DEMAND for high quality genetics is strong as stud and commercial producers look to invest in their operations, in the first good season following years of drought.
Widespread rain earlier this year has resulted in improved buyer confidence, with some producers buying new genetics for the first time in a few years.
Angus bulls are in demand, with many studs recording full clearances and high averages.
The latest exceptional sale was at Booragul Angus, which reached a high of $22,000 for an average of $8032, with 62 of 63 bulls selling through the ring, and the final bull selling immediately after the sale.
The Piallaway stud had interest from stud and commercial operators, with Booragul Leading Edge P81, a carcase sire with strong growth rates, going to Jim Wedge's Ascot stud at Warwick, Qld.
Earlier this month Tenterfield NSW's Inglebrae Farms held its third annual sale, where all 23 bulls sold to a record high of $27,500, averaging $7780.
Inglebrae Farms Hallmark P98 was purchased by commercial breeder Jennifer Kelby, Nowlan Farms, Backmede, NSW, who selected him based on outstanding phenotype, along with a strong EBV of +19 for milk.
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Agent Brian Kennedy, Elders studstock, Tamworth, said it was pleasing to see full clearances at recent sales, especially given tough conditions over the past few years.
"Confidence is certainly back in the rural sector," Mr Kennedy said.
"I think the bulls at every one of our sales have been a better run of bulls than recent years, quality is good."
Mr Kennedy said buyers were definitely chasing maternal traits as they look to rebuild herds.
"Heifer bulls have been very much in demand, and I think we'll see that throughout the selling season."
Other recent strong sales include Farrer Angus, Tamworth, NSW, where bulls topped at $10,500 and averaged $5680, an increase of $2465 on 2019, in an online-only sale; and Alumy Creek Angus, which turned the tables on the past two years of drought and fire when all 38 of their bulls cleared for a $7789 average, topping at $15,000, at Tenterfield.
In southern sales held earlier in the year Tasmanian stud Landfall Angus achieved a record average of $9243; Cooma, NSW stud Hazeldean Angus recorded an average $8387 for 62 bulls; Banquet Angus sold 98 bulls for a high of $27,000 and an impressive average of $10,040 at Morlake, Vic; Barwidgee stud, Caramut, Vic, sold 53 bulls, averaging $8037; and Boonaroo Angus sold all 101 bulls for a top of $22,000, averaging $9089, at Corndale, Vic.