A HIGH of $21,000 and a record average was achieved at the eight annual Knowla Livestock on-property sale at “Kanangara”, Gloucester, on Saturday.
Fifty three of the 54 bulls offered by the Laurie family sold in the auction, with the remaining bull sold immediately after the sale for a full clearance.
In the sale breakdown, 34 two-year-old bulls topped at $18,000 and averaged $9941, 15 yearling bulls sold for a top of $21,000 and average of $9933, and six composite bulls topped at $6000 and averaged $4416.
Knowla Lancaster L03, a 18-month-old son of EF Complement 8088 and Knowla Designer E29, sold to repeat client, and the buyer of last year’s top bull, Elliott McKinnon, “Dales”, Merriwa. He weighed 728 kilograms, had a scrotal circumference of 38 centimetres, and estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +3.6 for birthweight, +116 for 600-day weight and +6 for eye muscle area (EMA).
Mr McKinnon also purchased Knowla Kiwi K41, for $18,000. The 25-month-old bull, by Matauri Reality 839 from Knowla Designer H15, weighed 852kg, measured 38cm in the scrotum, and had EBVs of +2.8 for birthweight and +112 for 600-day weight.
Mr McKinnon said he was after low birthweight bulls with strong growth traits for a commercial herd producing feeder steers.
“We’re looking for explosive growth,” he said.
Knowla Kokoda K51, by Peakes In Focus G57 from Knowla Doris G17, sold to Darryl and Mavis Johnston, “Invergordon”, Gloucester, for $18,000. The 25-month-old bull measured was the heaviest in the sale, weighing 886kg. He measured 42cm in the scrotum and had EBVs of +127 for 600-day weight and +5.5 for EMA.
Agent Gavin Beard, Landmark Scone, was the sale’s volume buyer, purchasing six bulls on behalf of clients, Mr McKinnon bought three bulls averaging $16,666 and the Johnstons bought three bulls averaging $11,000.
Rod Kater, Bonnington Beef, “Bonnington”, Allynbrook, bought three bulls for a top of $11,000 and average of $9666 and Mike Wilson bought three bulls for $8000 each on behalf of “Lynoch”, Armidale.
The Laurie family also sold 98 commercial heifers, topping at $2400 and averaging $2000, with Mill Creek Angus, Stroud, buying 81 of the females.
James and Annie and Ted and Alison Laurie were thrilled with the sale, particularly the large number of repeat clients wanting to continue their herd improvement with Knowla genetics. Buyers came from the New England and Hunter Valley, looking for easy doing bulls with softness, positive fats and good intramuscular fat.
Elders Walcha settled the sale, with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, at the rostrum.
