The McIntosh family of Yackandandah, Victoria, were one of the volume buyers at the Hereford National sale, purchasing four bulls on the day.
The three-generation, commercial operation spread their buying power around, purchasing one Ravensdale and one Tarcombe bull for $5000 each, a Doodle Pastoral Company bull for $4000 and the junior champion bull from Ravensdale, Ravensdale Bushranger, for $10,000.
Ben McIntosh said they had done their own bull testing before Autumn joining and were looking to replace around four bulls.
"We thought we'd get a new fresh crop at the sale to take over and they'll be put in work in the next six weeks," he said.
The McIntosh family run 1300 Hereford breeders on around 2600 hectares, with 1000 joined to Herefords and 300 to Angus to produce Black Baldy calves.
Selling to JBS, Mr McIntosh said they put a lot of focus on intramuscular fat (IMF) percentage.
"There are not many Poll Herefords with a high IMF but we do like to pick them when possible, we also obviously go for good milk, good low birth weight, especially if you're going to join them with your heifers," he said.
"We also look at the final day weights because we grow them out to 450-500kg steers and sell them live weight to JBS and of course they've got to look good to the eye as well."
Coolac producer, Tim Smith of Mungi Mungi was another key buyer on the day. He continued his 20 year loyalty to Kaludah Herefords, Rock Flat, picking up four of their bulls at the sale.
Mr Smith said he liked the style and muscle of Kuludah bulls, which he mostly bought privately.
He said there was great value to be found for buyers at this year's sale.
"From a buyer's point of view I thought it was great, I bought some really handy bulls for $6000 and a cracking bull for $4000," he said.
The Hodgkin family of Eskdale, Vic bought three bulls, as did Nunniong Herefords from Ensay, Vic.
