A JOINT sale of shedding sheep is set to become an annual fixture on the Eyre Peninsula calendar after the inaugural auction produced a solid result on Friday.
Annabel Mangal, Genelink Dorper stud, Nairne; Bronte Mawson, Australis White Dorper stud, Nairne, and Brendon and Maureen Duncan, Glen Park Dorper and Ultra White stud, Wentworth, NSW, jointly offered 60 rams at the Wudinna Showgrounds.
Overall, 53 rams sold out of 60 offered, for a top price of $2500, averaging $942.
In the breeds breakdown, there were 28 White Dorpers sold from 30 offered, averaging $960, eight Dorpers were sold from 12 offered, averaging $831, and there were 17 Ultra Whites sold from 18 offered, averaging $965.
The top price White Dorper was sold to Clary Bell, Nhill, Vic, for $2500, the top price Dorper went to John Brougham, Tumby Bay, for $2000 and the highest price Ultra White went to Andrew Green, Wanilla, for $1650.
Genelink principal Annabel Mangal said the vendors decided to run the sale at Wudinna to bring their animals to the EP market.
“Historically our clients on the EP have had to travel long distances to purchase our genetics so we decided it was time we travelled to them,” she said.
“The Wudinna facility was one of the best facilities we have been to. We look forward to coming back next year and making this an Australis, Genelink and Glen Park sale fixture.”
Running the sale was FP Ag, with Brian Eiseman the auctioneer.
FG Ag EP agent Nigel O’Brien said close to 30 millimetres of rain the day before the sale helped boost confidence, with most of the bidders coming from the EP region.
“Considering the season has turned out reasonably tough, we were fortunate to get that rain prior to the sale,” he said.
