*Total clearance of 104 bulls sold to $18,000, av $7524
Buyers from across Victoria, NSW, South Australia and King Island, Tas, gathered for an outstanding day of bull selling at Pathfinder Angus.
The reputable quality of the stock was on show at the Western District-based stud’s 22nd annual on-property sale at Gazette, where there was a complete clearance of 104 bulls, for a sale average price of $7524.
It was Lot 14, Pathfinder General N777, which was the highlight of the sale, reaching the top price of $18,000.
With buyers attracted to his estimated breeding values (EBVs), as well as his overall conformation and muscling, it made him an ideal bull to use over heifers.
READ MORE: Pathfinder's 2018 bull sale report
He was a bull that suited Bruce and Scott Bell's Bell Pastoral property at Woolsthorpe.
His EBVs were +3.4 kilograms for birth weight, +96kg for 400-day weight, and +126kg for 600-day weight, as well as a positive IMF of +2.9 per cent, which put him in the top 1pc of the Angus breed for all indexes, in addition to being in the top 5pc for calving ease.
The Bell family had been purchasing from Pathfinder since 2007, and like other buyers, were impressed with the quality and consistency of the genetics.
Annually, Bell Pastoral turn-off approximately 160 grassfed steers at 20 months-old, which are aimed at the JBS grassfed market, which they receive premiums for.
In total, they run 600 head of cattle, with an autumn calving pattern, annually calving about 320 females.
While the season was dry in spring, they were impressed with their successful pregnancy rates.
The second-highest price for the day was $14,000, which was paid for lots 18 and 25 by LMB Timmins PTY LTD and Frank Sorraghan.
Mr Sorraghan, along with his wife Andis, of Rockwood Angus and Charolais, own and operate their properties Wisconsin, Book Book, NSW, and Mountain Creek Estate, Woomargama, NSW.
Lot 25 had +4.7kg for birth weight, +91kg for 200-day weight, and +134kg for 600-day weight, as well as a +1.4pc IMF.
Their Charolais and Angus operation involves selling bulls to commercial and stud breeders, and between both breeds they calve 1500 females.
Mr Sorraghan said the season had been tough for them, but his decision to sell fat cows last season, to keep young stock, allowed them to be “miles in front”.
He said he normally kept steers until 600kg, however recently they had been selling stock at 350kg liveweight and were happy with the prices.
Chris Barnett, Karawah, King Island, Tas, purchased Lot 49 for $8000.
Mr Barnett is a commercial Angus producer and runs a finishing operation, with stock destined for Greenhams in Smithton, Tas.
He said he hoped to utilise Pathfinder General N327 over his heifers, due to his low birth weight values.
His figures included +2.9kg for birth weight and +120kg for 600-day weight.
First-time Pathfinder buyer Ron Cowley, Roseleigh Angus, SA, purchased Lot 27 for $13,000.
Mr Cowley said the bull's positive fat figures, smoothness, and overall easy doing ability was what made it an appealing selection.
Pathfinder Galileo recorded +2.4 Rib Fat, and +1.8pc IMF.
Pathfinder stud co-principal Nick Moyle said the sale was dominated by repeat buyers, which was fantastic to see.
Mr Moyle said buyers were seeking calving ease and growth figures, as well as overall muscle and power.
He said BreedPlan had revolutionised their ability to make genetic progress, along with artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
