Great Monaro patronage ensured a high clearance rate and a strong result in challenging times at Rosskin’s annual Angus and Charolais bull sale near Jimenbuen, south of Dalgety.
Monaro Livestock and Property director Will Dixon said the sale was a great result for Rosskin in the dry times in the district.
“Given the season we’ve had, we were very pleased with the clearance and the average,” he said.
“With no sign of a spring break yet in the weather, and many cattle owners selling off their cows, both myself and the vendors were extremely happy.”
The Walters deserved full credit in presenting the bulls in such top condition.
The sale of 32 Angus bulls brought in $160,000, with 24 two-year-old bulls selling at an average of $5291, and the seven yearling bulls selling at an average of $4143.
The Walters also offered three Charolais bulls, with one sold for $4000.
Over 90 per cent of the bulls were sold locally, with a strong turn out at the sale, held about 30kms south of Dalgety.
The top price was for Rosskin Theo M40, which vendor Martin Walters said was one of the best bulls Rosskin had put forward for sale.
The bull had already done some stud duties and Martin, Liz and Adam Walters, Boundary Creek, were keen to keep him if he didn’t meet the reserve price.
The bull was suitable for heifers as well as cows.
In the end the reserve was met - right to the dollar - of $12,000, after some spirited bidding.
Rosskin in its catalogue said the 974kg bull was “the star lot of the sale.”
He was described as having loads of width in a high performance package.
His eye muscle area of 124cm2 and 5.5 intramuscular fat, was the best in his contemporary group.
The July 19, 2016 bull had strong stud sire potential. Martin Walters said it was one of the best bulls he had raised at Rosskin.
The buyer was the famous Monaro pioneer Haslingden family, who own Kelton Plain, south of Cooma.
Kelton manager Rod Warren said he had inspected Rosskin Theo at the Rossskin open day and knew he was the best bull.
“He had very good growth figures, with softness and depth with a good finish over the shoulder,” he said.
“He wanted a bull good for heifers and cows.
“In a good season I think he would have gone for $20,000.”
Martin Walters said his bulls had been fed for 12 months, the last month on just silage.
His bulls were very positive for rib and rump, and a cut above many breed EBV averages. The sale was conducted by Monaro Livestock and Property with Paul Dooley as auctioneer.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
