*Total clearance of 96 bulls sold to $16,000, av $8281
South Australia and Victorian buyers all vied for a slice of Boonaroo Angus genetics, buoying prices to the sale high of $16,000 and a perfect clearance rate on Friday.
The Western District-based stud’s 16th annual on property sale at Corndale had a complete clearance of all 96 bulls offered, for a sale average price of $8281.
It was lot 3, Boonaroo Kasbah, who pushed bids to the top price, with buyers attracted to his “tremendous growth attributes” reflected in his estimated breeding values of +2.8 kilograms birth weight, +103kg 400-day-weight, and +134kg 600-day-weight.
The son of one of Boonaroo’s most recent dominant stud sires, Te Mania Kasbah K338, was popular among buyers due to his calving ease and high-ranking EBVs.
But it was Susie and Rob Coulsen, The Point Pastoral Co, Birregurra, who offered the top bid, competing for the 18-month-old bull’s curve bending genotype and attractive phenotype, and will join him to heifers later in the year.
The Point, managed by Alistair Coulsen, is a mixed beef cattle and fat lamb operation which was established in the late 1800’s.
Former Hereford breeders, the Coulsen have since transitioned to Angus cattle for the last 20 years and currently run about 800 head, with calving in autumn and spring.
The second highest price bull was $15,000, was paid for lot two, by Paul O’Brien, Sunnyside, Casterton.
The bull, Boonaroo GPS J6 N66, recorded +6.7kg BW, +2.3 intramuscular fat, and +150kg 600 day weight.
Return client, Nathan Faroe, The Gums, Casterton, purchased three bulls with ideal temperament, structure, and low birth weight, to join to heifers. Troy O’Connell, was a volume buyer at the sale, and purchased three bulls to a top price of $10,000, to average $6666.
Boonaroo co-principals Shane and Jodie Foster believed the success achieved by commercial clients at the recent January weaner sales helped attract new clients.
New reference sires, Te Mania Kasbah K338, Anvil Kansas K324, and Texas Mount K002, also proved a drawcard, which Mr Foster said ensured outcross genetics for clients. Focussed on structure, phenotype and temperament, he said Boonaroo was conscientious of Breedplan and the use of EBV figures within the herd.
The incorporation of genomics had allowed them to enhance the accuracy of figures. EBVs were used as a guide for calving ease and fertility, which Mr Foster said were critical for the profitability and productivity of clients’ herds.
Within their herd, Mr Foster said their annual sale bulls and breeding was targeted towards the grass-fed markets, while still able to produce stock that had marbling attributes for eating quality.
However, he said the main focus for the 400 stud breeding females was to continue producing fertile cattle that grow well.
