Despite softening cattle prices in recent weeks, the Branson family, Banquet Angus, Mortlake, Victoria, had reason to smile at the end of their 19th annual bull sale.
They sold 82 of 90 bulls offered and increased their average by $51 on last year’s record result, averaging $9220 and topping at $35,000.
There were 89 registered bidders from four states actively competing, with 54 making it onto the buyers’ list.
With this bull sale result, combined with the pre-sale offering of 150 Banquet blood PTIC commercial heifers on behalf of Robbie and Marg Patterson, Drysdale Partnership, Mortlake, the day’s gross again ticked over the $1 million mark.
The star of the sale was the first bull offered and ultimately the $35,000 top priced bull, the 22-month-old and 845kg Banquet Mirrool M078.
Sired by Banquet Holden H591, the full brother to the legendary B. Ballis B017, Mirrool visually demonstrated great muscularity, excellent length and width across his top line, plus had a great sire’s head and outlook.
Supporting that was a strong set of balanced Breedplan figures topping at +121 for 600-day weight.
The bull attracted several keen bidders but it was Robert Love, Jumbuck Pastoral, Violet Town, Vic who won the day with his $35,000 bid.
NSW provided three buyers who collectively purchased four bulls, all over $10,000 and including the second and third top prices.
David and Gail Geddes, Warranboo Partnership, Holbrook are Banquet regulars and this year they were seeking a top youngster suitable as a heifer bull but one that would also go on and give good service with their mature cow herd in following years.
They found what they were looking for in Banquet Machine M179, by B. Everard E019.
Frank Sorraghan, Wagga Wagga, saw off all other bidders on Banquet Madras M141, securing the 20-month-old and 760kg son of B. Jamberoo J507 for $19,000.
Two lots later he picked up another Jamberoo son for $14,000, both these bulls topping at +119 for 600-day weight on Breedplan.
L.H. and J.A. Brien, Cowra, purchased Banquet Manly M291 for $11,000.
Senior principal of Banquet stud, Stephen Branson, said: “The top end was exceptionally strong and there was a very good return of repeat buyers plus some exciting new ones.
“Return clients are the centrepiece of our business and the buying strength of the clients who bred the heifers offered pre-sale in particular was exceptionally strong.”