A STRONG turnout of interested buyers attended the Franco and Parson Hill stud sale on Friday, but buying was disappointing with only 17 from 31 Bulls sold.
In saying that the average of 17 sold went to $4264 grossing $72,500.
All the EU certified commercial female lots sold well with 31 cows PTIC with calves at foot averaging $2010 to gross $62,500 and 31 heifers PTIC averaging $1255 to gross $38,925.
Franco Legend L622, the first son of Sugarloaf Haymaker bought by the stud last year at Wodonga for the top bid of $41,000 and reputed to throw true to type, attracted plenty of attention before the sale with stud principal Frank Hannigan saying it was the first time the operation had offered a 14 month old bull for sale.
However it was passed in with bids reaching $12,000 or $3000 shy of reserve.
Top selling bull, Franco Jaywalker by Mawarra Vice Regal, purchased by the stud for $21,000, went to Robyn and Michael Hickey, Aberfoyle via Armidale, to complement their straight Hereford herd.
They also bought rising two year old Franco Kenmore for $3500.
“We’ve tried Angus and Santa Gertrudis,” said Mr Hickey. “But we think Hereford is better for fertility and weight gain.”
Next highest bid went to three year old Parson Hill Jasper, making $6000 to Bernie and Leanne Grogan, Tenterfield, while Jim and Jan Smith, Townview Pastoral, Urbenville – running a successful Hereford/ Santa commercial herd – also bid to $6000 for two year old Franco Krusader as well as $5500 for three year old Parson Hill Jeronimo.
Jim’s brother John, from Woodenbong was surprised at this year’s sale result, saying he simply had no need for more bulls but noted the quality on offer.
“We breed Santa cross Hereford and find them fantastic,” he said. “But you’ve got to have the good Hereford base to breed the true cross.”
“People are finding the Hereford breed again,” said Franco principal Frank Hannigan. “They are recognising that fertility is important.
“Hereford continue to calve in the worst drought and people are finding that calves on the ground every year are worth more than just frame and weight. During the lifetime of a Hereford there are more kilos on the ground.”
Friday’s sale was conducted by Casino auctioneers Ramsey and Bulmer with George and Furhmann and digital outlet Elite Livestock.
