Farrer Memorial White Suffolk rams top at $6800 and sell as far as WA on structure and growth
Summary
White Suffolk rams from Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School's annual Tamworth sale attracted buyers as far away as Western Australia when it was held on September 2. Farrer sold 39 of 47 rams to a top of $6800 and an average of $1743, with all passed-in lots clearing after the sale, results that eased on the previous year's $9600 top and $2321 average amid a tougher season. The top-priced ram, Farrer 250032, was a long-bodied sire noted for smooth shoulders and neck extension, sired by Farrer 230076, with Australian sheep breeding values (ASBVs) placing intramuscular fat (IMF) in the top 5 per cent, shear force in the top 1 per cent and post-weaning growth in the top 10 per cent; it sold to a Walcha buyer for $6800 who valued its structure and low birth weight. The second top-priced ram, Farrer 250040, made $5600 to a Girilambone operation, ranking in the top 1 per cent for both IMF and shear force and the top 5 per cent for worm resistance. Another notable ram made $5400, ranking top 1 per cent for shear, top 5 per cent for IMF and top 10 per cent for post-weaning eye muscle depth. Rams sold across New South Wales, while a Western Australian buyer secured five to a top of $4200 and a $1720 average, and another 10 rams went to an undisclosed volume buyer at a $1000 average. Rams were finished to around 100 kilograms and offered under a Helmsman auction system with online support.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price | $6800 |
| Rams sold | 39 of 47 |
| Sale average | $1743 |
| Second top price | $5600 |
| Previous year top price | $9600 |
| Previous year average | $2321 |
| WA buyer | 5 rams, top $4200, avg $1720 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Farrer White Suffolk sale?
The top-priced ram, Farrer 250032, sold for $6800. It ranked top 5 per cent for IMF, top 1 per cent for shear force and top 10 per cent for post-weaning growth.
How many rams sold and at what average?
Farrer sold 39 of 47 rams to an average of $1743. All passed-in lots were sold after the sale concluded.
How did results compare with last year?
Results eased on the previous year amid a tougher season. Last year's sale reached a $9600 top and a $2321 average.
What was the second top price?
The second top-priced ram, Farrer 250040, made $5600. It ranked top 1 per cent for both IMF and shear force and top 5 per cent for worm resistance.
Did any rams travel interstate?
Yes. Rams sold across New South Wales, and a Western Australian buyer secured five to a top of $4200 and a $1720 average.
How heavy were the rams?
The rams were finished to around 100 kilograms. They had been run on pasture and oats before extra feed lifted their weights ahead of the sale.
How was the sale conducted?
It was offered under a Helmsman auction system at Tamworth. Online support was provided by AuctionsPlus.
