REPEAT clients, who knew the value of the bulls, were out in force and buying in bulk at the Stoney Point ready to work bull sale at Naracoorte today.
With 36 bulls offered for sale, 31 sold under the hammer to a top of $13,000 and average $7420.
Paying the top price was JD&JM Skeer, Penola, for lot 8 - a mid-August 2019-drop that weighed in at 758 kilograms.
The son of Stoney Point Reality was strongly sought after with stud manager Peter Colliver describing it as a "curve bender" bull, that was suitable for both heifers and cows.
"It has good data, spread across the board and comes from a good calving ease family," he said.
The bull's measurements included a 40 centimetre scrotal circumference and Estimated Breeding Values of +7.1 for daughers calving ease - in the top 14 per cent for the breed - a +54 for 200 day-weight, +125 for 600 day-weight, a +5.8 for eye muscle area and was positive for both rib and P8 fat.
Also attracting plenty of bids was lot 11 - another August 2019-drop, this time a Stoney Point Onward son, which sold at $12,000.
The 804kg bull was bought by Stillwater Pastoral, through Nutrien Millicent, and was in the top 1pc of the breed for retail beef yield at +2.8, with a +8.6EMA.
There were a number of bidders buying in bulk with Nutrien Port Augusta picking up seven bulls to $9000, averaging $6500, for a client.
Treetop Estate, Meningie, bought five bulls - including the first three lots offered - to $10,000, averaging $7400.
Amherst Livestock, Naracoorte, bought four bulls to $9000, averaging $6750.
Another four bulls sold through AuctionsPlus, with three to HF Richardson, Newtown, Vic, to $7000, while the fourth is on its way to Gundagai, NSW.
Mr Colliver said the results were pleasing and while it was disappointing not to have full clearance, there were also about another 10 bulls offered this year.
"I'm pleased with the support of our repeat buyers," he said.
Auctioneer Gordon Wood, Nutrien Livestock, said this year's line up of bulls was presenting well and showing the progression in the genetics.
He said with the sale held at an unusual time on the SA calendar, it was great to see the interest from buyers and have such a healthy average.
"There was still good value in the bulls, especially with the returns we're seeing on weaners, steers and surplus heifers," he said.
The sale was conducted by Nutrien Millicent and Spence Dix & Co, as well as being interfaced through AuctionsPlus.
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Elizabeth Anderson
Editor of Stock Journal.
Editor of Stock Journal.
