THERE was strong interstate interest and an investment in good genetics evident at the Leachim White Suffolk sale, Snowtown.
During the auction 121 of 130 rams sold for an average $943.
Regular top end buyers Paul and Yvonne Wurst, Appila, paid the top price of $2400 for lot 3 – a June 2017-drop, twin ram ranked 0.7 for birthweight, 10.9 for weaning weight, -0.4 for fat, 1.3 for post weaning eye muscle depth and 202 on the Carcase Plus index.
Mrs Wurst said it always pays to spend money on a good ram and this one fit into their operation.
“It had good eye muscle, got all the attributes we’re looking for,” she said.
Mr Wurst said the ram had good conformation and length.
He said they generally try and buy twins, with 146 per cent lambing last year, including a few triplets.
The Wurst have downsized their flock due to the tough season, with this ram to join with about 500 first-cross ewes.
The Wursts also bought a second ram at $1700.
Rams are also heading west with Iveston White Suffolks, Katanning, WA, paying $2100 for an late August-drop twin ram that measured 211 on the Carcase Plus index.
Shepwok Downs, Gibson, WA, also bought a ram at $1400, while DJ&MD Hewitt, Crookwell, NSW, bought four rams to $1300, averaging $825.
There was strong volume support from Kangaroo Island with Camelback Pastoral, Kingscote, buying 18 rams to $800, averaging $653.
Bono Station, Clare, bought 16 rams to $800, averaging $687.
Adalis Pastoral, Snowtown, bought 13 rams to $1200, averaging $858.
Anama Holdings, Clare, bought 10 rams to $900, averaging $700.
Leachim principal Andrew Michael said it was a “terrific” sale.
“With the way things are for replacement ewes, and the uncertainty of the season, I was rapt with that,” he said.
“We had a handful of new clients and great loyal clients.”
He was also pleased with the presentation of the rams, which are run as commercial sheep.
“We’re pleased to be able to put sheep up with the quality we’ve got in natural conditions,” he said.
Mr Michael said there were two standout sires influencing the sale, with sons from two of the highest ranked rams in Australia for eating quality markers intramuscular fat and shear force.
“We’re really focusing on eating quality and think that will be key in the future,” he said.
“The genetics we’ve got coming through, we’re convinced that will be where the future of industry goes.”
The sale was conducted by Landmark with Gordon Wood wielding the gavel.
Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
