The 2016 Southern Cross Hereford bull sale at the Pinora sale complex, Jackson, was a resounding success with averages up dramatically in comparison to last year’s results.
The sale concluded with an average price of $8136. Two bulls were sold after the final hammer taking the final clearance rate to 90 per cent.
The day represented a major milestone for Tom Nixon of Devon Court Hereford stud who, in his last sale at Pinora before returning to hosting on-property sales, sold Devon Court Centurion K152 for a top price of $24,000- more than double his top price in 2015.
The 916kg polled sire sold to Glenlyon Rural Holdings, Toowoomba, and offered P8 and rib fat measurements of 17 and 10 respectively with a scrotal circumference of 44cm to boot.
Mr Nixon he had been offered a far less amount in the paddock prior to the sale and as it turned out he was pleased with his decision to keep the bull in the sale catalogue.
“There’s no doubt he’s a quality bull from nose to tail but it’s especially pleasing to see such strong results throughout the sale," he said.
“We bought the top priced bull out of Wodonga for $95,000 and our investments are starting to generate a lot of interest, especially when it comes to polled genetics so it’s very exciting.”
Two bulls sold for $20,000 and shared second top price accolades, with Talbalba Advance K134 selling to Lotus Herefords, Glen Innes, NSW, and Curracabark stud, Gloucester, NSW, and Devon Court Avalanche K173 bought by Tummel Herefords, Walcha, NSW, and Glenwarrah Pastoral Company, Bundarra, NSW.
Commercial producers were also in operation with Campview Grazing, Taroom, picking up four bulls to total $35,000 and the James family, Beacon Hill, Wandoan, taking home five bulls grossing $32,500.
The Leahy family, Barram, Eidsvold, also purchased five bulls to gross $32,000.
Buckinbah stud, St George, were the stand out volume buyers of the sale taking home seven Talbalba bulls for an average price of $8500 and a total of $59,500.
Talbalba Herefords stud principle Steve Reid, Millmerran, echoed Mr Nixon’s comments and said the 2016 sale was an overall best.
“There was strong support from crossbreeding buyers with a Hereford Santa cross proving popular,” he said.
“From my perspective we’re seeing a push for meat quality. The consumer currently has to pay more for beef so if our product is to remain a staple item we need to breed animals with red meat in mind and today’s results suggest we’re doing that.
“It’s terrific to be part of an industry that is finally getting back to where it needs to be.”
Selling agents: Elders and GDL.
