Some of Australia’s best Angus female cattle, calves, embryos and young bulls have been sold for more than $2 million, in the first of two Witherswood Angus dispersal sales.
The Witherswood stud, based at Taminick in north-east Victoria, made $2,026,500 from the dispersal of its female herd consisting of 435 lots averaging $4658.
The buyers gallery was packed for the sale, which ran for more than six hours.
Buyers came from several states, with NSW stud Bannaby Angus, Taralga, taking home the top priced lot, Witherswood Abigail M0003 for $38,000.
The May 2016-drop cow, by Ascot Hallmark, H147, out of Millah Murrah Abigail C37 had a July 2018-drop heifer calf at foot, by LD Capitalist.
A Witherswood spokesman said it had been an excellent result, despite dry conditions.
“Top Angus stock, at this level, will always be in demand, is much sought after and commands high prices, to add value to the purchasing studs,” the spokesman said.
The dispersal also saw 133 heifers sold to a top price of $7000 and an average of $2921
Witherswood also offered 18 yearling bulls, which sold to a top price of $7000 and an average of $4750
Genetic packages sold very well and above expectation.
The first phase of the dispersal marked the end of 25 years in the industry, for John and Joan Woodruff.
The female dispersal will be followed by the final Witherswood Angus bull sale, which will be held next March. The Taminick property will then be sold.
In their early 80s, John and Joan have dedicated almost three decades of their lives to developing the best bloodlines in Australia – most notably, when Witherswood joined a consortium to buy Millah Murrah Kingdom K35 for $150,000, the most ever paid for an Angus bull at the time.
“Our genetic base is second to none,” Mr Woodruff said.
“Our foundation cows were purchased from Booroomoka Angus over 20 years ago – we were one of the first Victorian breeders to purchase from the very successful Millah Murrah Angus in NSW, and we also have Te Mania as well.”
“These genetics, the best in the country, are all through our herd.”
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
