Icy winds, freezing temperatures and snow predicted in the next 24 hours meant steaks and hot cups of tea where in huge demand at the Tummel Herefords on property sale at Walcha on Tuesday.
The auction returned to Walcha after selling at Glen Innes last year and a new auctioneer also took to the rostrum at Tummel for the first time with Elders Linclon Mckinlay selling 22 bulls of the 27 offered for a top price of $10,000 and average of $6071.
The sale was underpinned by a huge local buying presence with 90 per cent of the bulls headed to local Walcha buyers which is a testament to the Tummel program.
The $10,000 top-priced bull, Tummel Prophet Q096 a son of homebred sire Tummel Prophet G414, weighed 768 kilograms, had an eye muscle area of 120 square centimetres and and intramuscular fat scan of 5.2pc.
Peter and Michael Lockyer, Northwood, Walcha secured the sire.
Mr Lockyear said the bulls eye appeal, Hereford cosmetics, thickness and depth of body drew them to the bull that will be joined to the family's 600 head herd.
"We are long-term Tummel clients and know the cattle perform exceptionally well for us," he said.
They also purchased Tummel Prophet Q074, another son of Tummel Prophet G414, for $7000.
Peter Reid, Walcha, secured the second top-priced bull Tummel Target Q007 for $7500. By Mawarra Target, he was above average in estimated breeding values for carcase traits, and growth weights.
Rob and Maria Ireland, Bundagra, Walcha secured two bulls for a $5250 average.
The bulls will be joined to a portion of 200 Angus cows.
"The bulls bought today [Tuesday] showed good frame, structural soundness and we know the wonderful job these bloodlines do," he said.
The Tisdell Family, Orita, Walcha secured two bulls for a $4000 average.
Also securing two bulls was DC Noakes, Old Woombi, Walcha for a $5250 average.
Michael Tanner, Strathallyn, Kootingal successfully purchased two bulls for a $5000 average.
Two bulls was the magic number with DJ and CL Marchant, Orleans, Walcha also purchasing two for a $5500 average.
Vendor Chris Lisle was happy with the result considering the horrendous drought conditions the bulls were reared in during 2019.
The sale was conducted by Elders Walcha.
