Return buyers underpinned the solid 2016 spring on-property sale of Wirruna Poll Herefords owned by Ian Locke and his family, Holbrook, who focus on carcase traits, especially muscle and marbling, “as these are going to attract a premium in the future”.
Reflecting current market prices, and also confidence in the genetic direction under Mr Locke’s guidance, there was a total clearance of the 14 females offered to top price of $7500 and average of $4286.
Forty-nine bulls sold from the 53 on offer to a top of $16,000 and an average price of $6224.
Commercial breeders were active in securing the top end of the draft, and of the first 10 lots, which had been used in the Wirruna herd, nine were bought by commercial producers for an average of $10,000.
Mr Locke said this result was a clear indication of the strength of the cattle market and that dedicated Poll Hereford producers were keen to continue breeding superior stock to satisfy that demand.
Return clients Ray and Michele Cheers, Goolgowi, purchased the top price bull when they paid $16,000 for Wirruna Kingfish K145 by leading stud sire Otapawa Spark 3060.
The Cheers were attracted to their new sire, who had been used at the Wirruna stud, by his outstanding figures with a correct conformation.
Wirruna Kingfish K145 is ranked in the top one per cent of the 2014 Poll Hereford drop for $Index values, top five per cent for growth EBVs and top one per cent for days to calving fertility EBVs.
“For us he was the outstanding bull in the offering,” Mr Cheers said.
Other bulls to attract attention included the $12,000 purchase by new client John Cowcher, Quaindering Poll Herefords, Williams, WA, of Wirruna Karn K30, a bull with good body and high marbling traits, while Tarcombe Herefords, operated by the Hayes family at Ruffy, Victoria, purchased Wirruna Keir K151 for $10,000.
Solid interest in the heifer lots saw an average of $4286 with the top price at $7500 paid by return clients the Hayes family for Wirruna Clara K24, who was in the top one per cent for carcase weight and top five per cent for 200-day growth.
“It was a solid sale with strong commercial support,” Mr Locke said.
“We can see that buyers are seeking to invest in better genetics and are very clear about the economic traits they are seeking, which in turn better drives our breeding program.”
The Helmsman sale, facilitated by Atkins Livestock Marketing, was successfully interfaced with AuctionsPlus, who operated remotely, purchasing eight lots, while Damien Halloway drew buyers’ attention to the characteristics of various lots.
