STRONG buyer support, especially from the local area, resulted in a boost of spirits for Hugh and Annie Kraefft and family at their Tivoli Angus bulls sale last Thursday at Merriwa showground.
Buyers came from the Mid-North coast, Lithgow and Upper Hunter areas.
All, but one, of the 26 bulls sold with 22 at auction averaging $4500 while another three cleared post-sale, a very pleasing result with top money at $8000 being paid for Tivoli J286 Jester RSPM34, a Millah Murrah embryo transfer (ET) bull purchased by Andrew and Sandy Wallings Pastoral, for their Collaroy Station, Merriwa.
The Collaroy herd gained an additional four bulls from the sale.
Tivoli K83 Docklands RSPM85, described by Mr Kraefft as a “cracker of a bull” with breeding, brawn and beef, and from a Millah Murrah top breeding cow, sold at $7000 to Marcus Hadley, Rydal, through AuctionsPlus.
Another highlight of the sale was the clearance of 60 top of the drop heifers selling in pens of 10 head.
These 12 to 13 month-olds weighing between 330 and 360 kilograms sold to average $1054 with the top pen at $1125 each purchased by Mary Hicks, Macksville, through GJ Kennedy and Company, Macksville.
Jack Charlton of the Kennedy agency also bought three bulls, all sired by the ET sire Tivoli Docklands RSPK83 Tivoli.
Second top money at $1100 was paid by the Robertson family, “Bowara”, Wingham, for another 10 heifers.
Hugh Kraefft said another 90 heifers were sold on AuctionsPlus the following day with excellent results.
“While the lower prices were expected, sale results were exceptional and we thank buyers for their support,” he said.
“it is gratifying we received such wonderful support from our Merriwa area.
“This was one of the greatest highlights for us.”
The Kraeffts said they were very grateful to selling agents Francis and Penny Buffier who were ably supported by Tony and Heidi Inder and son, Harry.
“Also to our stud consultant, Rob Tindall and Rick Porter, plus Ingrid Kraefft, who stepped in to cover for Mr Kraefft who had hospital commitments.”
The sale was conducted by Francis Buffier, Merriwa, with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as guest auctioneer.