The inaugural on-property bull sale at Harden for the Hardhat Angus stud account the Cavanagh family saw 18 bulls sold from the 38 bulls offered to average $6000.
The top price at $9500 was paid twice and a credible outcome given the season.
Stud co-principal Brad Cavanagh said his family were quite happy with the result given it was their first offering in the Harden area.
“The bulls were grown out in Dubbo, during the worst drought year in decades,” he said.
“Many of our clients are really feeling the pinch of this drought and excessive feed charges, making it difficult to justify purchasing bulls.”
Mr Cavanagh noted the loyalty of producers continuing their association with the Hardhat genetic direction.
“We are particularly grateful for our repeat buyers for pledging loyalty to us and for the competition on the top end bulls showing that people are valuing the breeding decisions made by Hardhat Angus,” he said.
Purchaser of the two top priced bulls, David and Louise Crawford said they were the bulls they wanted for their breeding program at “Numby”, Reids Flat, where they turn off feedlot weight steers on grass.
Speaking about Hardhat H708 Maimuru (pictured above), Mr Crawford said the son of Rennylea H708 was a good all-round bull with a great confirmation and figures to match.
“He is high-indexed, especially for intra-muscular fat and has a great frame,” he said.
Mr Crawford noted his purchase was in the top three percent of the breed for elite marbling genetics.
The Crawford’s other selection at $9,500 was a rising two-year old son of Te Mania Gothenburg, and noted for his long free-moving body with a high marbling score and EMA of +6.3.
The Helmsman sale was conducted by Elders Young and Cootamundra staff, and was interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
Besides southern tablelands and Riverina producers, there was strong demand for the quality on offer from WA buyers: one of whom picked up a bull for $9,000.
