Repeat and new clients attended the Eastern Plains Angus bull sale on Tuesday, with demand for quality genetics pushing the sale to a $12,000 top.
Of the 62 rising two-year-old bulls offered, 51 sold for an 82 per cent clearance rate and $6686 average.
The top-priced bull, Eastern Plains Marola M139, was purchased by a local grazier and will be used in their commercial breeding operation.
The 2016 July-drop bull tipped the scales at 846 kilograms and had a scrotal circumference of 41.5 centimetres, with estimated breeding value (EBV) of +75 for carcase weight, an eye muscle area (EMA) of +4.6, and +1.8 for intramuscular fat (IMF).
A second-top price of $11,000 was reached twice.
Kerripit Partnership, Bonnie Doon, Rawdon Vale, purchased Eastern Plains Manly M124, a 2016 July-drop bull, weighing in at 796kg and with a scrotal circumference of 39cm. The bull had EBVs of +68 for carcase weight, EMA of +5.3, and +1.6 for IMF.
Kingsgate Station, Red Range, purchased the other $11,000 bull, Eastern Plains Maybole M13. The 2016 June-drop bull tipped the scales at 820kg and measured 36.5cm in scrotal circumference, with EBVs of +67 carcase weight, EMA of +5.7, and +1.4 for IMF.
Three volume buyers dominated the sale, taking home five bulls each.
JL Wood Pastoral Company, Numeralla, Glen Innes paid a top price of $9000 and averaged $6400, while Jeogla Pastoral Comapny, Armidale, bid to a top of $7000, averaging $4600, and Wirrimbi Pastoral Company, Camara, Hernani, paid to a $9000 top and averaged $7000.
Eastern Plains Angus stud principal, Andrew White, said the sale saw a great result considering the current conditions.
We had a good bunch of bulls with a great temperament this year, and its the biggest yarding weve had, he said.
Sourcing feed was a bit of a battle, but preparation was good this year.
It's easy to prepare bulls in the dry, frosty conditions; it's the wet, cold, drab weather that knocks them around, and they don't do so well.
Auctioneer Paul Dooley, Tamworth, said the sale reflected the quality of the bulls and the seasonal conditions.
I've been coming here a long time and I recon these were the best lot of bulls they ever put up, both in terms of preparation and good condition to be sold and go to work, but the best type of bulls too, he said.
The sale was conducted by Elders Armidale, and Paul Dooley, Tamworth, was the auctioneer.
