PATHFINDER
*97 of 103 bulls sold to $20,000 (twice), av $8567
IN THE Victorian-leg of its bull sale season, Pathfinder Angus offered an even line-up of bulls to a large gallery of new and return buyers.
The sale averaged $8567, just slightly down on the $8608 average recorded at the stud’s South Australian sale the week before, and saw 19 of the first 26 lots sell for $10,000 or more.
Prices peaked at $20,000 twice, thanks to the spirited bidding of two Angus studs, who were eager to incorporate Pathfinder genetics into their stud herds.
The first $20,000 bid was seen for Lot 4, Pathfinder Ada M172, who was purchased by return client and buyer of the previous year’s equal top-priced bull Mark Beavis, Riverwood Angus, Goomalibee, who bought in conjunction with cousin Steve Beavis, Violet Town.
Mark Beavis said the bull was a standout because of the way he “carries himself”.
“He’s got nice, soft skin, good bone, structure and temperament,” Mr Beavis said.
Lot 4 recorded a birth weight of +4.4 kilograms, 200-day weight of +53kg, 400-day weight of +101kg, and 600-day weight of +143kg.
The duo said sharing the bull would be easy to coordinate, as Mark’s herd calves in spring, and Steve’s in autumn.
Mark Beavis said he is beginning to get calves on the ground from last year’s $16,000 bull, which are looking to be “good, handy calves”.
The other equal top-priced bull was Lot 6, Pathfinder Equator M121, who was purchased by first-time buyers Jenny and Brett Graham, Broomfield Angus, Arthurton, South Australia.
Mr and Ms Graham said while figures such as carcase weight (+93kg), scrotal size (+3.5 centimetres), and gestation length (-7.9 days), were all impressive, Lot 6 was a visually outstanding bull.
“Visually, he’s a very well-balanced bull, he’s what we want to breed in our stud,” Mr Graham said.
They anticipate to join the bull to stud females in mid-August, and hope he will pass on genetics that enable the stud’s clients to produce good, even, well-balanced vealers.
A volume buyer and return client of almost 10 years was Tuloona Pastoral manager Sean Harvey, Harrow, who purchased six bulls during the auction to a top of $9000, av $6500.
“We’re looking for good growth traits, we want a lower birth weight for ease of calving, and then high growth rates, and Pathfinder has been a good fit for these objectives,” Mr Harvey said.
Pathfinder stud co-principal Nick Moyle said calving ease and growth are two of the stud’s biggest priorities.
“We aim for moderate birth weight, and maximum growth,” Mr Moyle said.
He said the response from buyers was “fantastic”.
“There were a huge amount of repeat buyers, and some new buyers too,” he said.
“The bulls were in good condition, they’ve carried a bit of extra weight because they’ve had two good seasons.”
Landmark stud stock manager Andrew Sloan said the sale result was reflective of the fact that “Pathfinder’s genetics are sought after”.