Bowen Poll Herefords and Peakes Angus sale sees full clearance and a $40,000 Angus top at Barraba
Summary
Strong demand marked the 31st annual Bowen Poll Herefords and Peakes Angus bull sale at Barraba on July 16, where repeat buyers made up 90 per cent of the crowd and both breeds achieved full clearance. In the Angus run, all 95 bulls averaged $13,242 and topped at $40,000, both well up on 2025, while the 39 Herefords sold to a $28,000 top and a $10,974 average, also improved on the previous year. The top Angus, Peakes Bowen Everest V323, was an August 2024-drop weighing 1004 kilograms with the third-highest weight and second-highest eye muscle area at 600-day scanning in its group and a 42 centimetre scrotal circumference; it sold to a Bylong, NSW operation, with the stud retaining semen. The second top Angus, Peakes Bowen Countdown V451, a 854 kilogram September-drop with marbling in the breed's top 4 per cent, made $30,000, while Peakes Bowen Identity V333, a 940 kilogram August 2024-drop, reached $28,000. A charity bull, Peakes Bowen Starlink V344, brought $12,000, lifting the total raised since 2022 to $71,400, with proceeds shared between a children's foundation, a rescue helicopter service and a cancer research trust. The top Hereford, Bowen Viewpoint V137, sold for $28,000 with estimated breeding values of +2.6 for birthweight, +50, +83 and +112 for 200, 400 and 600-day growth. Volume buyer Brook Pastoral Company of Birdsville, which supplies OBE Organic Beef, secured seven Herefords at $6000 each. Nutrien conducted the sale and AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Angus bulls sold | 95 (full clearance) |
| Angus average | $13,242 |
| Angus top price | $40,000 |
| Hereford bulls sold | 39 (full clearance) |
| Hereford top price | $28,000 |
| Hereford average | $10,974 |
| Repeat buyers | 90% |
| Charity bull total since 2022 | $71,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the headline results of the 2026 Bowen and Peakes sale?
Both breeds achieved full clearance at the 31st annual sale. The 95 Angus averaged $13,242 to a $40,000 top, while the 39 Herefords averaged $10,974 to a $28,000 top, both up on 2025.
What stood out about the top Angus bull?
The top Angus was an August 2024-drop weighing 1004 kilograms with a 42 centimetre scrotal circumference. It ranked third for weight and second for eye muscle area at 600-day scanning in its group, and the stud retained semen.
How much did the charity bull raise?
The charity bull sold for $12,000, lifting the total raised since 2022 to $71,400. Proceeds were split three ways between a children's foundation, a rescue helicopter service and a cancer research trust.
What breeding values did the top Hereford carry?
The $28,000 top Hereford recorded an estimated breeding value of +2.6 for birthweight. Its growth figures were +50, +83 and +112 for 200, 400 and 600-day growth.
How strong was repeat buyer support?
Repeat buyers made up 90 per cent of those in the stands. Both breeds sold out, reflecting confidence in the genetics on offer.
What did the top Angus buyer want in a bull?
The buyer sends bulls to the Northern Territory and needed plenty of muscle, walking ability and sire presence. Structure and higher performance were priorities.
Who was a notable volume Hereford buyer?
A Birdsville pastoral company that supplies OBE Organic Beef took home seven Herefords at $6000 each. The second top Hereford, a $24,000 lot, went to a Coorawong buyer.
