SANTA GERTRUDIS bulls sold to a top of $18,000 and an average of $7375 in very wet conditions at the annual Benelkay Santas on-property sale at “Glenmore”, Mullaley, on Wednesday.
Of the 49 bulls offered by stud principals Andrew and Jules Orman, 44 sold for a clearance of 90 per cent.
Bulls went to stud and commercial clients in the state’s North West, Central West, New England and the Hunter Valley.
Genetics from new sire Bullamakinka H82 were sought after, with 18 sons averaging $8111.
The top bull, Benelkay Kalahari K120, a 22-month-old by Bullamakinka H82 from Benelkay F155, sold to repeat stud clients Andrew and Angela Doering, “Spring Creek”, Crooble.
He weighed 798 kilograms, had a scrotal circumference of 39 centimetres, measured 15 millimetres and 9mm on the rump and rib, had an eye muscle area (EMA) of 121 square centimetres and intramuscular fat (IMF) of 4.6pc. Kalahari had estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +13, +20 and +27 for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight.
Kalahari, who will be used in the stud herd of 350 breeders, stood out for Mr Doering at an inspection prior to the sale.
“Hes a very well balanced bull and stood up like he was at the EKKA,” Mr Doering said.
“He has excellent weight for age and growth and has an overall striking sire appeal about him. He’s a bull with a lot of presence.”
The Doerings also bought Benelkay Keenan K058 for $10,000.
“We purchased a Benelkay bull last year and we’ve been extremely impressed with him,” Mr Doering said.
The Carter family, “Birrimba”, Nyngan, bought 22-month-old Benelkay Kruzer K044, also by Bullamakinka H82 for $17,000. The 800kg bull, from Benelkay E43, measured 40cm in the scrotum, had rump and rib fat of 12mm and 10mm, an EMA of 115cm2 and 4.7pc IMF, with EBVs of +21, +32 and +42 for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight.
Six bulls – Benelkay Kickabull K026, Benelkay Kingston K084, Benelkay Keenan K058, Benelkay K116, Benelkay Kentucky K126 and Benelkay Kirribilli K142 – sold for $10,000.
Benelkay Kurrajong K108 reached $9500 and five bulls – Benelkay Knoller K010, Benelkay Kokoda K042, Benelkay Kakadu K090, Benelkay Killarney K080, Benelkay Kingsley K104 – sold for $9000.
Repeat clients Doug and Christine Andrews, “Messines”, Warren, took home four bulls topping at $8500 and averaging $7250, and new buyer Colin Irving, “Old Bundilla”, Warren, bought four bulls for a top of $8000 and average of $5875.
Romean Partnership, “Mayfield”, Quirindi, John Tyms, “Rosewood”, Baradine; Rod and Jan White family, “Eurie Eurie”, Walgett; Keen Partnership, “Bookbook”, Boggabilla; the Carberry family, Narrabri; David and Hannah Russ, “Pigeonbah”, Warren; and Owen Wallace, “Springfield”, Sandy Hollow, each purchased two bulls.
Mr Orman said buyers were after big, dark, heavy poll bulls.
“I think the fact that we morphology tested the bulls and guaranteed their fertility gave people more confidence in the genetics. The majority of buyers – all but three – were repeat buyers so obviously people are getting good results out of the bulls.”
The sale was conducted by Elders Gunnedah, with Michael Smith, Elders stud stock, at the rostrum.
