Gemini Summer Sale Sizzles With the help and support of many caring friends, Craig, Emily and Chloe Mitchell went ahead with their 7th Annual Summer Ram Lamb White Suffolk sale, that decision rewarded with an exceptional result.

It was certainly a deeply emotional lead-up to the sale since the tragic loss of Craig’s wife Rosalie, Emily and Chloe’s mother, in a rail crossing accident late last year, but the planning and hard work she had a major influence in was well rewarded and a big comfort for the family.

Eighty five of the catalogued 7 to 8 month old ram lambs sold at auction to a top of $2300 and averaged a superb $1464. The day ended even better than that though, with another eight selling immediately afterwards at $800 each. All purchasers were spring lambing commercial producers, indicating the confidence in the lamb industry at present.

With Michael Glasser, GTSM wielding the auctioneer’s hammer, bids came thick and fast throughout the sale, with 10 ram lambs reaching $2000 or better, including two at the $2300 top.

Good sales often have great value at the front end as many buyers wait to see where the market settles before bidding seriously, and this was certainly the case in this sale.

Bungeeltap Pty Ltd, Macedon jumped in to grab all three in the first pen on the first hammer at $1600 each, and from there it only got stronger. They were one of the strongest bidders throughout and bid successfully on 12 ram lambs, paying to $2100 and averaging $1558.

The $2300 top was first reached at lot 24 for Gemini 170243Tw, being purchased by Noel Lubcke and his daughter Megan, Winchelsea. Sired by G160103, this very well balanced and correct youngster was supported by great Lambplan figures of Bwt 0.4, Pwwt 16.4, Pfat 0.1, Pemd 1.9 and a Carcase Plus index of 202. The Lubckes purchased three very select ram lambs at a $2100 average.

Lot 25 saw the top equalled when G170280Tw by the same sire sold to Leo Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Family Trust, Willaura. A first time Gemini purchaser, he bid strongly throughout, selecting six ram lambs at a $1383 average. This equal sale topper exceeded the previous ram’s performance level for growth at 19.0 for Pwwt, plus had a Carcase Plus index of 212.

The biggest volume buyer was Langi Willi Pty Ltd, Skipton and operating through TB White, Ballarat. They purchased 15 ram lambs, topping at $1800 and averaging $1547. Their top purchases were for all three in the second last pen of the day as they chased the numbers they needed, but there was little variance in quality right through the offering, these three averaging 199.3 on the Carcase Plus index.

After the Gemini Spring Sale, Craig and Rosalie Mitchell made the decision to make an annual donation of the proceeds of a ram lamb in this sale to the Inverleigh and Districts Good Friday Appeal. That decision was honoured with the offering of G170048Tw at lot 18, that ram being one of the best and having a C+ index of 205. It made $2200 with total proceeds, including GTSM commission going to the Appeal. The supporting successful bidder was Dweal Pty Ltd, ‘The Grange’, Tatyoon. They later purchased another ram lamb at $1800.

Glenample Pty Ltd, Princetown was another very prominent bidder, purchasing seven ram lambs to a top of $2000 and at an $1814 average.

Meek Family Trust, Shelford were very strong bidders on the ram lambs they selected, winning the bidding on four to a top of $2000 and averaging $1850.

Also purchasing four rams each were Heatherbank Pastoral Co, Westmere (ave $1150) and Jenbach Pty Ltd, Pittong (ave $950).

It is always pleasing to see top quality rewarded, but especially so for the Mitchell family in the circumstances leading up to the sale.

Auction Summary 2018 2017 Offered 88 72 Sold 85 69 Top $2300 (x2) $1750 Average $1464 $1115 Agents: GTSM Auctioneer: Michael Glasser

Pictured with the two $2300 equal top priced White Suffolk ram lambs at the Gemini Summer sale are Leo Fitzpatrick, Willaura with Emily Mitchell holding his purchase, Chloe Mitchell holding the ram lamb purchased by Megan and Noel Lubcke, Winchelsea. At the back in the dais are GTSM auctioneer Michael Glasser and Gemini principal Craig Mitchell.

All the wonderful helpers who greatly assisted Craig, Emily & Chloe with preparations for this sale.