Vortex celebrates strong sale result as demand for sheep genetics returns

A strong season and renewed confidence in the sheep industry helped deliver a strong result for Vortex White Suffolk and Charollais stud at its recent ram sale.

The Goorambat East stud sold 107 of 119 rams at the Benalla Showgrounds, with 56 White Suffolk rams averaging $1588 and 51 Charollais rams averaging $1804.

The sale achieved an overall average of $1691 and topped at $4400 for a Charollais ram, Lot 5, which sold to Mike and Theresa Saegenschnitter, Keyneton, SA.

The top-priced White Suffolk was Lot 22, selling for $2600 to D and M Collins, Tennyson, through AuctionsPlus.

Vortex stud principals Daniel Hooper and Imogen O'Brien said the result reflected the improving confidence returning to the sheep industry following several challenging years.

Mr Hooper said the stud had endured a difficult period during the lamb industry downturn in 2022 and 2023, when many producers exited sheep, followed by dry seasonal conditions that had also restricted progress.

However, he said a favourable season and strong conditions over the past 12 months had brought renewed optimism, with producers beginning to rebuild their flocks and invest in genetics.

"We've had a tough couple of years, but after a good season and a great 12 months, things are really starting to move along," he said.

"People are getting back into sheep, and if it keeps raining, the sheep industry will thrive.

"There are still plenty of ewe numbers that need to be rebuilt, so it's a great time to be in sheep."

The stud has a long history in sheep breeding, with its White Suffolk operation established by Daniel's father, Robert Hooper, in 1989.

The family expanded its breeding program in 2013, introducing Charollais genetics by joining pure Charollais rams over some of its best White Suffolk ewes.

Since then, the stud has continued developing its Charollais program alongside its established White Suffolk operation, focusing on producing rams that meet the requirements of commercial producers.

Mr and Mrs Saegenschnitter made the 10-hour journey from South Australia to attend the sale and secure the top ram, as well as Lot 50 for $2200.

Although not operating a registered Charollais stud, the Saegenschnitters have been progressively breeding up their flock, currently running about 60 ewes and reaching F3 generations.

They said their breeding approach had similarities to Vortex, using White Suffolk genetics as the foundation for introducing Charollais characteristics.

They said they were seeking an outside sire to further develop their flock, with a particular focus on short, tight skin, depth, width, shape and figures that complemented their breeding objectives.

The couple also run pure White Suffolks, which continue to play an important role in their breeding program, and have rams of their own available for sale.

Jess and Joan Conlan, Tumbywood Pty Ltd, Elmore, purchased five Charollais lots to average $2860.

The pair were also the underbidders on the top-priced ram.

The Conlans operate a sucker lamb enterprise, breeding their own rams and joining them to composite ewes to produce lambs for growth and meat production.

Ms Conlan said the newly purchased Vortex rams would be joined to their Primeline ewes as they looked to introduce fresh genetics into their existing breeding program.

She said they were seeking rams with muscle, lean meat yield and early maturity to join to their 1500 ewes.

She said the rams presented at Vortex aligned with the traits they were looking for, particularly their muscle and shape, as well as their ability to mature early.

The purchases marked the Conlans' first time buying from Vortex, with the intention of introducing new bloodlines over ewes bred from their own rams.

In the White Suffolk offering, T and S Evans, Tatong, were the volume buyers, securing 11 rams at an average of $1491.

Rodwells agent Daniel Fischer praised the quality of the offering, describing it as the best run of rams he had seen throughout the year.

"You would go a long way to find a better example of the breeds, presented as magnificently as these were," Mr Fischer said.

The 12 rams that remained unsold following the auction are available for private sale.

The sale was conducted by Rodwells Benalla.