'Ecstatic' was the reaction of Ross Smith and his son Blake at the conclusion of the 28th annual sale Poll Hereford and Hereford bulls at Glenellerslie, Adelong.
Sale results brief: 31/41 sold to $18,500 for average price $6742.
"It was the best sale we've had, with a top price of $18,500 and best average since 2015," Ross Smith said.
"We are very proud of these bulls and they are the most we have presented.
"There is a lot of confidence in the beef industry."
Blake Smith noted the 2019 drop were 70pc heifers.
"To be able to present this even line of bulls from 30pc of the drop was quite amazing," he said.
And the buyers agreed paying top of $18,500 for Glenellerslie Tolmie a rising two-year son of Kaludah Stormboy and bought by Neil and Bernice Mitchell, Walwa, Victoria.
The Mitchell's are repeat buyers, growing out the progeny to bullocks on Upper Murray country.
Mr Mitchell said they noted the bull during Beef Week and were very impressed with the length and width of body and soft dark skin.
"I look at the conformation, he has to be able to walk around our hills and still work," Mr Mitchell said.
"I do consider the milk and EMA otherwise I want width and a good twist."
Mr Mitchell's bull had the measurements of +18 Milk, +3.7 EMA, +70 400 day growth and +69 Carcase weight.
The Helmsman auction was led by Michael Glasser, GTSM and was interfaced with AuctionsPlus while Elders Tumut settled.
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