VIOLET Hills Charolais are not new to the southern market of Victoria, which was made evident by the force of buyers in attendance at their inaugural southern sale at Yea last week.
Twenty-six of 30 bulls were sold on the day, to an even split of both returning and new clients.
The top price was paid by Brad Gale, Waratah Bay, for Lot 26, Violet Hills Jaunty at $7250. Mr Gale said he would be using his newly acquired bull to put over his crossbred cows, as well as a small vealer herd.
"I really liked his shape and structure, he has good muscling, low birth weight and also good feet," Mr Gale said. "He is a good bull all round."
The next top price was Lot 12, Violet Hills Jeremy, who sold for $6250, purchased by Stockdale Livestock, Traralgon, alongside an additional two bulls, Lots 7 and 10, averaging $4750 across the three.
Other volume buyers included D&KM McMillan, Sale, purchasing four lots at an average of $4250, as well as Scott Mundy, Bairnsdale; Proviticulture, Healesville; and Trevor Nash, Yea who bought two bulls each.
With their strong southern following, Violet Hills decided to offer 30 bulls in Victoria, alongside another 50 in May at their on-property sale in the Central Tablelands of NSW. Previously Violet Hills sold progeny at the Southern Charolais Breeders Sale at Whittlesea, however decided to branch out into their own stand-alone sale and pleased with the overall result for its first year.
"It enabled us to present a bigger line up of bulls for our southern clients," Mr Jenkins said. "The type of animal we produce really suits the production systems down here [in Victoria] and our on-property sale is a long way to travel."
"This sale enables clients to look at and purchase our progeny in their own backyard."
Adam Mountjoy, Rodwells Yea, said he believed the sale went well for its first year, with Mr Jenkins' clientele serving him well.
"The pick of the lots sold to expectations," he said. However, Mr Mountjoy said he couldn't understand any reservations from producers at this time.
"To get this type of bull for $4000 is relatively cheap in this market," Mr Mountjoy said.
The Violet Hills fifth on-property sale will be held on Thursday, 7 May at Rydal, NSW.