Wakefield at Wollomombi sold Charolais bulls to a top of $22,000 and Angus to $15,000, with all 38 Euro sires knocked down to average $12,052 while the Angus cohort - all 16 bulls sold - averaged $11,312.
The family stud, celebrating 161 years of continuous cattle breeding on the property, has been improving the Charolais breed since 1970. This was their 16th annual sale, with many repeat clients using sires in a variety of cross-breeding programs from the coast to the Tablelands.
The red-factor homozygous poll Wakefield Right On Time, by another station-bred bull Wakefield Nick Of Time, sold for $22,000 to Peter and Karen Reid, Carinya at Yarrowitch.
Exhibiting smooth muscle pattern and tremendous growth for his age, 20 months, he was the heaviest calf weaned from this year's cohort and presented in the top 10 per cent for scrotal size.
The Reids purchased Angus bulls from Wakefield in the past to good effect and will use the two Charolais bulls bought at Wednesday's sale over Angus and Angus cross cows.
"I find the red factor Charolais are softer, and better do-ers especially over Angus and Angus cross," said Mr Reid.
Graham and Robyn MacDougall, Glen Elgin, paid $17,000 for the homozygous poll Wakefield Record Time, 20 months, the pick of the draft according to auctioneer Innes Fahey, also sired by Wakefield Nick Of Time from a red factor dam.
The MacDougalls came away with three sires in total, including heaviest of the draft Wakefield Quickbequick by Wakefield Maharajah, 934kg, for $15,000 presenting in the top 20pc for retail beef yield.
Tony and Sue Farrell, Calmview Charolais stud at Fernleigh via Bangalow paid $15,000 for the poll red factor Wakefield Quincy by Wakefield Lorax presenting in the top 20pc for low birth weight, rib and rump fat.
Repeat clients Adam and Belinda Chapman, Fineflower via Grafton, purchased three Charolais bulls to use as terminal sires over first cross cows, paying to a top of $14,000 for Wakefield Quite Bright by Wakefield Masquerade with top 10pc figures for calving ease on daughters.
Repeat clients the McIlwain family, Yarranbella via Macksville, bought two Angus bulls paying to the top money of $15,000 for Wakefield Command Q439, rising two years old, by Baldridge Command, presenting with top 5pc figures for retail beef yield and 600 day growth.
The Beaumont family, Dorrigo, came away with the Angus sire Wakefield Genesis Q425 by Pathfinder Genesis for $14,000 with top 1pc for milk and top 5pc for 600 day growth.
The Mackaway family, Yarrowitch, took home two Charolais bulls including Wakefield Real McCoy by Wakefield Jumble for $14,000.
The sale was supported by Ray Donovan Stock and Station Agents at Grafton, Armitage and Buckley at Armidale and for the first time Ian Weir and Son at Lismore. Online sales were handled by Elite Livestock.
Knocking down the bids was auctioneer Innes Fahey.
More details in next week's edition of The Land!
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