Witherswood Angus sale boosted by new clients

Despite being later in the bull sale season, John and Joan Woodruff received a higher clearance than last year with 57 of 58 bulls sold under the hammer for an average $3615.

The sale held firm throughout the auction and had a rise in bidding confidence in the second half of the catalogue.

A Right time 338 son, Witherswood Rightime H215 received one of the highest prices of $6000 paid by Chris McCloud of Stoneyfold Angus, Derrinallum.

Mr McCloud exports steers to Russia and heifers to China and said the Rightime son boasted ideal figures and good conformation to compliment his herd.

H215 had four $Indexs in the top 20per cent of the breed and recorded an Estimated Breeding Value Eye Muscle Area (EMA) of +6.4, 400 day-weight of +88 and an intramuscular fat (IMF) of +2.1.

"While the sale was solid, buyers still got bulls that were good value for money," Mr McCloud said.

"The strength of the Witherswood cow program is what attracted me here because it supports the Stoneyfold Angus breeding objectives."

Witherswood Andy H130 bought by the Warner family at Tarrawingee, also received the top position and recorded EBV EMA +3.8, 400WT +87, IMF +1.4 and birth weight (BW) of +5.2.

The consistency of the offering was reflected in the third top bull, Witherswood Andy H103, who was later in the auction in Lot 38 but attracted strong competition.

H103 had EBV BW +5.2, 200WT +50, 400WT +97, EMA +8.6 and IMF +1.1 with the hammer knocking down to Cathkin Pastoral, Cathkin.

Carrington Property, Euroa was a volume buyer, purchasing five bulls to $5000, averaging $4,100.

"We had the number of buyers including some new ones which was good and what they were after was diverse which made it a good clearance," Witherswood Angus manager Ian Peake said.

"They have always had really good cows here and if you breed good cows, the bulls will follow."

The sons of Wattletop Andy C109 were sought after while Booroomooka Astron D337 and T C Aberdeen progeny were performed well.

Elders stud stock agent Jim Bruce said many new and return clients were attracted to the stud's female investment which was improving commercial clients breeding programs.

He said that the sale was strong from start to finish which was commendable during what has been a tough selling seasons across the State.