A RISING two-year-old Poll Hereford bull with impressive figures nabbed the $18,000 top price at Kerlson Pines and Oak Downs Poll Hereford studs' ninth annual bull sale at Keith on Tuesday last week.
The sale-topper was Kerlson Pines Nardoo P014, weighing 952 kilograms at 23 months of age and selling to Barry Newcomen, Newcomen Hereford stud, Ensay, Vic, who was bidding through AuctionsPlus.
Nardoo P014 is a son of Mawarra Ohio L416 - bought by Kerlson Pines and Oak Downs stud in partnership for $36,000 in 2017. A total of 17 Ohio L416 sons were offered in the sale from both studs.
The sale-topper had growth estimated breeding values in the top 5 per cent for 200-day weight at +44 and 400-day weight at +71, and had carcase data in the top 1pc for eye muscle area at +6.8, rib fat of +2.4 and rump fat of +3.7.
In the breakdown, Kerlson Pines sold 17 out of 27 bulls offered, to the $18,000 sale high, at an average of $6912.
Oak Downs sold 15 of its 28 bull line-up, topping at $7000, and averaging $4367.
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The second-highest price of the sale was $11,000 for Kerlson Pines Leitchville P170.
The young September 2018-drop son of Allendale Chisel L3 was bought by MJ Lloyd, Reedy Creek. It had figures of +4.1 for EMA, +1.5 rib fat and +3.2 rump fat.
The Lloyds bought four bulls averaging $6750, including three sons of Mawarra Ohio L416.
"We selected bulls with high intramuscular fat, EMA and 600-day weights with good cosmetics," David Lloyd said.
The major volume buyer was Angus Vandepeer, Keilira, who took advantage of the value buying to secure seven bulls at $4000 each, buying from both vendors.
Mr Vandepeer places a lot of emphasis on high 600-day weights as he grows his steers out to 26 to 28 months of age, selling direct to Teys at weights of about 660-670kg.
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Loyal Oak Downs client Robin Rundell, Braithwaite Creek, Vic, bought four bulls for $4000 each.
The Rundells herd was originally the old Golf Hill stud but are now commercial.
"We select for good colour and coat and plenty of weight," Mr Rundell said.
"Herefords suit our climate and we sell in the January Hamilton, Vic, weaner sales."
Kerlson Pines stud principal Mark Wilson said the top end of the offering sold well.
"Buyers were selective. We knew many of our clients have been having tough seasons but the cattle market is good," he said.
Elders Ross Milne shared the auctioneering duties with Nutrien Livestock SA stud stock manager Gordon Wood, and said "it was a very selective sale with real value for money".
The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien Livestock.
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