Bidders chase rare buying opportunities at Bundara Downs Suffolk dispersal

It was a fitting end to more than a decade of Suffolk breeding at the Funke family's Bundara Downs Suffolk ewe dispersal sale at Western Flat on Friday last week.

Buyers from four states flocked to Bundara Downs to secure lots in a spirited auction that attracted a wide field of competition, from seasoned stud owners to first-time bidders.

Overall, there were 100 ewes sold from 107 offered, topping at $3400 for lot 80 and averaging $1317.

The top-priced ewe was a proven performer from the 2020 and 2021-drop ewe offering.

Scanned in lamb with twins, the ewe had a Terminal Carcase Production Index of 146.

Jon Sutherland, Sayla Park Suffolks, Willowmavin, Vic, was the buyer for his decade-old stud. While he had never purchased from Bundara Downs before, he said the dispersal opportunity was too good to not take up.

"A dispersal of this kind is a rare opportunity," he said.

Mr Sutherland said the top-priced ewe stood out to him for its overall balance and longevity.

Long-time client Malcolm Schaefer, of the Skallemaro Suffolk stud based at Wisanger on Kangaroo Island, was the volume buyer, as well as taking home the second-highest priced ewe.

Mr Schaefer said the sale presented an outstanding opportunity for him as using Bundara Downs genetics was producing fantastic results on-farm, including lambs with massive weight gains of up to 600 grams a day.

"I've been getting great results so it gives me the confidence to bid up," he said.

"It's also a great chance to buy ewes that are industry-leading."

Mr Schaefer said that as well as the impressive weight gains, big eye muscles were another trait he admired in the Bundara Downs stock.

Overall, Mr Schaefer took home 17 ewes at an average of $1835.

He also bought the second-highest-priced ewe at $3300 from the 2021-drop offering. Its Terminal Carcase Production index figure was 153.4.

Mr Schaefer said it was a great time to be in the sheep industry.

"There's a bit of extra cash around at the moment, so I think it's a great time to invest in the best genetics you can," he said.

Mr Schaefer was not the only Islander providing strong bidding support, with E&AC Fogden, Parndana, buying 10 ewes to $1100, averaging $960.

Interstate buyers included Brett Stokes, NobleLee Suffolk stud, Campania, Tas, who bought two ewes towards the top of the catalogue, one at $3000 and the other at $2900.

Another Tas buyer, the Cardello White Suffolk and Cote Hele Suffolk stud, Deloraine, put a team of four together, bidding up to $1800 and averaging $1500.

Victorian buyers GL&MJ Grant, Darlington, also bought near the top of the sale, taking one ewe at $3100 and another at $1600.

Brian Kirby, Wynnum West, Qld, took six ewes to $1300, averaging $1200.

South Australian stud interest came from Chris Rudiger, Elton Downs, Karoonda, with three ewes averaging $1133, and Leigh Whicker, Scottsburn Suffolks, Woodside, with seven averaging $1128.

Five ewes, averaging $1540, did not have far to travel from Bundara Downs, as they were bought by nearby stud owner Alastair Day, Allendale, Bordertown.

First-time buyer Sarah Densley, Bordertown, took advantage of having a great buying opportunity so close to home, snapping up four ewes, which she hopes could one day provide a base for her own stud.

"I've been to previous Bundara Downs sales and spent school holidays working with them," she said.

Steve Funke started off breeding Hampshire Downs in 1991 and moved into Suffolks in 2015.

He said the breed stood out to him for its positive fat and being well-muscled.

Mr Funke said while he was sad to say goodbye to the Suffolks, he was very pleased with the auction result.

"To be recognised by some very astute studs and have them buying our sheep is a very big tick for us," he said.

"I'm very humbled at the result and grateful for the recognition and support."

He said with the Suffolk breeding, his focus was on good muscling, positive fat and good growth.

Mr Funke said a major highlight from his time breeding Hampshire Downs and Suffolks was 35 years of involvement with the Australian Stud Sheep Breeders Association.

The sale was conducted by Elders with Laryn Gogel and Tony Wetherall sharing auctioneering duties.

Mr Gogel said it was a great opportunity for buyers to secure industry-leading genetics.

"If you look at the data, you can see it's some of the best you can come across," he said.

Mr Gogel said it was fantastic to see such a wide spread of bidding competition at the sale.

"It was an outstanding result and reflects the fact it was a complete dispersal, so you know you're buying from the top," he said.

"It was great to see bidding come from prominent studs to first-time buyers."