SUNNYBANKS, FARADAY PARK AND SUNNYLANDS
*22 of 30 Poll Dorset rams sold to a top of $1100, av $780
*10 of 20 White Suffolk rams sold to a top of $1300, av $780
*Total clearance of eight Charollais and Charollais-cross rams to a top of $1100, av $900
IT WAS the best ever lineup of rams at Sunnybanks, Faraday Park and Sunnylands’ ram sale in Penguin, Tasmania, last week, according to the stud principal and agents.
The studs, run by stud principal Paul Day, offered 59 Poll Dorset, White Suffolk, pure Charollais, and Charollais-cross rams, selling to a 69 per cent clearance rate, and hitting an overall sale average of $870.
The highest price of the sale was received for a White Suffolk ram, and was purchased by RE & RA Davey, Cressy, Tas.
The biggest volume buyers of the day, taking home 15 rams of all breeds, were DM & K Ford, Cressy, Tas.
Mr Day said the sale followed a large amount of success at a few big shows.
“We have had great show success at Adelaide and Bendigo,” Mr Day said.
“We sold five White Suffolks at Adelaide, to a top of $11,000 for our junior champion ram, and then we sold eight Poll Dorsets and six White Suffolks at Bendigo.”
He said this year’s impressive lineup was a result of years of development.
“Every year we strive to improve our genetics, through artificial insemination and a lot of embryo work, sourcing the best genetics,” he said.
He said the Charollais rams sold really well, of which he runs with Nigel Wade, Capelands Poll Dorset stud, Wynyard.
“They sold really well, we had a complete clearance, and we’ll be having another on-property sale for them in February, where we’ll offer another 50,” he said.
Webb and Woodiwiss Livestock Marketing co-director Reg Woodiwiss said the sale lacked a few big buyers, despite the strong offering.
“Every year they get better, I would say the White Suffolks were the best they’ve ever been, so it was disappointing to not sell a few more,” Mr Woodiwiss said.
