ANGUS bulls continued to meet strong competition late in the autumn selling season at the Graham family’s annual Bongongo Autumn Angus Helmsman bull sale, Coolac.
In total 35 of the 37 bulls offered sold to top of $14,000 and averaged $7857, with 22 buyers taking home a bull in a display of strong support.
A son of USA EF Complement, Bongongo M852, attracted the attention of long-term Bongongo supporter, Sascha Mason, Julong Partnership, “Julong”, Tumut.
“With his positive birthweight, EMA and 600-day day weight, he was a standout bull,” she said.
“I was very interested in his dam, Bongongo J543, and have been chasing a bull from these lines for long time.”
Leading the volume buyers, Mitch Small, “Lachballin”, Cowra, put together three bulls to a top of $11,500 at an average $10,000.
“We were chasing a heifer bull as well as bulls to cover our cows,” Mr Small said.
“The bulls were selected on calving ease and fertility along with growth as we are wanting to maintain high breed average and carcase attributes. We also run an AI program to Bongongo genetics,” he said.
Other volume buyers, Beggan Beggan, Harden, put together a draft of three, to a top of $9000 at an average $8333.
There were a strong number of buyers securing two bulls.
Gunnong Pastoral Company, Coolac, and G. H. Harris and Sons, Gundagai, both averaging $9000
Hardie Pastoral Company, Wallenbeen, averaging $7000 and Uni Park Pastoral averaging $6250.
Speaking after the sale, Bongongo principal, Bill Graham, said: “It was an outstanding result considering the touch seasonal conditions
“It is a testimony to the clientele and the Bongongo program.
“The presentation of the bulls did not change even though the conditions being so dry, It is one of the driest autumns I have seen in a long time,” Mr Graham said.
“The sale was very satisfactory with great spiritual bidding on top end bulls,” selling agents’ spokesman, Stephen Ridley, said.
The sale was conducted by Elders, Gundagai, under the Helmsman selling system with the sale conducted by Mr Ridley, Goulburn.