Despite the ongoing dry conditions in the region agents and vendors of the annual Australian Topstock Barcaldine Bull Sale remain firmly committed to bringing first-rate Angus and Senegus genetics to the doorstep of Queensland producers.
The 2019 sale, taking place on Friday, February 22 from 10am at the Barcaldine Saleyards, will see a striking catalogue of 159 lots, including 119 Angus bulls and 40 Red Angus/Senegus-cross bulls offered.
Nick and Sara Moyle, Pathfinder Angus, Gazette, Vic, will offer 71 bulls; Mike and Joy Gadd, The Glen Angus, Walwa, Vic, will present 24 bulls; Robert and Anthony Close, Kurrawirra Red Angus and Red Senegus, Culla, Vic, have selected 40 composite bulls; and Rob and Sally Bulle, Ardrossan Angus, Holbrook, NSW, will offer 24 bulls.
Sale coordinator James Lilburne, of livestock marketing business Australian Topstock, said the bulls catalogued this year have been specifically selected for use in the pastoral areas of Qld.
“Good lines of genetics run right through the whole sale team, and these bulls haven’t been overdone either, they’re ready to go straight to work,” Mr Lilburne said.
He said historically the sale has provided buyers with high quality bulls at exceptional value for money.
Wallumbilla-based producer Steve Gray, Wallebella, purchased four Angus bulls at the sale last year, and eight Angus in 2017, and is pleased with how they’ve performed over “a couple of tough years”.
“The bulls we purchased at Barcaldine are as good as you can get anywhere, and for what they offer we believe we got them at a good price, they’re all well-rounded beef animals with plenty of length, muscle, and moderate birth weights,” Mr Gray said.
Mr Lilburne said while the Angus “sell themselves”, the Red Angus/Red Senegus-cross draft this year is of “cracking quality”.
“Anyone who’s interested in developing a crossbreeding program, with all the advantages of hybrid vigour, won’t find better bulls to suit the purpose than what will be available at the sale.”
He said conditions in the region leading up to the sale have been terrible, as they were last year, though he’s hopeful for another positive sale outcome.
“Considering the dry conditions we posted a remarkable result last year. An hour after the sale, only seven bulls remained unsold.”
Those unable to attend can watch the sale online and bid through Elite Livestock Auctions. The sale catalogue is online now at www.australiantopstock.com.au
For enquiries contact James Lilburne, Australian Topstock, 0417 333 737, Chris Norris, Elite Livestock, 0447 711 505, or Bill Seeney, Ray White Rural, 0427 580 301.