* Total clearance of 36 bulls sold to $10,000, av $7097
One of Alpine Angus, Rosewhite''s most prominent repeat buyers says the stud put up one of its best ever lines, at its annual spring sale.
Craig and Rob Ferguson, Bowmans Forest Pty Ltd, Bowman's Forest, paid top price of $10,000.
"They were probably the best line-up of bulls we have seen," Craig Ferguson said.,
"Manager, Chris Oswin has done a very good job with breeding and feeding, and they were quite impressive," Craig Ferguson said.
The top-priced bull, lot number two, Alpine Jackpot N329, would be used a replacement bull, for the farm's 490 strong female herd.
Bowmont Jackpot J310 sired the bull out of Alpine Quiet K105.
A September 2017 drop bull, Jackpot recorded figures of a 3.6kilogram birthweight, 52kg 200-day weight, 91kg 400-day weight and 121kg 600-day weight.
He had an eye muscle area of +3.9, rib fat of -0.5millimetres, rump of -0.3mm and intramuscular fat of +1.9per cent.
"We were buying replacement bulls; we've been buying there for quite a few years," Mr Ferguson said.
"The top priced bull was a good size for his age - he had good figures, a good phenotype and a good, straight topline."
Bowmans Forest again bought three bulls at the sale, one at $10,000, another at $9000 and the third at $5000, for an average of $8000.
Mr Ferguson said the bulls would go over the farm's 490 strong commercial female herd to breed weaners, for sale at local markets.
Last year the Fergusons put together a selection of three bulls for an average of $8000, paying to a top of $9000 of two occasions.
This year's sale saw a repeat of last year's total clearance, although there were fewer bulls offered.
In 2018, 49 bulls sold to a top of $16,000, for an average of $5765.
Alpine Angus manager Chris Oswin said the sale resulted in a very even result, with four bulls being knocked down for $5000.
"It seems like we have a pretty loyal following," Mr Oswin said.
"They presented well and went through the ring well."
Mr Oswin said Alpine was also happy with the sales of the first Australian sons of the American Sitz Investment bulls.
They demonstrated solid type, birth, growth and eye muscle.
As one of the first lots offered, Jackpot put a solid floor in the sale, he said.
Auctioneer Michael Glasser, GTSM, said many of the buyers were repeat clients, with strong support from the Upper Murray River region and Gippsland.
"The bulls presented very, very well, with a lot of natural carcase, a lot of shape, good temperament and good structure," Mr Glasser said.
"I think it demonstrates confidence, as the cattle were going to where the grass is."
Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
