Genetics produced by Sprys Shorthorns have long been described as new age with the stud continuously at the forefront of the Shorthorn breed.
The Spry family’s 2018 Bull and Genetic sale, held on-property “Ardlui”, Wagga Wagga, proved no different drawing strong seedstock interest.
Long time supporter Lyndall Bennett, Dromore Shorthorns, Wilcannia, fended off strong competition to secure her pick of the 2018 draft in Sprys Boom Time M222 for the top money of $38,000.
The homozygous poll sire was in the top five per cent of the shorthorn breed for intra-muscular fat (IMF) and domestic index, and top 10 pc for Rib and Rump fat which are of particular importance to Mrs Bennett.
“Targeting JBS’ Thousand Guineas Shorthorn branded product we need IMF and fat coverage in our cattle” Mrs Bennett said.
“He combines this with balanced growth in a moderate birth weight package.”
“The fact that he (Boom Time M222) combines outcross sire Muridale Thermal Energy 15A with time proven JR Legend 78H on the bottom side, attracted me to him” Mrs Bennett said.
Boom Time M222’s granddam Sprys Patents Cherry J90 later sold to Outback Shorthorns, Culcairn, for $5000, as did her 2017 Thermal Energy 15A daughter for $10,000.
Outback Shorthorns didn’t stop there securing themselves two new sires in Sprys Heritage M213 a The Gove Gigabytes son for $30,000 and Sprys Primroses Nostalgia M40 a Royalla Nostalgia son for $24,000.
Principal Greg Schuller said “Hertiage M213 is what our western clients want, ease of do, IMF (top 1 pc) and fat (top 5pc), in a moderate frame and homozygous poll package.”
“While Primroses Nostalgia M40 is a great all rounder combining calving ease (top 10pc) with carcase and fat (top 1pc).”
“We are extremely pleased to partner with ABS Australia to market semen on both of the sires” Mr Schuller said.
The seedstock support continued with Weebollabolla Shorthorns, Moree, parting with $22,000 for Sprys Junction M284 a son of Sprys Junction who was in the top 1 pc for gestation length, milk, and northern index and top 5 pc for scrotal size, days to calving, rib fat, and export maternal index.
In total 39 Shorthorn bulls of the 43 averaged $9410, while 15 Angus bulls sold to $18,000 for a $7667 average and 100% clearance.
Leading the charge on the Angus bulls DJ & MJ Bonney, Gunns Plains, Tasmania, bought Sprys Innovation M537 who was in the top 1 pc of the Angus breed for scrotal size and heavy grass index and the top 5 pc for Angus breeding and domestic indices for $18,000.
Among the volume buyers DH Prosser and Son, Narracoorte, SA, put together a line of size bulls consisting of three Shorthorn and three Angus paying to a top of $12,000 with an average of $7667.
While Highlander Grazing, Ben Lomond, also purchased six bulls consisting of four Shorthorn and two Angus for a $5167 average.
Spencer Family Shorthorns led the way in the female section paying $13,000 for Sprys Remrands Lavendar N122 an eight mother old heifer in the top 5 pc of the breed for domestic and export maternal indicies and top 10 pc for gestation length, birth weight, scrotal size, eye muscle area, and northern index.
In total the four females offered and sold averaged $9500.
Frozen embryos topped at $1400 per each for a package of three out of legendary donor The Grove Primrose A742 sired by The Grove Gigabytes selling to Ian & Jill Coghlan, Eurimbla Shorthorns, Gerogery.
The four embryo packages averaged $1215 per embryo.
The sale was conducted by Elders Yass with Paul Dooley the guest Auctioneer.