*Total clearance of 47 Angus bulls to $10,500, av $5958
*Total clearance of 11 Hereford bulls sold to $6500, av $4320
High performance genetics were in strong demand during Bowman Performance Genetics' inaugural bull sale on Friday, with a total clearance recorded at the stud's new Neerim South property.
The impressive result was a relief for stud principal Glenn Bowman who last year invested in the new property, Crystal Brook, to finish the bulls and complement the existing commercial and stud operation at Rosedale.
"The bulls presented in magnificent working order, fully prepared on grass for longevity, expressing natural doing ability and carcase expression," Mr Bowman said.
The stud sold 47 Angus bulls to a top of $10,500 to average $5958, and 11 Hereford bulls to $6500 to average $4320.
Buyers from across Victoria and Tasmania, including King Island, East Gippsland, the High Country and Western District, were out in force during the on-property auction.
Mr Bowman said many buyers noted the draft of bulls for their "excellent temperament" and evenness from top to bottom.
"The bulls endured one of the toughest droughts in history during the first 12 months of their lives, however, the quality of the genetics and natural doing ability proved it is possible to present a high standard bull, once the season improved," Mr Bowman said.
The top-priced Angus bull Lot 26 Bowman Capitalist P76 was purchased by Whitelaw Park Angus, which also bought Bowman Memphis P96 for $8500.
The bull was in the two 2 per cent of its breed for eye muscle area (+11.2) and domestic index ($134), top 3pc for the heavy grass index ($141) and top 6pc for the Angus breeding index ($148).
It was sired by LD Capitalist 316 (USA) while the dam traces back to the famous Ardrossan Princess W38.
Mr Bowman said the bull had a "thick top line and hindquarter, smooth shoulder, terrific neck extension".
Whitelaw Park Angus owner Jill Rattle, Whitelaw, said the bull would be joined to a commercial herd in late November.
"I had three bulls in mind and then I was with my manager and agent and they picked a few as well but I was very keen on Bowman Capitalist," Mrs Rattle said.
"I've got 86 breeding Angus cows and we run a lovely working farm here in South Gippsland so we wanted a bull with low birth weight.
"We also liked the way he looked, the shape of him and the nice straight back along with his feet which are very good as well so we thought he was a good all-rounder."
Volume buyers included Bindi Station, Bindi, which bought four bulls including two Herefords.
Meanwhile, farmer and agent Phillip Fleming, Flynn, also bought three Angus bulls and one Hereford bull.
"Three of the bulls will go into my herd of 250 cows as replacement and upgrade bulls and then one Angus bull will go to a client of mine at Willung," Mr Fleming said.
"I know Glenn has invested a lot of money into his black genetics and they look good on paper so we wanted to give them a trial on a small herd."
Ten bulls were sold via AuctionsPlus.
Elders Bairnsdale livestock manager Morgan Davies, one of two agents to represent the stud along with Nutrien agent Adam Sutton, said the result highlighted the confidence in the cattle industry.
"It was a superb effort for Glenn to bring a lot of different genetics together and offer them in Gippsland," Mr Davies said.
"Clearance is the key at every bull sale and clearance at the reserve price is very satisfying so I have no doubt the sky's the limit for Glenn and what he's hoping to achieve."