kenny, Cadgee, made his sole buy count, paying the $1400 top price for Lot 2 – a June-2016 drop with a carcase plus index of 195.2, including a post weaning weight of 15.2.
Danny and Peta Fraser, Padthaway, were the volume buyers with seven White Suffolks, including four at $1200.
Dolling Produce, Keppoch, secured six rams for a $733 average and Elfini, Keppoch, bought five rams for a $1160 average.
David and Megan Charlick, Padthaway, dominated the Suffolk bidding and were successful on nine rams for a $989 average, including four rams at the breed’s $1200 top price.
“We have been using them since they came down here,” Mr Charlick said.
“They do well in our environment.”
Mr Frick said it was pleasing to hear great feedback from clients achieving high prices with their new season lambs on hook and at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange and see them prepared to pay a bit more for their rams.
He was very proud of reaching the 40 year milestone breeding prime lamb sires.
“A lot of studs only last eight to 10 years but we have stuck with it,” he said.
“It has not always been lucrative but it is something we have enjoyed doing and the feedback has been what has kept us going.
Mr Frick says he enjoys the challenge of breeding good sheep.
“Performance is number one for us especially growth and eye muscle in the sheep,” he said.
“We are not just aiming for top figures on paper. Our carcase plus figures are mainstream but our sheep perform to their figures.”
Pinkerton Palm Hamlyn & Steen conducted the sale with Josh Manser the auctioneer.
“High lamb prices have continued for a long time through the spring period with high $5/kg and low $6/kg rates and with that comes confidence and a willingness to spend more money,” Mr Manser said.
“The rams stood up better than previous years and being paddock prepared buyers have got the confidence they will not break down.”