Ardene off to solid start in SA

At Friday's sale, 31 registered bidders competed on 10 stud rams, which all sold to $5500 and averaged $3550, and 71 flock rams, with 43 sold to $2400, averaging $1369. Ardene also offered 21 stud ewes, with 11 selling to $3000, averaging $1881.

The top price was paid for lot 24, an April 2018-drop ram weighing 111 kilograms.

It was knocked down to the Highveld stud, Condoblin, NSW, which was operating via phone through Richard Hentschke, Elders Mount Pleasant.

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Mr Hentschke said Highveld liked the ram's correct structure, frame and muscling. Highveld also secured a second stud ram for $3000.

DJ,KS,AR&DA Hale, Tantanoola, bought four ewes including the $3000 top price ewe at lot one. This ewe was part of Ardene's champion interbreed group at the Australian Sheep & Wool Show in Bendigo, Vic, in July. The Hales also took home two rams, paying to $4000.

Allan Hale liked the Australian White sheep for their shedding ability, weight gain and hybrid vigour.

Volume buyers included Leridan Farms, Goulborn, NSW, with five rams to $3000 twice, averaging $2300, Mills Farming, Kingscote, with four rams to $4500, averaging $2875, KA Campbell & Family, Tumby Bay, four to $1600, averaging $1500 and Bill Drew, Appila, four to $1600, averaging $1300.

Landmark auctioneer Richard Miller said the sale attracted a large gallery of bidders and onlookers.

"There was strong competition on all types - stud ewes, stud rams and flock rams selling to a large range of areas and climates," Mr Miller said.

Ardene principal Bruce Hodgson described their result as "phenomenal".

"It was great to see such a large crowd showing interest in the breed," he said.

"There were a large number of new clients."

The sale was conducted by Landmark Fawcett.