The Bassingthwaighte families of Yarrawonga and Waco Santa Gertrudis studs had plenty of reasons to celebrate after 149 bulls sold to average a hefty $9922 at their on-property sale on Thursday.
The sale topped at $82,500 for Waco Napoleon N80 (P) offered by David and Suzanne Bassingthwaighte, Waco stud, Mungallala.
He was selected for stud duties by Craig Hindle, Bullamakinka Santa Gertrudis stud, North Bungunya, while the losing bidder was Greg Kroll, Oakdale, Chinchilla.
Mr Hindle said Napoleon appealed for his tropical breed type, thickness, and length.
At 20 months of age Napoleon, a son of Waco Diego J258, entered the sale ring with a weight of 902kg, an eye muscle area of 147sq cm and scrotal circumference of 39cm. He was the junior champion bull at Beef Australia 2018.
Selling for $30,000 was Waco Nixon, a son of Raytek D76 and was bought by Robyn Sargood, Manresa, Augathella.
Mrs Sargood said she liked the bull’s depth of body and length and he would be joined to stud cows to breed bulls for their commercial herd.
She also paid $26,000 Yarrawonga Hurrican N190, a son of Waco Zeus, offered by Andrew and Fiona Bassingthwaighte.
Mrs Sargood runs 1300 commercial breeders, and sells steers to her son Clayton who has Clayton’s Organic Feedlot, near Kingsthorpe and exports meat directly to PriceRite, United States.
Andrew Bassingthwaighte, Yarrawonga, Wallumbilla, paid $30,000 for Waco N46, a son of Yarrawonga Youtube (P).
Jo and Shaun McGuigan, Cree Santa Gertrudis, Thangool, paid $26,000 for Waco Nemo (P) a son of Waco Dodge.
At 20 months of age, Nemo weighed 822kg with an eye muscle area of 136sq cm and scrotal circumference of 38cm. The McGuigans first spotted Nemo at Beef Australia 2018 and earmarked him for his breed character, coated, polled head and tidy sheath.
Commercial producers Ian and Andrea Michelmore, Fort Cooper, Nebo, paid $26,0000 for Yarrawonga N288, a son of Yarranga Dodger J3222. Mr Michelmore will join this bull over selected cows to breed herd bulls for his commercial operation.
Yarrawonga N90 sold for $24,000 to Moreton Rolfe, Hardigreen Park, Wallabadah, NSW.
Bill Speed, Brigadoon, Taroom, paid for $22,000 Waco Noah (P), and the same money from Yarrawonga N264.
The Hutton family, Diamond H Santa Gertrudis stud, Wandoan, paid $22,000 for Yarrawonga N542,(P), a son of Yarrrawonga Efficient K584.
Also making the same money was Yarrawonga N264 (PS) who was bought by Walmona Pastoral Co, Truro, South Australia.
New buyers Jim, Gordon and Harrison West, South Bend, Arcardia Valley, finished with 24 bulls to average $7838. The Wests join 2500 Santa Gertudis/Hereford infused breeders to breed progeny, targeting the grass-fed Japanese market.
Family spokesman, David Bassingthwaighte, said the family was thrilled with the confidence shown in their stud genetics.
“In light of the current seasonal conditions we were expecting a tougher day, so we are delighted,” David said.
- Agent: Elders