Online bidding lifts 2020 Naracoorte Shorthorn sale

Despite local buyers being well spaced in the stands and an absence of interstate buyers the seven SA, Vic and NSW vendors sold 40 of 47 bulls.

The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus and online bidding was strong with 32 prospective buyers from across the country logging on and another 78 following the auction.

RELATED: Naracoorte Shorthorn sale leaps to $6828 av

The sale got off to a flying start with the first five lots from Bayview stud, Yorketown, all making $10,000 or more.

But it was another bull in the team, lot 32, Bayview Chester P70 that set a $18,500 sale record.

The June 2018-drop was the first son to be offered by Glengyron Legacy- a bull which Bayview bought privately and which is breeding well for them.

Buyer Paul Pridham, Nentoura stud, Frances said the 842 kilogram roan bull stood out in the paddock for its "softness" while its "well-balanced" figures" reaffirmed his decision.

Chester was in the top 5 per cent on Breedplan for calving ease and top 10pc for birth weight.

"We are not looking for huge bulls, he is a good moderate type but still had plenty in him as a young bull being 840 to 850kg with another three or four months of growing to go," he said.

Bayview easily topped the stud averages list with its 12 bulls averaging an outstanding $12,583.

Stud principal Chris Thompson said it was a "fantastic result" for the breed, especially with the sale held under "very trying circumstances".

"The Prime Minister the day before called nearly a total lock down of the country, but the protocols we followed and the advice from the selling agents meant we got commendation from Australian veterinary officers and PIRSA for the stance we took," he said.

"It was great to see buyers showing real support for Shorthorn genetics because they are making good money from them."

Four bulls sold online including lot 24, Trojon Prime Time, offered by first-time vendor Trent Johnstone, Lyndhurst, NSW, which made $8500.

Trojon's two bulls averaged $8250.

The Ashby family, Bundaleer stud, Gulnare, had the largest offering selling 10 of its 13 bulls for a $5400 average.

Its highest price lot, Bundaleer Pure Gold P18, was knocked down to Blackmoor Props, Kingston for $12,000.

Another volume buyer also from Kingston was Wirrildee Props who secured four bulls for a $5500 average.

PR Gould & Co, Lucindale, again bought in the top end of the catalogue with four bulls for a $13,750 average.

Among their tally was lot 2 , Bayview Wallaby P58- the grand champion Shorthorn bull from the 2019 Royal Adelaide Show - for $17,000.

The previous lot, Bayview Vagabond P41, a Yamburgan Zeus H140 son made the same money, selling to Belmore stud, Naracoorte.

Geoff and Janie Williamson, Caskieben stud, Carisbrook, Vic, sold all seven of their bulls for a $6357 average and the Brook family, Eloora stud, Bulart, Vic, sold six of their seven bulls for a $6250 average.

Lyn and John Nitschke, Carlton stud, Hahndorf, sold one of their four bulls for $6500.

Elders stud stock manager and auctioneer Tony Wetherall had high praise for the depth of quality of the offering but said the result easily exceeded his expectation.

"If you had of asked me at the start of the day I would of said it will be a good solid sale but the issues we are faced with at the moment would have taken the edge off," he said.

"But the active bidding right throughout the sale indicated to me people had worked out ways and means around it and were keen on their lots.

"No one turned up expecting a bargain."

Sale coordinator Rosemary Miller said the use of AuctionsPlus for the first time underpinned the sale's success enabling bidders from across Australia to operate freely.

"Despite unprecedented times, there was strong interest in the one of the most outstanding offerings of commercially focused bulls," she said.

"Buyers were keen to support the sale showing their appreciation for Shorthorn cattle."

Elders and Nutrien Livestock were joint selling agents.