James and Nicki Pearce, and Pat Pearce, YavenVale Poll Herefords, Adelong, fell just shy of hitting a $100,000 top price at their 25th annual on-property bull sale.
They offered 135 bulls, of which 122 were homozygous poll.
"That is the most available at an on-property sale this season," James Pearce said.
"Mum and Dad offered and sold 44 bulls at their first sale, and we are proud to be able to offer this number today."
Of the 135 bulls offered, 112 sold to an average price of $9367 and a top price of $96,000.
The top-priced bull was an autumn 2022 drop, YavenVale Trump Card T350.
The homozygous poll was purchased by new clients Jacqui Baulch and her children Thomas and Indianna, Jaclinton Poll Herefords, Illowa, Victoria.
The son of Limehills Streaker 150368 had estimated breeding values of +31 milk, +2.5 intramuscular fat and +83 400-day growth.
His full brother has been retained by the stud, and the Pearce family have reserved the right to retain semen from this bull for use within their herd.
Tom Baulch had inspected the bull during a private inspection and plans to join his new sire in June with heifers and mature cows in July.
"He had that real sire appeal, and really stood out among the 135 bulls," he said.
"Plus his pedigree with his mother being a great donor cow and having that good data set as well."
The second top price at $28,000 was paid by Barry Newcomen, Newcomen Herefords, Ensay, Vic, for YavenVale Taylor Made T874 (AI) (PP).
The son of Tobruk Quicksilver Q015 was ranked in the top 1pc for 400 and 600 day weight and the southern self-replacing index, and in the 2pc for 200-day weight and scrotal size, along with the top 5pc for intramuscular fat.
Mr Newcomen said he favoured the bull's docility, body depth, soft skin, good head, eyes and feet and plans to join the bull to yearling heifers.
Other notable purchasers included the Hunter Valley-based Elite Poll Herefords who paid $17,000 for YavenVale Trillions T875 (AI) (PP), the Rogers family, Gelantipy, Vic, who bought three bulls to a top of $16,000 to average $10,333 and Ben and Lucy Kentish, Mount Gambier, SA, who selected four bulls to a top of $16,000 for an average price of $12,250.
The largest volume buyer was commercial Hereford breeders Andrew and Annie Bell, Red Gum Herefords, Millicent, SA, who took eight bulls home to a top of $18,000, with an average price of $9500 paid..
For James Pearce, one of the most exciting aspects of this draft is the number of bulls on offer that are from new bloodlines.
"This sale marks the first sons to sell in Australia for KCF Bennett Resolve G595, FTF Testimony 828F and Bowen QC Q043," he said.
"We aim to retain the EBV profile and type we like so it was great to see those bulls were well received.
"Our focus on early growth combined with carcase quality, especially marbling shows the benefit of using Breedplan EBVs as a selection tool in breeding better cattle.
"We would have loved to have sold a few more bulls but we are realistic there has been a price correction over the last few months, so we met the market today."
Mr Pearce said several new clients from NSW, Victoria and Tasmania purchased bulls.
The sale was settled by Ray White GTSM, Albury, interfaced with AuctionsPlus, with Brian Leslie, Kialla, the guest auctioneer.
Stephen Burns
Jackaroo on Merino sheep studs in the Riverina, a lifetime working on the land with sheep, cropping and cattle. Graduate Charles Sturt Uni with degree in Business and a Dean's Certificate. Graduate C.B. Alexander Agricultural College
Jackaroo on Merino sheep studs in the Riverina, a lifetime working on the land with sheep, cropping and cattle. Graduate Charles Sturt Uni with degree in Business and a Dean's Certificate. Graduate C.B. Alexander Agricultural College
