BUYERS have had deep pockets at SA’s bull sales, ensuring many studs’ averages have lifted between $1000 and $2000.
The previous SA on-property bull sale record of $52,000 has been broken twice – a $160,000 Simmental bull from Woonallee, Furner, and an $85,000 Angus at Nampara, Penola.
But it has been the lift in mid-range prices, which have bumped up averages.
SA’s Angus Week – held across a week and a half – has had 13 sales gross $5.57 million.
In the breakdown, 722 of 751 bulls sold for a $7719 average.
Strong demand has continued into Poll Hereford sales this week, with Allendale and Days Whiteface studs’ annual sale at Bordertown lifting nearly $1300 to average $9514 for 72 bulls.
This included a new $24,000 on-property record for Allendale Zanzibar L131, bought by Laucke-Merrina stud, Bordertown.
SA’s first video bull sale for the season was also a success, with Morganvale Poll Hereford stud, Willalooka, selling 43 of 49 bulls for a $6058 average on Tuesday.
Pastoral orders have buoyed many clearances, with station owners extending their budgets to $6000 or more.
But it has not just been bulls attracting Australia-wide interest.
At the Matrons of Mandayen sale on Wednesday last week at Keith the majority of lots found new homes interstate, including the $18,000 sale-topper.
Elders SA stud stock manager Tony Wetherall said commercial buyers had also been extremely strong at Angus sales last week and it had overflowed this week to Poll Herefords.
“The future of the cattle industry looks so strong with supply and demand, regardless of what is happening overseas,” he said.
“People have done their sums and worked out if they spend $7000 to $10,000 they don’t need too many calves to pay for it.”
Landmark SA stud stock manager Gordon Wood expected sale averages may have risen 10-15 per cent with a widespread good season and outstanding cattle prices, but many had “far exceeded this”.
“We have seen a few high prices in the $15,000 to $20,000 range but in general it is the average commercial producer which has lifted their sights,” he said.
“After a couple of years being rewarded with good market prices they have lifted their bull buying budgets with more bulls $8000 to $10,000.”
Mr Wood said the Upper SE was in restocking mode.
“People are chasing bulls suitable for joining to heifers but they are being smart about it,” he said.
“They are not just using low birth weight bulls but also looking for performance – the right shape bull with the right data is making good money.
