There was a solid interstate presence at Lucindale’s Yerwal Estate Simmental bull stud on Wednesday, with a significant portion of the buyers list consisting of producers outside of SA.
The sale topper went to a Queensland buyer, who was possibly tempted by the offer of free freight.
Stud principals Regan and Karen Burow offered 24 red and black Simmental bulls at their first on-farm sale in five years.
Yerwal Estate also hosted guest vendor Mt Mooney Simmentals, Tintinara, who offered three red Simmental bulls on the day.
Overall, Yerwal Estate sold 8 of 24 bulls, a clearance rate similar to other recent Simmental bull sales in the state. The average price was $6312.
The sale started strongly with the first two lots selling for $6500 to Simon Withers, Naracoorte, and $7000 to JH&MJ Moore, Penola, respectively, before lot 5, Yerwal Nairobi, went for $9000, taking top price honours on the day.
Nairobi was a July 2017-drop and weighed 856kg, with 4 millimetres of rump fat, 8mm rib fat and an eye muscle area of 121 square centimetres.
Buyer Alastair Kirk, Olinda Grazing, Baralaba, Qld, admired Yerwal Nairobi for its weight and frame, good cover and structural correctness.
Mr Kirk is a commercial breeder, and intends to put the bull over Droughtmaster females, targeting heavy feedlot and Jap ox markets.
A first-time buyer at Yerwal Estate, Mr Kirk first saw the bull at Stock Journal Beef Week.
The second-highest price bull was Yerwal Nazareth, which went for $7500 to NA&CE Skeer, of Millicent.
Stud principal Regan Burow said the sale results matched his expectations.
"It was a tough day but reflected the season, particularly with many buyers coming from interstate where conditions have been extremely dry," he said.
Mr Burow was happy with the bull quality, and was pleased to see a few new clients at the sale.
Guest vendors Quentin and Renee Mooney, Mt Mooney Simmentals, Tintinara, had a highly successful day, selling all three of their bulls averaging $4833.
Their highest-price bull, Mt Mooney Nugget, sold for $6500 to FO&VJ Hooper, Tintinara.
Buyer Vanessa Hooper said she was impressed with the depth of barrel and great muscle expression.
"Its length and overall shape is well proportioned," she said.
"We run a mixture of Simmental crosses, Herefords and Angus breeds, and he will suit these."
Landmark conducted the sale, and auctioneer Richard Miller said buyers got good value for money.
Echoing Mr Burow's sentiment, Mr Miller said the tough season had an impact on the sale.
"We lacked one or two volume buyers today, and that can be put down to dry conditions in surrounding areas," he said.
"The bulls on offer were of high quality, with good genetics and even lines."
Yerwal Estate will offer 51 Angus Bulls at its on-property Angus sale on Monday.