AWN On February 1st, 2025, the Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association of Victoria hosted their premier Ewe Sale at the Kyneton Saleyards. Interfaced with AuctionsPlus, the event showcased the best Suffolk breeding ewes in the country and drew a strong crowd of both stud and commercial buyers.
There was a strong attendance, with 27 registered buyers on-site and a further 20 registered online via AuctionsPlus.
The auction, conducted by AWN‘s Scott Thrift, proved a resounding success, exceeding expectations despite the challenging seasonal conditions impacting much of Victoria and Southern NSW.
Feedback on the event was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the smooth organisation and professional execution.
The sale achieved an 80% clearance rate across the 110 lots offered. Competition was particularly strong for the stud ewes, with lots 11 and 12 from Hopea Suffolk Stud achieving the equal top price of $1050.
These ewes were purchased by Darren Griffiths of Kilmore, who was very pleased with the quality of stock on offer. Other stud ewes attracted strong bidding, with prices ranging from $400 to $600, reflecting the demand for specific traits and genetics from breeders looking to establish or enhance their studs.
Some attendees felt that initial prices for commercial ewes might have been slightly optimistic, but vendors with realistic expectations were rewarded with pleasing results. A highlight of the day was the sale of the Blue Rock Ram for $3000.
Scott Thrift commented, “I would like to congratulate all the vendors for their preparation of their sheep under the current conditions. And also a big thank you to both Deva Whiteman & Sarah Correa for all their help to pull this sale together and thanks to the Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association of Victoria for entrusting the sale to AWN Rural. Looking forward to working in 2026 at Kyneton.”
The success of the 2025 auction builds on the momentum of the 2024 Suffolk Supreme, which has now been confirmed as an annual online event by the federal council. With a few minor tweaks to the eligible shows for 2025, the competition will continue to celebrate and promote excellence in Suffolk breeding.
Australia’s Largest Suffolk Ewe Sale Results – Kyneton, February 1st, 2025:
- Top Price Ewes: $1050 (Lots 11 & 12, Hopea Suffolk Stud)
- Purchaser: Darren Griffiths, Kilmore
- Stud Ewe Prices: $400 – $600
- Commercial Ewe Prices: Up to $300
- Blue Rock Ram: $3000
- Clearance Rate: 80%
- Lots Offered: 110
- Registered Buyers: 27 (on-site), 20 (AuctionsPlus)
For more information about the sale, contact: Scott Thrift – AWN Stud Stock & Sheep Specialist 0438 660 670
