Tri-state bidding produces average lift at Bundara Downs' marathon ram sale
Some strong bidding from three states ensured a healthy clearance at Bundara Downs' 30th annual production sale at Western Flat and a lift in average across all three terminal sire breeds.
In one of SA's biggest on-property sale catalogues, Steve and Ros, Greg and Selena Funke sold 293 White Suffolks, Poll Dorsets and of Suffolks of 346 which went through the ring for a $1496 average.
In comparison in 2025 , 273 of 347 rams averaged $1265.
The highlight was the White Suffolks with 201 of these 237 knocked down for a $1524 average, while 86 of 89 Poll Dorsets averaged $1417.
It was the end of an era with the final offering of Suffolks after the stud's ewes were dispersed in May.
Unfortunately it was not the farewell that the Funkes may have hoped for with only six of 20 lots averaging $1667.
Karen and Mark Dennis, Kurrabi Park stud, Koppio paid the $4000 sale high twice- securing lot 6 in the White Suffolks and the first of the Suffolks- lot 331.
"When you are trying to buy rams you are always a big anxious but to pick up both for just $4000 is good buying as far as we are concerned, "Mr Dennis said.
The June 2025 drop White Suffolk, tag number 258856, was a son of Leahcim 230477 and had impressive figures including a Terminal Carcase Production index of 161.5 and Lamb Eating Quality index of 165.2.
"He had the figures we were looking for to keep us moving forward with the combination of growth, muscle and was a pretty good structured ram," Mark said.
It was fitting the Dennises picked up one of the last Suffolk rams with Bundara Downs buying its foundation ewes from Kurrabi Park about 15 years ago.
This ram, which was sired by Karinya 233187, had some impressive Lambplan figures including a post weaning weight of 19.0.
"Steve has pushed the muscling side in Suffolks. We are keen to keep that in our flock without having to head to the west," Mr Dennis said.
A high of $2000 was reached seven times in the Poll Dorset offering with the volume buyer CR&MM England, Keilira. They took home 20 rams for a $1440 average.
Many of the bids throughout the nearly three hour sale were online with 39 lots knocked down through AuctionsPlus to seven different bidders from SA, Vic and WA.
Leading the online charge was Karwin Nominees, Field which bought 12 rams.
This included lot 19 in which the proceeds were donated by the Funkes to the Tatiara Royal Flying Doctor Service Support Group. The ram made $2200.
RFDS support group president Karen Hunt says she is so appreciative of the Funke family for their generous annual donation which has tallied up to more than $40,000 over the years.
"It has helped us over the past 25 years raise more than one million dollars from our little group, we couldn't have done that without community support and donations such as this," she said.
You really hope that you never have to use the plane but if you do it will be there."
The sale's biggest buyer among the 33 registered bidders in the stands was McBride Operations, They secured 53 White Suffolks for a $1196 average for their Telopea Downs properties on the SA-Vic border.
Going head to head on many of the same lots were Elders Lucindale agent Nathan McCarthy who bought 26 rams on behalf of RG&R Legoe, Lucindale for a $1420 average.
Elders auctioneer Laryn Gogel - who shared the rostrum with Ronnie Dix- said it was always a challenge to present such a big offering of rams and commended the Funkes for their line-up.
"We have to remember that these rams were born in a drought and weaned in a drought," he said.
"I couldn't fault the rams as they came through, they are consistent for the type of rams we usually see here at Bundara Downs.
"The data is as good as you find in any program and it matches the sheep."
Mr Gogel noted that there was some apprehension among sheep breeders in determining the number of rams they needed for the season. This may have impacted on clearance rates.
"With the state in a rebuild phase many producers are still working out how many ewes they will have to join- that will become clear in the next six weeks," she said.
Bundara Downs will hold its final sale for the year on October 9 with about 90 Ultrawhite rams on offer.
