62 of 69 bulls sold to $14,000, av $6161.
Cluden Newry Angus, Longford, Tasmania, seed stock manager Jock Hughes was still happy with this year’s sale, despite a lower return.
Mr Hughes said he expected this year’s average to be back on 2017.
Last year a near total clearance of 67 bulls saw a top of $16,000 and average of $7514, compared with 62 bulls sold this year, for an average of $6161.
“The sales were hot last year and bulls may have been too expensive,” Mr Hughes said.
“I was very happy people who needed to buy bulls, on a budget, were able to do so.”
He said it was the first time Cluden Newry had done a video sale, which was well received by buyers.
“The bulls that sold best were moderate birthweight, with reasonable growth and fat cover,” Mr Hughes said.
“The easy doing cattle sold best with the Matauri Reality sire line dominant.”
Echo Cottage’s Allan and Jenny Johnson paid $14,000 for Cluden Newry Reality M21 (AI) and $11,000 for a second animal.
Mr Johnson said he chose the top priced bull on its figures and size.
Sired by Matauri Reality 839, from Cluden Newry Flower K164 (AI), the July 2016 drop bull had Angus Breedplan estimated breeding values (EBV’s) of an eye muscle area (EMA) of +4.3 square centimetres, a rib of +3.5 millimetres, rump of +2.8mm and intramuscular fat of +2.3 per cent.
“I have a commercial stud and I’ll put him through that,” Mr Johnson said.
“It’s a fair price, as he’s a blood brother to the one they sold at Landfall.”
Landfall hit a Tasmanian record for $37,000 at this year’s autumn sale for Landfall Reality M116.
“I think I got a bit of a bargain,” Mr Johnson said.
“It was only a different mother, so you have half the gene there.”
Mr Johnson said Echo Cottage’s commercial operation had about 300 Angus cows, turning off steers and heifers.
The Five Star Cattle Company, Tamworth, NSW paid the second highest price of $12,000.
Millwood Pastoral, King Island were again to the fore, purchasing five bulls to a top of $11,000.
The sale was conducted by Roberts Ltd.
