Quiet, fertile females on offer at Tenterfield

About 4000 head are already booked in, with cattle mostly coming from weaner producers in the local area. 

Agent Ben Sharpe said while most of the calves would be slightly lighter than previous years, about a third of the yarding will weigh 280 kilograms or more.

"The quality is still there and the growth is there, but they're just a but lighter with the current season."

Longtime sale vendors Neville and Sue Grogan, Gardiners, will sell about 280 steers and 210 heifers.

The eight to 10-month-old weaners, all Nairn Park blood, have been supplementary fed ruminant nuts and hay while on their mothers so they're ready to go on feed or crops.

"We've been using Nairn Park genetics for about six years and found the bulls produce plenty of muscle and bone, with good sound temperament, so we've stuck with them," Mrs Grogan said.

There should be good demand for the heifers as future breeders, with the Grogans maintaining a fertile, hardy herd of about 500 breeders.

"The heifers are quiet, fertile females," Mrs Grogran said.

"Even in drought conditions last year our cows had over 90 per cent pregnancy rates."

"There's usually good demand from local restockers because of the temperament and the condition they're in.

"They'll be slightly lighter than last year's calves, but not much, and we've maintained the quality."

Other large lines to be offered at Tenterfield include 180 steers and 120 heifers, all Speriby North bloodlines, from Tony and Judy Christopherson, Emaho, and 100 steers and 50 heifers, also all  Speriby North blood, from Brian Berridge, Athlyne.

Mark and Helen Clothier, Dingo Hill Partnership, will sell their entire 2018-drop at this year's sale, with 140 steers and 140 heifers, sired by Sara Park and Inglebrae Angus bulls.

The Casey family, Knockdon, Tenterfield, will have 100 Texas Angus and Sara Park blood steers and heifers on offer.

The sale starts at 11am on Thursday, March 14.