“Bundara Downs receives big lift”
On the back of a very average season in the Western Flat area this year, there were no expectations
of buoyancy in the 19th annual Bundara Downs White Suffolk and Poll Dorset sale last Friday. In fact
a light sprinkling of rain during the sale was jokingly referred to as a major rain event. However, the
rainbow that came with it must have had the mythical ‘pot of gold’ at the end of it for there was a
considerably improved sale result with a 25% lift in sale gross from last year to $245,350 for the 246
of 280 rams that sold. That clearance rate was up 15% with 20 more rams finding new homes and
the overall average was up 15% to $997.36.
With 50 registered bidders from three states to take care of the 280 rams offered in such a season,
the vendors Steve, Ros, Greg and Selena Funke had some anxiety pre-sale, but obviously a majority
of their clients are experiencing better seasons in their area, plus the positivity in the sheep industry
markets at present gave them the confidence to compete strongly for their rams of choice.
The only downturn was in the top price, but that was marginal, from $2200 down to $2000. The
compensatory element was that high of $2000 was achieved three times, twice for White Suffolk
stud rams and once for a Poll Dorset specially selected ram. All three went to Western Australian
purchasers. The two White Suffolks were purchased by Alan and Kelly Manton, Manton Farming,
Yealering, buying through Landmark Pingelly. The Poll Dorset went to Tipperary Farming Enterprises
through Elders at Geraldton.
Allan Piggott, Illoura stud, Moorlands purchased two elite performance rams, one from each breed
for stud purposes, but from there the balance of buying support came from predominately
commercial producers from the south-east of SA and the western district of Victoria.
The attraction for these producers was undoubtedly the fantastic verifiable performance of the
Bundara Downs rams, with a vast majority having Carcase Plus indices in the high 180s to over 200.
To offer this number of rams at this elite industry level is a real credit to the Funke family.
The standout commercial purchaser was the Schwarz family, Muston Creek, Hamilton. They have
been buying from Bundara Downs for around seven years, purchasing mainly White Suffolks to go
over their 8500 first cross ewes, aiming at the 24kg carcase weight and higher market over the
hooks. Their Landmark agent, Robert Lovell described them as quiet achievers, but they were
certainly conspicuous in this sale. Leon Schwarz and son Tim purchased 43 top rams; 36 White
Suffolks and seven Poll Dorsets at an average of $1065.
Operating on Poll Dorset rams only, Ben and Angela Stark accompanied by sons Sam and Archie,
Stark Grazing, Stewarts Range purchased 15 of the best at a $1073 average. They breed their own
first cross dams and target the export heavyweight lamb market, selling half as suckers and carrying
the rest through to heavier weights on fodder crops.
Bingamon Holdings, Kaniva and bidding through Stuart Kyle, Westech Ag Kyle Livestock got the sale
off in a strong way, purchasing lot 1 White Suffolk for $1800, then bidding on most of the White
Suffolk top rams before securing their four rams by lot 23 at a $1600 average. Feder Farming,
Lillimur, Vic were also strong on the top lots and likewise, they purchased four top of the catalogue
lots at a $1650 average. Included in their purchases was the RFDS lot 19 ram for $1700. The Funke
family has donated the proceeds of one of their rams each year to the Royal Flying Doctor Service,
with the accumulated tally coming in just shy of $20,000 over the years. Rex Staude accepted the
donation on behalf of the RFDS.
Richard Harvey, PPH&S Naracoorte was purchasing agent for 17 rams for three client accounts at an
$835 average. Also operating through PPH&S Naracoorte were TG & D Mulraney, Edenhope who
purchased 11 rams at a $755 average.
Other prominent buyers included AS & SJ Lowe, Bordertown, through Spence Dix & Co, eight rams
average $1025; GA & MS Craig, through Arcadian Wool’s Rob Carberry, eight value rams average
$638; Karwin Nominees, Field through Spence, Dix & Co, seven rams average $1086; Moonmera
Props, Keith through SAL Keith, seven rams average $757; PA & MA Thorpe, Kingston through Elders
Bordertown, seven rams average $729; Raminian Pty Ltd, Brinkley through Prostock, six rams
average $886; and Kennett Farms through Spence, Dix & Co, six rams average $817.
Sale Summary
Stud rams
White Suffolks 6 of 6 sold to $2000 and average $1883
Poll Dorsets
2 of 2 sold to $1500 and average $1450
Specially Selected rams White Suffolks 10 of 10 sold to $1800 and average $1610
Poll Dorsets
Flock rams
10 of 10 sold to $2000 and average $1500
White Suffolks 164 of 192 sold to $1900 and average $903
Poll Dorsets
54 of 60 sold to $1500 and average $962
Sale agents: Elders & SAL
Auctioneers: Laryn Gogel (SAL), Tom Penna and Dean Coddington (Elders)
Bundara Downs principal Steve Funke (right) is with the major buyers at their White Suffolk and Poll
Dorset ram sale, Tim and Leon Schwarz, Muston Creek, Hamilton and their agent Robert Lovell,
Landmark Hamilton (left). They purchased 43 rams.
Prominent volume buyers in the Poll Dorset section of the Bundara Downs ram sale were Angela and
Ben Stark and sons Sam and Archie, Stark Grazing, Stewarts Range. They purchased 15 top rams and
are with Bundara Downs’ Greg Funke.
These two White Suffolk rams sold for the equal top price of $2000 at the Bundara Downs ram sale,
both going to Manton Farming, Yealering, WA. Pictured with them are Brenton Hendriks, Elders
Bordertown, Steve Funke, Laryn Gogel, SAL Naracoorte and Greg Funke.
This White Suffolk ram sold for $1700 at the Bundara Downs ram sale with proceeds donated by the
Funke family to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Pictured are Rex Staude representing RFDS, Greg
Funke, Brenton Hendriks (Elders) and Laryn Gogel (SAL).