Bidder strikes to take home Thunderstorm at Newlyn Park sale

The $15,000 top price bull, Thunderstorm T2, was first off the rank and was snapped up by Barry Peel, Adelong, NSW, for stud duties at Yukon Park Angus.

The 892-kilogram sire had a 40.5 centimetre scrotal circumference and was commended for its long body shape with balance and eye appeal.

Its estimated breeding values included +140 for 600-day weight, +10.9 eye muscle area, -2.2 rib and -1.9 rump. Its +28 for docility was also highlighted by Mr Peel as a trait he was after in his stud.

Sired by GB Fireball 672P and out of Newlyn Park Laura Q14, the top bull was the calf at side when its dam won Reserve Senior Champion Angus cow at the 2022 Royal Adelaide Show.

As a new client, Mr Peel was interested in bulls with low birth weight coupled with good growth figures.

"That side of this bull was excellent," he said.

"We have about 50 breeders in the stud and the bull will be joined in May."

The $10,000 second-highest price bull, Newlyn Park Trader T47, was bought by B&M & BP Mumford, Crystal Brook. They also bought a bull at $9000.

Weighing 660kg, the $10,000 bull was sired by Deer Valley Growth Fund and out of Quaker Hill Blackcap 1695.

It carried a 39cm scrotal circumference with a +100 carcase weight which is in the top 1pc of the breed.

It also ranked in the top percentiles for its other growth traits, including +72 for 200-day weight with +9.0 EMA, -2.5 rib and -5.5 rump, and +0.9 IMF.

Stud principal Gavin Newman said he was pleased new buyers attended and the top bull went to stud duties.

"There is every chance that bull will prove to be excellent value for money," he said.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien Ag Strathalbyn with studstock's Gordon Wood taking the bids.