Newcomen Herefords bull to $15,000 as stud sets new best average

The Ensay stud in Victoria's high country sold 50 of its 59 bulls on offer, setting a new best average of $7590.

The top-priced bull, Lot 56 Newcomen Quadrant, was the fourth-last bull to go under the hammer, fetching $15,000.

The April 2019-drop homozygous poll bull was bought by the Dowel family of Gumly Park, Leongatha South - return clients who complimented the stud's bulls for docility and performance.

The 835-kilogram bull was in the top 5 per cent of Hereford Breedplan figures for 200 day growth, 400 and 600 day weight and rump and rib fat depth.

The bull was by Morganvale Larkin out of Newcomen Total Lass.

Top-priced buyer Robert Dowel, who was at the sale with his mother Vera and son Zak, 11, said he fancied the Newcomen bulls due to their good reputation within the beef industry.

"We really looked at the 400 and 600 day weights because we sell our calves as weaners and we fatten as well so good weight gain is important to us," Mr Dowel said.

"We hope to keep this bull for four or five years and he will be joined with our heifers and progress through our ranks."

The Dowel family also bought a second bull, Lot 45 Newcomen Quadruple for $8000, which was in the top 10pc for 200 day growth, 400 and 600 day weight, top 15pc for scrotal circumference and top 20pc for eye pigmentation.

"Mum and dad usually do the bull buying but dad is 88 now so I decided to drive up this year," Mr Dowel said.

"The temperament of the Newcomen bulls has been probably the most rewarding factor for us."

The stud offered 16 homozygous polled bulls, and 24 horned bulls which sold to a second top-price of $14,000.

The bull, Lot 6 Newcomen Quake, was bought by return clients Evan and Dot Newcomen, Ensay.

The February 2019-drop bull weighed 875kg and was by Yarram Unique out of Newcomen E167.

It was in the top 15pc of Herefords for milk and top 20pc for 600 day weight.

Newcomen Herefords stud principal Barry Newcomen said it was a "good, solid sale".

"Our average was better but we lacked a top stud sire to attract a record price," Mr Newcomen said.

"But generally they sold pretty well and there were good comments for all the bulls."

Nine bulls were passed in at auction, but eight bulls have since been sold through private treaty.

"There was a big attendance of buyers and a lot of registrations so people are looking for Herefords," Mr Newcomen said.

"A lot of ours are not stud bulls, they are suited to commercial environments, but most of our buyers are from a commercial background so it suits our operation well."

Mr Newcomen said the stud would continue to offer well-bred horned bulls, but would also focus on breeding as many homozygous polled bulls as possible.

"It all takes time," Mr Newcomen said.

The main volume buyer included Tim and Peter Marshall, Orbost, who bought four Hereford bulls, including two passed-in bulls after the sale, to a top of $5000.

Four other buyers bought three bulls, respectively.

Elders stud stock manager Ross Milne said he was pleased to see an even spread of buyers.

"The draft of bulls was very even and consistent and I think given where the cattle industry is at at the moment, buyers still got pretty good value for money," Mr Milne said.

"I think there are dearer trends in the bull markets at the moment and people are being more selective of the bull they want to buy so people are prepared to spend more money on the bull they like."