NSW and SA buyers chase docility and carcase merit as Elite Poll Herefords top at $12,000
Summary
Return buyers from NSW and South Australia chased temperament, structure and carcase traits at the 39th annual Elite Poll Herefords on-property sale at Eulalia, Gundy, on September 3. Conducted via Helmsman auction, 21 of the 33 bulls offered sold to a top of $12,000 and an average of $5820, easing from the previous year's $13,000 top and $7145 average recorded in a kinder season. The sale topper, Elite W217, sired by Elite S353, was secured by a long-term Forbes buyer through online bidding and combined standout growth with elite carcase merit: 200-day growth in the top 5 per cent at +47, 400-day in the top 1 per cent at +82, and a 600-day EBV of +108. Its carcase weight EBV of +90 and eye muscle area of +8.5 ranked in the top 1 per cent, with intramuscular fat and yield in the top 5 per cent. The second top bull, Elite V119, with homozygous poll genetics, made $9000, ranking top 1 per cent for 400-day growth at +89. Another bull, Elite V154, sold for $8000 to a Moree operation on outstanding calving ease and top 5 per cent 400-day growth at +78. The main volume buyer, from Millicent in South Australia, took three bulls at $5000 each, all top 5 per cent for eye muscle area. Despite a tougher season broken only by May pasture, the vendor reported 100 per cent repeat buyers.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price (bull) | $12,000 |
| Bulls sold / offered | 21 of 33 |
| Sale average | $5820 |
| Previous year top | $13,000 |
| Previous year average | $7145 |
| Sale topper carcase weight EBV | +90 |
| Second top price | $9000 |
| Volume buyer price (three bulls) | $5000 each |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the 2026 Elite Poll Herefords sale?
The top price was $12,000 for the sale topper, Elite W217, sired by Elite S353. It was bought by a long-term Forbes buyer via online bidding.
How did the results compare with last year?
This year 21 of 33 bulls sold to a $12,000 top and $5820 average. That eased from last year's $13,000 top and $7145 average, achieved in a kinder season.
What made the sale topper stand out?
It combined elite growth and carcase merit, with 200-day growth top 5 per cent at +47 and 400-day growth top 1 per cent at +82. Its carcase weight EBV of +90 and eye muscle area of +8.5 ranked top 1 per cent.
What did the second top-priced bull sell for?
Elite V119 sold for $9000 and carried homozygous poll genetics. It ranked top 1 per cent for 400-day growth with an EBV of +89.
Who was the main volume buyer?
A South Australian family from Millicent loaded three bulls, all at $5000. All three ranked in the top 5 per cent for eye muscle area.
Why do some producers join Hereford bulls to Angus cows?
The combination was favoured for calving ease and a favourable cost relationship. It produced a high percentage of calves with no breakdowns and black baldy calves that traded well.
What is the significance of homozygous poll genetics?
Homozygous poll bulls reliably pass on the polled trait to their progeny. One of the top-selling bulls at this sale carried these genetics.
How did the season influence the sale?
The season was ordinary until a break in May improved pasture and pushed the bulls along. Despite that, the sale recorded 100 per cent repeat buyers.
