Fifty-four rams cleared from 77 offered with a top of $2800 twice and average of $1638 at the Highveld International Australian White sheep summer production sale last Tuesday.
Mark and Heather Johnson, Dunroven, Harden and Ivan Uebergang, Gorae West, Victoria shared the top-price for their rams.
Ivan Uebergang, a first time commercial buyer, purchased his 16 month-old, 86 kilogram ram who had an eye muscle depth (EMD) of 34 millimetres and fat depth of 3.5mm to a top of $2800.
He also purchased an 87kg, 16 month-old ram for $1600.
“We are brand new into this type of sheep, it is our first foray into them,” Mr Uebergang said.
We are brand new into this type of sheep, it is our first foray into them
- Ivan Uebergang
“As this is a completely new venture, we are hoping to also go home with about 150 ewes to cover. We want to breed purebreds to eliminate our handling work at home.”
Return purchasers, the Johnsons said they return because they like the style of sheep. They purchased their 16 month-old, 94kg, 34mm EMD and a fat depth of 3mm ram to equal top-price.
“He was long, had good soft flesh and was well muscled, he should produce early finishing, meaty lambs,” Mr Johnson said.
“His influence will be easy care without any loss of meat production and lower running costs.”
Volume and return buyer, Peter Saunders, “Kellys Creek”, Longreach, Queensland, runs a commercial enterprise that is looking to turn off store lambs. They purchased a total of 11 rams for an average of $2145.
Mr Saunders said they hadn’t been there for a few years due to drought, but they needed more rams now and are happy with the way they perform.
“We like the temperament, they are quick maturing and they give us an early turn off,” he said.
Alan Baron, Highveld International, Mendooran, said they had a lot of repeat buyers but also new faces - new people in Australian Whites.
“It was a highlight to see someone who is new into the breed pick up one of the best rams of the draft for the top price,” Mr Baron said.
“Our February sale is quite repeatable every year, It is settling to a pattern. It is more of a commercial sale than a stud sale, we generally get buyers from both NSW and QLD if there is rain.”
The sale was conducted by Landmark with John Settree at the rostrum.
