Mallee White Suffolk stud Elton Downs bucked the trend of many ram sales in the area with a total clearance of 100 rams, despite nearly doubling the number of sires on offer compared with 2017.
The Rudiger family’s success at their second annual sale last month has given them the confidence buy the Churchill stud at Wirrega from Dean and Adair Dunsford.
Last week they acquired 312 stud ewes from the Dunsfords, who have sold their property.
It is Elton Downs’ second flock purchase in two years and takes their stud flock to 600 ewes.
The Rudigers also bought the Leawarra stud at Willunga in 2016.
Stud principal Chris Rudiger said it was a great opportunity to buy a White Suffolk flock that would “match in” well with their ewes.
“We are trying to breed sheep that are hardy with good doing-ability and body depth and ensure we keep the consistency of our offering up,” he said.
Elton Downs hopes to offer 150 rams at its 2019 sale.
Spence Dix & Co auctioneer Luke Schreiber said the Rudigers were respected for their stockmanship and had transferred their eye for breeding good pigs into sheep, with structurally correct animals with good carcases.
“The quality of rams and the way they presented them in a year like this was exemplary,” Mr Schreiber said.
“This year we could see there was the potential to sell a few more rams so we will find out where that sits.”
