Strong support at Goolagong South East stud bull sale

A total of 48 bulls from 50 went under the hammer at the sale to an average of $8417, with the remaining two bulls sold immediately following the sale.

Reaching the sale's top price was Lot 10 in Goolagong Stellar T67 a Sitz Stellar son which was knocked down for $16,000 through AuctionsPlus to the Mumford family, Redhill.

The bull, which was out of Stoney Point Jedda, was a trait leader for calving ease and growth.

It had a calving ease estimated breeding value of +4.9, 400 day weight of +104 and 600 day weight of +131, all in the top 30 per cent of the breed with its gestational length in the top 1pc at -12.8.

While the top price and average were down from last year's sale - at $20,000 and $11,400 respectively - Stud principal Heath Tiller said he was very happy with the result.

"We had a lot of repeat clients this year and new clients which was great to see," he said.

"We put those extra bulls in this year, so we knew the average would be back but we're really happy with where it finished.

"It was great to see the Mumfords take home Lot 10 (Goolagong Stellar T67) - he's out of a really nice Stoney Point cow and he's been a standout from a calf right through so it'll be great to see how he breeds on for the Mumford family."

Nutrien auctioneer Richard Miller said the top price bull had a strong pedigree and was an easy-doing bull with a heap of carcase and eye-appeal.

Wheal Farms, Beachport, took home Lot 17, Goolagong Beast Mode T66, for the second top price of $15,000.

The bull was sired by Goolagong Beast Mode R40, a Baldridge Beast Mode son and was out of Goolagong R62.

It was in the top 10pc for both 200 and 600 day growth with EBVs of +61 and +140 respectively, in addition to a top 25pc score of +5.1 for calving ease.

Wheal Farms also picked up Lot 4, Goolagong Rocket Man T322, which sold for $12,000, Lot 50, Goolagong Stellar T333 for $9000 and Lot 12, Goolagong Plantation T91 for $8000.

Other standout bulls in the catalogue included Goolagong 38 Special T110, Goolagong New Ground T114, Goolagong New Ground T184 and Goolagong Iceman T269 which all sold for $12,000 each.

The sale's volume buyer was Saltbush Ag, via Port Augusta, picking up New Ground T114 and Iceman T269 in addition to 12 other bulls for a total average of $8428.

On behalf of Saltbush Ag, Nutrien Port Augusta stock agent Cameron Paul said Goolagong bulls bred strong growth traits into his client's weaners which is why they remained repeat buyers.

Mr Tiller said Saltbush Ag was a value client of the stud who bred steers he often bought for use in the HB Rural feedlot program.

"We really like to buy our bulls progeny for the feedlot and support the clients who support us," he said.

"Saltbush Ag is one of the clients we regularly buy steers from so it was great to see them here supporting the sale and taking home 14 bulls."

Mr Miller said the result was positive given the current market conditions.

"To offer 20pc more bulls in the sale's second year and sell them all is a big ask but they've done it which is a credit to the Tiller family," he said.

"The bulls were beautifully balanced and commercially focused with data to back it up.

"The sale was underpinned by a large northern order who came and flexed their muscles and put a good floor in but were in the top end of the money throughout the sale."

Goolagong will hold its Mid North sale this Friday, with 60 Angus and 30 Sangus bulls on offer.