Clearance and average up

Of the 56 bulls on offer, 52 sold, reaching a top price of $10,000 twice, av $5587.

The average price was up $492 on last year’s average, with 10 more bulls selling this year than last.

Lot 9 and Lot 12 were the two top-priced bulls.

David and Chris Sondhu, Mullagh Pastoral, Harrow, purchased Lot 9, a 19 month-old bull who was in the top 10 per cent for Angus Breeding and Heavy Grain Fed index values.

The bull recorded estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +3.5 kilograms birth weight, -4.4 days gestation length, and growth figures of +42kg for 200-day, +84kg 400-day, and +110kg 600-day.

David said the bull was chosen for its size and growth.

“We just liked his overall size, he is nice and smooth, stands up tall, and is just a consistent package,” David said.

David said the family first bought a cow from Barwidgee in the early 1990s, and has bought bulls ever since.

“We sell steers at Casterton during weaner sales, and we get good weight in our calves,” he said.

“We made good prices earlier this year, topping $1500 a head, and averaging $1200.

“We like their temperament, and doing ability.”

Andrew Marriot, Benalla, purchased Lot 12, and four others, for an overall average of $5700.

Mr Marriot said he was impressed by Lot 12’s figures.

“I liked him for his overall thickness; he is a good, mobile bull,” Mr Marriot said.

It recorded EBVs of +48kg 200-day weight, +91kg 400-day, and +116kg 600-day, and was in the top five per cent for scrotal size and intramuscular fat.

Mr Marriot said despite owning a property nearby, he is only a first time buyer.

“I came to buy heifer bulls, but will use the bigger ones over our cows,” he said.

Graeme Wilson, Rodwells Pakenham, purchased five bulls, top $6000, av $4700, on behalf of David Douglas, Woodstock Manor, Woodstock.

Mr Wilson said he has purchased from Barwidgee before, but the Douglas family are first-time buyers.

“They sold their breeding herd at Yea a while back, and are looking to join these bulls to their heifers for an autumn calving,” Mr Wilson said.

“I like their pedigree, the way they’re handled, and their longevity.”

There were 14 buyers who bought two bulls each, and two buyers who bought three each, including K&J Chant & Sons, who topped $8000, av $7000, and Nioka Pastoral, who topped $7000, av $6500.

N&N Kerr bought four bulls on the day, topping $8000, av $5000.

Barwidgee stud principal Wendy Kelly said she was very pleased with the result.

“It was a good clearance, there were lots of return buyers, and a few new faces,” Ms Kelly said.

“We’ve had a fantastic season, and prices have been fantastic, so it’s a good year to have a sale.”

She said a lot of work had gone into the breeding and genetics of the herd.

“There were a lot of good bulls that will go out and make good contributions to a lot of herds,” she said.

Elders auctioneer Ross Milne said the stud offered a large number of bulls that suited a range of markets.

“There was a good run of consistent, grass-fed bulls,” Mr Milne said.

“It was a good, fair sale, with a very good clearance.”