Long association cemented with top-priced bull
The top-priced bull at the 50th annual Ennerdale Hereford bull sale was purchased by Gatum producers with a long-term relationship with the Dundonnell stud.
BUYERS from as far as Tasmania and bushfire-affected Gippsland attended yesterday’s 50th annual Ennerdale Hereford bull sale.
The stud, in operation for 81 years, secured $6000 for top-priced bull Poll Hereford Ennerdale Willalooka.
Of the 31 bulls offered yesterday, 24 sold to an average price of $4000, while two bulls sold for the second top price of $5500.
The top bull, Willalooka, sired by Allendale King Kong, had Estimated Breeding Value figures of +5.2kg for birth weight and an eye muscle area figure of +2.9cm sq, and weighed in at 706kg.
Banool Pastoral’s Georgie Luckock and Robert Lawrence purchased two bulls at the sale, including top-priced Willalooka.
Georgie said the Ennerdale bloodline ran through her herd of Hereford cattle at their Gatum property.
“We’ve got a long-running relationship with Ennerdale. We find that they’re real. They are as they are, we like their performance from a commercial perspective, and we’re happy with the way they’re grown out in the past,” Georgie said.
“They’ve got a really good structure, they’ve got substance.”
Willalooka will be integrated into Banool’s breeding program, where Georgie pairs specific bulls and heifers to optimise production and performance.
Banool Pastoral runs an autumn and spring calving program.
While this year’s top price was down on previous years, stud principal Kate Luckock said the bulls “presented beautifully”, evident in the number of repeat buyers in the crowd.
“I’m pleased that the majority of the bulls are out and now into good homes,” Kate said.
“They are honest, productive, low-maintenance cattle.”
Kate said she was especially pleased to see producer Nigel Hodge from Buchan in East Gippsland at yesterday’s sale after being affected by recent bushfire.
Two Tasmanian producers, including L and J Fry from South Forest, were also in attendance and purchased bulls.
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