Total clearance of Mangahauhau rams at Gisborne sale

Mark and Rose Candy from Mangahauhau Hampshires enjoyed a total clearance in their sale at Matawhero on Friday, and the top animal sold for $3400. Photo / Emma Pollitt

The Gisborne district’s first major ram sale of the season on Friday saw Mangahauhau Hampshires from Hangaroa enjoy a total clearance and a high price of $3400.

Mark and Rose Candy put up 81 Hampshire and South Suffolk head at the Matawhero Saleyards, sold 79 at auction and the other two immediately afterwards.

Their average was $1620, which Mark Candy said was “up there” with their best.

The $3400 ram was sold to Ranui Angus from Whanganui.

“It was a good sale for us. Rose and I are very happy with it.”

PGG Wrightson Livestock genetic representative Emma Pollitt said the outcome represented strong local support for Hampshire and South Suffolk rams.

“Flurried bidding made for a quick sale that was the accumulation of years of disciplined selection and management by the Candy family,” she said.

“Plenty of bidders were return purchasers, which in itself speaks volumes.”

Pollitt said sustained confidence in “the sheep job” is providing opportunity for lamb breeders to invest in genetics they see value in, improving outcomes into the future.

Te Ruanui Polled Dorsets from Waerenga-o-Kuri will present its lineup for sale at Matawhero on Friday.