Hereford enthusiasts headed to the hills to inspect and get their hands on some of the 125 bulls on offer at the 19th annual Yavenvale Poll Hereford bull sale held on-property at Adelong.
The Pearce family sold 110 bulls at auction for a $6950 average peaking at $20,000 on three occasions.
In the breakdown 67 rising two-year-old sold for an average price of $7284 and 43 yearling bulls averaged $6430.
The $20,000 threshold was not exceeded but met on three occasions.
Lead bull Yavenvale Masterpiece M100 a March 2016 born homozygous poll son of Tobruk Jedi who sold to Wandong Herefords, Yeoval, for the equal top money.
He was in the top one per cent of Hereford breedplan for intra-muscular fat (IMF) and grain fed index and top 5 pc for all growth traits, eye muscle area (EMA) and rump fat.
Neil and Beth Higgins, “Old Crockford”, Nowendoc, paid the top money for Yavenvale Momentum M012 a homozygous poll March 2016 born son of Yavenvale Guru G031.
He was in the top 5 pc of the breed for all growth traits.
Mr Higgins was attracted to Momentum M012 due to his homozygous poll status to “genetically dehorn his Hereford cows”.
“I am looking for more powerful bulls and his high growth figures, docility, soft skin and depth throughtout as well as his outcross pedigree were all factors” Mr Higgins said.
While a September 2016 born homozgous poll son of New Zealand sire Koanui Techno 3062 in Yavenvale Milestonw M397 sold to Keith, SA, based studs Morganvale and Kerlson Pines for $20,000.
He was in the top 1 pc of the breed for 400 and 600 day growth as well as grain fed index and top 5 pc for 200 day growth, scrotal size, EMA and IMF.
Morganvale principal Alann Morgan viewed the young sire during Stock & Land Beef Week and was impressed by his “length, growth, and structural correctness”.
Mr Morgan said “his outcross genetics were also an attraction particularly his maternal grandsire Canadian sire CB 57U Can Doo 102Y.
“He had everything we needed and a very well balanced EBV profile.”
The Bell Family, Millicent, SA, was the name that became well know loading eight bulls for an average price of $5813 paying to a top of $12,000 for Yavenvale Mastermind M161 a homozygous poll son of US sire Churchill Stud 3134A.
Nine sons of the new sire Churchill Stud 3134A averaged $9778.
The Bell family maintain a Hereford herd of around 2000 cows targeting the EU feeder steer market and more recently pasture finished cattle to the new Hereford Boss brand from JBS.
Family representative Andrew Bell said “it was exceptional line up of bulls with a large number of bulls meeting our selection criteria.”
Nelson and Kath McIntosh, Yackandandah, Vic, were also strong contributors putting together a draft of five for a $6100 average paying to a top of $8000 twice.
Warren pastoralists Ramsay Agriculture purchased four bulls to a top of $14,000 for a $7750 average.
While Norm and Sharon Nankervis, Corryong, Vic selected four for a $5750 average paying to a top of $7000.
Yavenvale principal James Pearce was delighted with the result.
“This was our highest number of bulls sold through the ring and we also sold five bull post auction.
“Our average was only down $335 on last year and the buying support from five states, given the tough season in many areas was really pleasing.” Mr Pearce said.
The sale was conducted on behalf of Yavenvale by Glasser Total Sales Management with Michael Glasser the man with the gavel.
