FURNER has become renowned for producing some of Australia's top Simmental cattle, and this week’s Woonallee Simmentals Elite Production Sale was no exception.
In a tremendous result for both the Simmental breed and the South Australian beef industry, stud principals Tom and Lizzy Baker and family sold Woonallee Los Angeles for an Australian breed record price of $160,000.
The polled, 18-month-old traditional-coloured bull by Glen Anthony Y-Arta AY02 and from Woonallee Kathie B111 was purchased by Queensland’s Nobbs Cattle Company (NCC), Duaringa.
Underbidders were long-time Woonallee clients Doug and Jan Bradshaw, Blue Dog Creek Simmentals, Wandoan, Qld.
In pre-sale promotion, Woonallee described the lot one bull as ‘one of the most exciting sires’ they had ever raised.
Speaking on Friday morning following a big night of celebrations, Tom Baker acknowledged they had high hopes for Los Angeles prior to the sale.
“But he blew everybody’s expectations out of the water!” he said.
“He’s just an incredibly phenotypic bull.”
The traditional-coloured bull will head to its new home in Queensland to be utilised in NCC's Simmental and Simbrah operation, while Woonallee has maintained a semen interest in the record-breaking young sire.
NCC’s Brett Nobbs – well-known in the beef industry for producing high-calibre Brahman cattle – travelled to Furner in late 2015 after deciding to add Simmentals to their already well-known Brahman operation.
NCC paid $16,000 for his pick; ironically, the heifer they ultimately selected was the full sister to Los Angeles.
Mr Baker described yesterday’s sale as “amazing”.
“In all honesty, it was the perfect sale,” he said.
“Obviously $160,000 is quite remarkable, but all of the commercial guys got bulls.
“It good for the (Simmental) breed, and it’s great for the South Australian beef industry.”
In summary, Woonallee sold all 102 Simmental and Sim Angus in a full clearance, averaging $9791.
“To sell 102 Simmental bulls in one sale is pretty rare,” Mr Baker said.
“It was just great; this is a family operation and everyone chips in.”
Several bulls attracted significant price tags, including lot two, Woonallee Lampoon, selling for $37,500 to Rod and Liz Skene, Meldon Park Simmentals, Dalby, Qld.
Two black Simmental bulls, sold at lots 22 and 36, sold for $32,500 and $27,000 respectively to Wombramurra Black Simmentals, Nundle, NSW.
