Locals support Swan Hill

The first instalment of the Western Santa run of sales offered a reduced number of bulls after the Russell family decided to reduce numbers based on seasonal conditions and demand.

One of the repeat local buyers, station manager, Les Russell, Bailey Properties, Paradise Downs, Blackall, paid the top price of $6500 for a 20-month-old, polled, classified, 720kg, Waco Winner son, Swan Hill R4200.

“We put Santa bulls over Charolais/Santa cross heifers,” said Mr Russell who usually sells weaners for the feeder market.

“Depends what’s going on in the market,” he said.

Mr Russell selected two bulls at the sale including the 28-month-old, 830kg, herd bull, Swan Hill R3171, a Cree Commander son.

Swan Hill neighbours, Peel Pastoral, Inverness, Blackall, purchased three bulls at the sale including a $6000, 25-month-old, polled, classified sire and the $5500, 20-month-old, 636kg, Swan Hill R3940.

Peel Pastoral is operated by the Sydney based, Peel family.

Station manager, Andrew Peterson, Portland Downs, Ilfracombe, paid $5500 for a 20-month-old, Swan Hill Omen son.

Michael Butler, Athol Station, Blackall, took home five bulls for the average price of $2600.

The Cloncurry based Pavey family who own and operate Greenhills Station, Tambo, selected 5 bulls to average $3600 including two bulls for $4500 each.

A total of 18 classified ‘S’ bulls averaged $4138 while 16 herd bulls averaged $3468.

Polled bulls averaged $4625 for 12 lots.