VIOLET HILLS
*14 of 29 bulls sold to $7000 (three times), av $5286
BUYERS were selective at Violet Hills Charolais’ southern bull sale, held at the Yea Saleyards last Wednesday.
Of the 29 bulls on offer, 14 sold, hitting a top price of $7000 three times at the first three lots, and an average price of $5286.
Bidding was consistent during the first half of the auction, with 13 of the first 17 selling, however bidding slowed soon after, with only one of the final 12 selling.
The average price was up $396 on last year’s $4890 average, but top price was down $1000.
Lot 1, Lot 2, and Lot 4 were the three top-priced bulls (Lot 3 was withdrawn).
Lot 1 was purchased by Greg and Jeanette McGrath, Sinclair Charolais, Jeetho, who also bought the top-priced bull at last year’s sale.
“We’re breeding for the vealer market, and have crossed with Charolais bulls for a while now,” Mr McGrath said.
The 17 month-old bull, the second youngest in the draft, recorded estimated breeding values (EBVs) of -4.1 kilograms birth weight, which is in the top one per cent for the breed, and growth figures of +6kg for 200-day, +21kg 400-day, and +15kg 600-day.
Lot 2 was purchased by Nick and Helen Stanislawski, Tarrayoukyan, who are also return buyers.
“We liked him for his size and shape, he was a good bull overall,” Mr Stanislawski said.
The 18 month-old bull also had a below average birth weight, at -0.6kg, and growth figures of +7kg for 200-day, +17kg 400-day, and +14kg 600-day.
Lot 4 was purchased by Brett and Glenda Hutchinson, Blue Lagoons, Clyde North, who bought from the stud for the first time two years ago.
“[The bull we bought last time] was a bit smaller, people thought he wasn’t good enough, but he’s grown out really well,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“He had really good shaped calves, we were very pleased.”
She said Lot 4, which is the most expensive bull they have ever purchased, met all of their criteria.
“We liked him mostly for his temperament and shape,” she said.
The 19 month-old bull recorded EBVs of -0.3kg birth weight, and growth figures of +8kg for 200-day, +17kg 400-day, and +18kg 600-day.
The biggest volume buyers bought two lots each, and were EJ Anthony & Son, Stanley, Tasmania, top $6500, av $5750, and GC & GS Thompson, Stoney Creek, top $5000, av $4500.
Violet Hills stud principal Daryl Jenkins said the top-priced bulls were three of the better bulls of the sale.
“They all went to repeat buyers, who must have been happy with their progeny,” Mr Jenkins said.
He said the sale started off well, but there weren’t enough buyers to support the remainder of the auction.
“We were very happy with our repeat clients who supported the auction well,” he said.
“There were some new faces, but there just weren’t as many buyers as we were expecting, perhaps the sale was too early for those that join in spring.”
He said the line of bulls was one of the most uniform lines they have ever offered.
“They were of a type that we’ve been trying to breed,” he said.
“They’re bulls with good carcases, and early maturing patterns, to be able to finish progeny at an early age.”
Rodwells auctioneer Adam Mountjoy said it was a tough sale.
“There was a wonderful draft of bulls, but unfortunately just a lack of attendance,” Mr Mountjoy said.
Four of the passed in lots sold privately after the auction, increasing the total lots sold to 18 of 29.
