Bull buyers have been spoilt for choice at on-property sales during SA Angus Week, and many have had change from their 2018 budgets.
But most stud breeders have still been pleased with the 80 per cent to 90pc clearances, considering the lack of pastoral interest and nearly 900 bulls on offer across 14 sales.
The DiGiorgio family, Sterita Park, Lucindale, is the only stud to post a total clearance in the first few days, selling all 88 bulls to a $12,000 high for a $6950 average.
Colin Flanagan and Pat Ebert, Granite Ridge stud, Avenue Range, have claimed the highest price mantle for SA Angus Week so far with lot 25, Granite Ridge Nighthood N61, making $20,000.
The bull sold to Greg Fisher, Clover Ridge, Marcollat.
It has also set the benchmark for the highest average at $7130 for 69 bulls sold from 78 offered.
Landmark SA stud stock manager Gordon Wood said most averages had come back $1000 to $1400 with no northern buyers to put a floor in the market.
“When pastoral orders operate they may bid on 90pc of the bulls at the base rate to get the volumes they want, which may be 5pc of the bulls, so everyone else has to be that next bid up to get a bull,” he said.
He said South East and western Vic buyers had been the sales’ strength but their subdued bidding was noticeable, which could be a reflection of producers’ confidence in the cattle market.
“They are still buying bulls but not being forced into their second or third choice,” he said.
But, Elders stud stock manager Tony Wetherall said a few sales had better clearances than expected, especially where there had been big orders from the southern region.
"It shows the southern buyers are taking the opportunity to step up and get into new bulls," he said.
Mr Wetherall says buyers are chasing bulls with a balance of muscle and softness with positive fat Breedplan figures, calving ease and moderate birthweights.
"Both stud and commercial producers would be satisfied with what has been purchased and the results," he said.
In other breeds, a record price was achieved at Woonallee, Furner, with $30,000 paid for an unmated Simmental heifer, while their top price bull also reached $30,000.