Record prices paid for Mangahauhau

The Candy family from Mangahauhau Hampshires, (from left) Matt (16) Rose and Mark, enjoyed a total clearance, and two sales that rocketed past their previous sale record mark yesterday in their sale at the Matawhero saleyards. A ram in their top pen sold to stud in the South Island for $3400.Pictures by Murray Robertson

What a day for Mark and Rose Candy from Mangahauhau Hampshires ,Hangaroa yesterday when two of their young rams sold to stud for two new records Mangahauhau prices.

The number one pick in their first pen in their 75-strong yarding rocketed up to $3400, a new Mangahauhau stud record price.

It eclipsed their existing record price set last year of $2000.

Then along came pen two and another outstanding price, with the top pick in that pen selling for $3000.

The highest-priced animal was bought by a Canterbury stud, and the second top price by a stud from Whanganui.   There was a total clearance, and the average was $832.

Some South Suffocks and Hampshire variants from Mangahauhau also sold well.

Mark Candy said in his welcome that they had invested heavily in genetics.

“The experts are saying that our ewes are some of the best they’ve ever seen.”

He and his wife were rapt with how the sale went.

“It was a bit tougher than normal, but that’s a reflection of the schedule at the moment.

“We were very happy to get two away for such big money, to have set a new record top price for our rams.”

PGG Wrightson livestock genetics representative Emma Pollitt said the Candy’s rams just keep getting “better and better”.

“I think it was a very steady sale in what is proving to be a fairly challenging year.

“It shows the popularity of the Hampshire breed is increasing.”

Auctioneer Neville Clark said at the outset of the sale that Mark and Rose should be congratulated for their performance with their rams. “Their line-up for the sale was a testament to them for the way they have brought them through. They’re hill country sheep, farmed naturally.”

As for the current market conditions, Mr Clark had this to say.

“It’s a bit tricky at the moment, but it’ll turn.

“You’ve got to be positive, ladies and gentlemen. The world needs protein and we’re the best at it.”

Te Ruanui Poll Dorsets will present their line-up of rams for sale at the Matawhero saleyards next Friday.