HOSTING their 32nd annual on-property White Suffolk ram sale at Monarto South on Tuesday last week, the Gale family, Galaxy Park and Fingerpost studs, put their best foot forward under difficult seasonal conditions, offering 10 specially selected rams and 89 flock rams
All 22 registered bidders were successful buyers in the sale, resulting in 72 of the 99 White Suffolk rams selling for a $962 average and hitting a top price of $1700 twice.
The first ram to sell for $1700 was lot 2, an he eye-appealing ram snapped up by first-time buyer Brian Haebich, Cooke Plains. With the highest Carcase Plus index in the catalogue at a hefty 218.5, the ram possessed solid figures across the board, including 18.42 for post-weaning weight and 2.06 eye muscle depth.
The other equal top price ram was bought by Anthony Ferguson, Anna Villa White Suffolks, Weetulla. Sired by 244, the ram chalked up a strong 205.22 on the Carcase Plus index, 17.69PWWT, and 1.34EMD.
Loyal clients Craig Paech and Katrina Molnar, Tepko, were the volume buyer of the sale with 10 rams from $700 to $1000, averaging $800.
Interstate buyer Kurra-Wirra Pastoral, Culla, Vic, put a strong draft together averaging $822, paying between $700 and $1000 for nine rams.
The generosity of the Gale family was demonstrated again this year with a ‘bingo’ ram being drawn at the end of the sale. The buyer received the ram free of charge and the Gales donated the value of the ram – $900 – to the McGrath Foundation, bringing their total donation across the past three years to $2900.
Stud principal Barrie Gale said he was pleased with the clearance, particularly in a tough year.
Elders auctioneer Stephen Doecke said the rams were presented in great condition, resulting in a good sale considering the season.
“Confidence in the Gales genetics was evident in the number of repeat buyers operating in the sale,” he said.
Elders and Landmark conducted the sale.
