Harry's Well White Suffolk ram sale hits new heights

A stud record price of $3100 was paid for lot 3, an April 2018-drop son of Illoura 12/1354. This ram weighed 104 kilograms with an eye muscle depth of 47 millimetres.

It was knocked down to Brian Hampel, Nadda, who bought three top-end rams in total, averaging $2833.

Due to the poor season in the area, many sheep producers were being forced to reduce their ewe numbers, affecting the sale clearance and resulting in 32 fewer rams selling than in 2018.

The buyer who capitalised on the value on offer was Garry Obst, who bought 20 rams to $1400, averaging $835. These rams will go to Kangaroo Island to produce prime lambs at his Parndana property.

Garry also operated on behalf of his brother Darren Obst, KI, who bought 11 rams to $1000, averaging $864.

Major buyers who gave strong support throughout the sale included Jachman Farming, Taplan, with 10 rams to $1500, averaging $1150, GMRJ Nominees, Meribah, with five rams to $2400, averaging $1880, Nadia Farms, Vietech, five to $1000, averaging $920, Malleeview, Galga, seven averaging $700 and SP Rover, Wanbi, five averaging $740.

Related reading: Demand exceeds supply at Kattata Well

Landmark Golding agent Curly Golding said the sale rams presented exceptionally well for such a tough year and buyers were happy with the quality on offer.

Harry's Well principal Kenton Farr said a few regular buyers were missing due to seasonal conditions, but several new clients helped fill the gap.

"This area only had a tad over 100 millimetres of rain in 2018 and this year looks on-track to be about the same," he said.

"Our rams are totally paddock reared and it's a real credit to the White Suffolk breed that not only do our sale rams thrive in the higher rainfall districts, but they have once again proven they also do very well in the Mallee and pastoral areas.

"Our stud has invested in some top sires recently from Illoura, Omad and Days Whiteface stud and this has seen a huge increase in the length and structure of our rams that led to a new record price of $3100."

Landmark auctioneer Leo Redden said there was outstanding support from local clients, resulting in a good clearance of rams bred for Mallee conditions.

"The recent investment in top stud sires is paying off for the stud," he said.

The sale was conducted by Landmark Golding Livestock Agencies, Loxton.