Females top bulls at Southern Charolais sale

Seven Charolais studs offered a total of 47 bulls and seven females, and reached a clearance rate of 61 per cent.

Of the 47 bulls on offer, 26 sold, to a top of $6750, av $4385, and all seven females sold, to a top of $7000, av $5143.

Southern Charolais Breeders Group Sale committee chairman Ken Manton said bull sales were a bit disappointing, but the females sold surprisingly well.

“The quality of the bulls was as good as ever, but there was a lack of buyers,” Mr Manton said.

“Cow herds are down, and there’s a shortage of Charolais females, so people are looking to build those up.”

The top-priced bull was by Waterford Charolais, Mount Macedon, and was bought by Rob Abbott, Mount William Charolais, Willaura, for $6750.

Mr Abbott only bought the one bull on the day, and said it met all of his criteria.

“He’s got plenty of skin, fantastic temperament, and is moderately framed, so has the potential to be used over heifers,” he said.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on Waterford cattle at recent shows, and have been very impressed.”

The 17 month-old bull was sired by Palgrove Hermes, and recorded estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +7 kilograms 200-day growth, +16kg 400-day growth, and +23kg 600-day growth.

Waterford Charolais principal Sapphire Halliday said she thought the bull was successful because of its softness and sire ability.

“He’s structurally correct, and got depth and muscle in his hind quarter,” Ms Halliday said.

“It’s exciting that he’s going to a stud.”

Waterford sold three of their 10 bulls on offer, av $4917.

The highest priced female was sold by Allednaw Charolais, Kerang, and was purchased by Roderick Binny, Glenlea Charolais, Dorrigo, NSW, for $7000.

Mr Binny said the red factor cow would enter an embryo transfer program.

“Moving forward, we’re going to focus on red factor Charolais,” Mr Binny said.

“A lot of people still want a red sire; a good red bull will make money.”

Mr Binny purchased the two top-priced females, both of which were offered by Allednaw, who sold to an average of $6225.

Dennis Taylor, Allednaw, said the cows had beautiful temperaments.

“They are fairly correct types of cows, with good heifer calves on them,” Mr Taylor said.

Airlie, Glenquarry, NSW, sold eight of 16 bulls to $5250 (twice), av $4531, and three of three females, av $4667.

Challambi, Tooma, NSW, sold two bulls to $4000 (twice).

Nigel Spink, Challambi, said this was their first time selling at a multi-vendor sale.

“It’s a good way to increase awareness of the stud, we’re happy with the result,” Mr Spink said.

Chenu, Bridgewater, sold eight of nine bulls to $5500, av $4375.

Rebecca Keeley, Chenu, said buyers returned to buy their bulls because of proven longevity.

“You have to rely on having a quality line up, and we strive to breed performance bulls,” Ms Keeley said.

Clarinda, Hansonville, sold three of eight bulls to $4000 (three times), and two females, av $4375.

Karingal, Arthurs Creek, sold two to $4000 (twice).