A TOP price of $13,500 was achieved at the 60th annual New England Angus Breeders sale at the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange on Wednesday.

Seventy six bulls were offered, with 62 selling for a clearance of 81 per cent and average of $6669.

Heart Lorenzo L8, a 15-month-old son of Karoo D24 Right Time G166 and Heart Dolly H2, topped the sale, selling to Jack Callinan, “Poitrel”, Ellerston. The bull weighed 716 kilograms, had a scrotal circumference of 40 centimetres, and estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +49, +90 and +124 for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight and +67 for carcase weight.

The second highest selling bull was Heart Kelso K24, purchased by Neil and Colleen Stackman, “Bungara”, Niangala. He was a 24-month-old bull by SAV 707 Rito 9969 from Millah Murrah Flower E172 and weighed 890kg. Kelso measured 42cm in the scrotum and had EBVs of +49, +92, +118 for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight and +68 for carcase weight.

Gavin Groth, “Dunnee”, Barraba, bought Old Kentucky Gabba K55, a 24-month-old son of Dunoon Gabba G548 and PJ Dream F03, for $12,000. He weighed 902kg, had a scrotal circumference of 42cm and had EBVs of +45, +84 and +112 for 200-, 400- and 600-day weight and +69 for carcase weight.

Greg Watson, “Parkway”, Merriwa, was the volume buyer, taking home five bulls for a top of $7000 and average of $5200. James Hockey, “Springfield”, Spring Ridge, bought four bulls, topping at $5500 twice and averaging $4750. David Pitt, “Rywung”, Weabonga; Mal Carter, Manilla; and Warongah Pty Ltd, “Lyndhurst”, Manilla, each purchased three bulls for averages of $5333, $8500, and $6833 respectively.

Trowbridge BBB stud principal Chris Garvin and buyer Brian Powell, Yamba Angus, with the $9000 heifer, Trowbridge BBB Wilcoola L88.
Trowbridge BBB stud principal Chris Garvin and buyer Brian Powell, Yamba Angus, with the $9000 heifer, Trowbridge BBB Wilcoola L88.

In the female sale, 10 of 11 heifers sold in the auction, topping at $9000 for a Trowbridge BBB heifer and averaging $3750.

Trowbridge BBB Wilcoola L88, an eight-month-old heifer by Trowbridge BBB W39 Equator J7 from Trowbridge BBB Wilcoola Z01, sold to Brian Powell, Yamba Angus, Narrandera. Ewen and Marg McLeish, Outwest Angus, Coonamble, were the volume buyers in the heifer sale, purchasing four head for an average of $2250.

The sale was conducted by Chris Paterson Stock and Station Agent and Purtle Plevey Agencies, with Paul Dooley auctioneering.

LOCAL support from buyers sent the New England Angus Breeders 59th annual sale to a top of $15,000 this afternoon.

The sale had a terrific clearance with 44 of the 47 bulls offered selling to an average of $6228.

Evan and Kylie Dunn, “Wendouree”, Walcha, purchased the top price bull from Heart Angus, Timbumburi.

Mr Dunn, who has purchased Heart bulls before said he liked the bull for its good weight for age and muscle expression.

The Dunns run a 200 cow herd consisiting of Angus and Angus cross cattle and usually produce cattle for the supermarket trade.

“We need the positive fat cover,” Mr Dunn said.

Stock and station agent Chris Paterson said all vendors would be very happy with the sale and terrific clearance.

“The very good clearance was the most pleasing part but the average was also excellent,” he said.

Similarly, New England Angus Breeders chairman, Ewan McLeish, said the sale was one of the best sales they’ve had in the last few years.