Queensland buyers dominated the Clunie Range Angus bull sale at Wallangra, on Friday, with buyers coming from as far afield as Blackall in the state’s west, through to Roma, Middlemount, Taroom and the Goondiwindi region.
The demand for quality pushed the sale to a top of $30,000, with all 127 bulls offered selling for an average of $9559.
Darron Lane, Wilano Angus, Dunedoo, took home the top-price bull, Clunie Range Meninga M533.
The 2016 August-drop bull weighed in at 888 kilograms and had a scrotal circumference of 39 centimetres, with an estimated breeding value (EBV) of +64 for carcase weight, an eye muscle area (EMA) of +2.8, and +0.1 for intramuscular fat (IMF).
Mr Lane said despite the terrible season at his place, the bull would go nicely over some of his older cows and that he couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
“He was probably the most complete bull here as far as structure and type, and I liked his figures,” he said.
The second-top priced bull, Clunie Range Made Well M388, made $22,000 and was purchased by the Kenny family, “Tralee”, Middlemount, Qld.
The 2016 July-drop bull tipped the scales at 896kg and measured 42cm in scrotal circumference, with EBVs of +62 for carcase weight, an EMA of +7, and +2.5 for IMF.
Consolidated Pastoral Company’s Jason Purcell, “Allawah”, Banana, Qld, was the top volume buyer on the day, taking home 27 bulls, 22 per cent of the total offering, to top $19,000 and average $10,222.
Other volume buyers included Hartley Grazing, “Coopermurra”, Mitchell, Qld, who purchased seven bulls to a top of $9000 and average $6571, while Strathbogie Pastoral Company, Emmaville, took home six bulls to top $12,000 and average $9333.
Clunie Range Angus stud principal, Brett Guest, said it was a solid result despite the widespread dry.
“There was noticeably not much southern support, but locals really helped out even though I think it was a case of instead of buying two bulls, they bought one,” he said.
“Over 90 per cent or more would be repeat buyers with a handful of new ones, but we're pretty lucky to have that loyal support, and that's based on performance.”
Mr Guest said it was great to have the huge support of Consolidated Pastoral Company.
“We've got a really good reputation in those harder, tougher areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory, and that's been repeated time and time again across a number of operations.”
Mr Guest said the dry conditions meant they were unable to prepare the bulls on oats like they normally would, instead feeding them a ration mix as well as hay.
“It's just tougher than normal so the bulls are probably a little bit behind in weight compared to the last few years, and that might have showed in some of the bulls that aren't quite in top condition and struggled a little bit,” he said.
“Probably not quite enough finish on them and we suffered a bit from that, but they're still a great line of bulls.”
Edlers auctioneer Michael Smith, Toowoomba, said it was a strong result considering how dry it was across New South Wales, Victoria and big parts of Queensland.
“Encouraging thing, the number of repeat buyers that are here regardless of the season and how things are at home,” he said.
“They're here buying bulls and it's a testament to the quality and job the Clunie Range bulls are doing.
“Considering the hard start these cattle have had as weaners, the Guest family have done a really good job in trying to keep them moving forward and getting them up to the standard where they need to be as two year olds.
The sale was conducted by Elders Goondiwindi and JA McGregor Livestock, with Michael Smith, Elders Toowoomba, as the auctioneer.
