White Suffolks
Stud rams: 6 offered and sold to $2000 av $1466
Special selected rams: 10 offered and sold to $1800 av $1410
Flock rams: 200 offered 170 sold to $1400 av $762
Poll Dorsets
Stud rams: 2 offered and sold to $1400 av $1350
Special selected rams: 10 offered and sold to $1400 av $1120
Flock rams: 56 offered 41 sold to $1300 av $778
Prime lamb producers from South Australia and Victoria paid and average of $830 for 239 White Suffolk and Poll Dorset rams at the 16th annual Bundara Downs sale at Western Flat near Bordertown, SA.
Buyers appreciated the consistent quality throughout the catalogue creating a strong clearance despite seasonal and industry challenges.
The fact that all lots had at least one Lambplan and/or Index Value above the terminal breeds’ average also contributed to the strong demand according to stud co-principal Steve Funke.
“One of our best sales considering industry conditions,” he said.
“We have had better sales but to move 239 rams in a tough year is exceptional and existing and new clients appreciated the large catalogue that sold at affordable prices.”
The strong average was achieved despite a top price of only $2000 paid for a White Suffolk ram by Doug and Annette Hobson, Banjanda stud, Burrumbeet, Vic.
The Stark family, Naracoorte, SA, was a big buyer of Poll Dorset rams taking 22 to $1300.
Another major buyer was long time user of Bundara Downs rams, Leon Schwartz from Hamilton, Vic, who took home 16 rams.
The Will family from Bangham, SA, bought 12 rams including the top priced Poll Dorset at $1400.
Agents Richard Harvie and Simon Mulraney between them bought 43 rams on behalf of clients.
The Royal Flying Doctors Service was again the recipient of proceeds from one lot at $1400 bringing the total donated to this cause to $13,750.
Elders conducted the sale with auctioneer Laryn Gogel praising the eveness of the offering.
“The White Suffolks were consistent from front to back while the Poll Dorsets were the best line-up the Funkes have put up as far a depth, type and style”, he said.