Top prices, averages: Annual bull sale results revealed

This year’s bull buying season has recorded some stellar results, with strong clearance rates across the board. See all the details from each of the sales.

This year is proving to be high stakes when it comes to genetics with a new Victorian record set for an Angus sire selling for $230,000.

Confidence at the top end of the beef industry appears to be rock solid as select bulls make extraordinary sums at autumn bull sales.

To date the best price for the state this year is $230,000 with a bull from Banquet Angus, Mortlake, selling to a fellow Angus breeder for the huge sum last week.

And it was the case for the next highest priced bulls in recent sales, with a Yavenvale Hereford sire selling for $96,000 to fellow whiteface breeders, the Baulch family who run Jaclinton stud near Warrnambool.

Elders Victoria stud stock manager Ross Milne said the big prices for certain bulls showed the willingness of studs to invest.

“If the genetics of a bull suit their (the stud’s) program and if the bull has the data, well a lot of guys will dig deep to get the bull they want,” Mr Milne said.

“There is a lot of ‘sameness’ in bull pedigrees and if you can find an outcross, that can generate a lot of interest.

“That’s what happened at Banquet – it was a good example of a great bull with outcross genetics.”

Hamish Branson, Banquet Angus, Mortlake, with record-breaking Banquet Tom Cruise T220, Lot 11, which sold for $230,000 to Bannaby Angus, Myrtleville NSW. Picture: Mavstar Photography

And while the big prices are gaining the attention, clearances are the real story, Mr Milne said, as beef producers continue to buy bulls despite a tough run with commercial cattle prices.

“Clearances at most sales have been pleasing, and it shows beef producers want to keep investing in their herds and are still happy to invest in them,” he said.

Vendor of the $230,000 Banquet Angus bull Stephen Branson said they had thought their record-breaking bull would sell well, but not as well as did.

But he said while it was a significant milestone for the breeding program, the fact all 94 bulls offered were sold, and to new and existing clients for the stud, was more important.

“We had 118 registered bidders, and we had buyers who missed out that have come to us afterwards to see if we have more to sell,” Mr Branson said.

“That’s what we are most proud about.”