PINORA ANGUS
*50 of 51 Angus bulls sold to $12,000, av $5690
A NEW genetic infusion and a consistent draft of quality bulls saw the average price exceed previous limits at Pinora Angus stud’s annual on-property sale.
Three years ago, Pinora’s John and Kelvin Sundermann bought Milwillah Elevator H76 as a stud bull, to join Milwillah Gatsby G279 (AI) and other sires on the farm at Dawson, near Heyfield.
The first-drop progeny of Milwillah Elevator H76 out of Pinora Angus cows was eagerly anticipated by prospective buyers last week and no one was disappointed. The draft offered a consistent line of rising-two-year-old bulls with broad, muscled frames.
The sale began strongly with the first two bulls, both Milwillah Elevator sons and already joined to heifers by the Sundermann brothers, making $6000 and $7500; lots 1-5 averaged $5600 (four of these five bulls were progeny of Milwillah sires). Then lot 6, Pinora Lani L40, also a Milwillah Elevator son, made the top price of $12,000.
Bought by the principals of John MacLachlan Pty Ltd, Longford, Pinora Lani is a 21-month-old Angus bull with estimated breeding values (EBVs) in the top one per cent for growth and 15pc for eye muscle area, at +6.8 square centimetres. His birth weight (BW) was 37kg with BW EBV +6.3kg; 200-day weight (200WT) +56kg, 400WT +97kg and 600WT +140kg. Scrotal circumference is 40cm and his sale weight was 834kg, putting him among the heavier bulls sold on the day.
The same buyers bought Lot 7, Pinora Lap L41, also an Elevator son, for $10,000.
The same age as Lani, Pinora Lap was 40kg at birth, with a BW EBV of +7kg, 200WT +55kg, 400WT +96kg and 600WT +132kg. His scrotal circumference is 42cm and EMA +4.6; sale weight 806kg.
Spokesman John MacLachlan said he was attracted to the all round package the two Elevator-sired bulls offered their cattle business’ marketing options. The family company had bought Pinora Angus bulls for nearly 60 years.
“My father, Alan, bought bulls from [the late] Don Sundermann, firstly direct from the farm and at their first on property auction more than 50 years ago. We’ve bought Pinora Angus bulls ever since,” Mr MacLachlan said.
“The maternal side of the Pinora families are very, very good, with powerful milking and mothering traits.”
Pinora’s John Sundermann said he was pleased with the influence of the Milwillah genetics.
“Elevator increased volume and capacity and weight for age across the draft. His progeny have shown growth, soundness and great temperament,” Mr Sundermann said.
“We’re very pleased with his sons and we’ll keep using sons of him.”