Buyers chase high-growth heifer bulls at Gates Performance Genetics, topping at $17,000 with an $8000 average at Armidale
Summary
Repeat and new buyers chasing heifer bulls with high growth traits turned out in strength for the Gates Performance Genetics Angus bull sale at Armidale. The offering topped at $17,000, with 39 of 42 bulls sold to an average of $8000. The top-priced bull was an 834-kilogram, August 2024-drop sire carrying rib and rump estimated breeding values in the breed's top 7 per cent, an intramuscular fat figure of +4.7 and growth figures of +59 for 200-day, +111 for 400-day and +139 for 600-day, together with a 42-centimetre scrotal circumference. The same buyer also secured the $15,000 second-top bull, a 770-kilogram sire with four EBVs in the top 5 per cent, including a carcase weight of +114 that ranked in the breed's top 1 per cent, plus a 41-centimetre scrotal circumference. Bulls sold into a wide geographic spread, from Macksville to Broken Hill, Wodonga in Victoria and up to Goondiwindi in Queensland. Local volume buyers were prominent, with several teams assembled at averages around $6000 to $6250, and standout lots reaching $14,000 and $12,000. Despite a tight New England season following a tough autumn, the sale reflected genuine optimism in the cattle market and confidence in high-performance Angus genetics. The selling agents were Elders at Guyra and Armidale, with AuctionsPlus providing the online bidding interface for buyers across the eastern states.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price | $17,000 |
| Average price | $8000 |
| Bulls sold | 39 of 42 |
| Top bull weight | 834 kg |
| Second top price | $15,000 |
| Second top carcase weight EBV | +114 (top 1%) |
| Top bull scrotal circumference | 42 cm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Gates Performance Genetics sale?
The sale topped at $17,000 for an 834-kilogram, August 2024-drop bull. It carried rib and rump EBVs in the breed's top 7 per cent and a 42-centimetre scrotal circumference.
How many bulls sold and at what average?
A total of 39 of 42 bulls sold to an average of $8000. The result was seen as strong given the tight season.
What made the second-top bull notable?
The $15,000 bull carried four EBVs in the top 5 per cent, including a carcase weight of +114 in the breed's top 1 per cent. It weighed 770 kilograms with a 41-centimetre scrotal circumference.
What were buyers looking for?
Repeat and new buyers were chasing heifer bulls with high growth traits, along with cow bulls. There was noted optimism within the cattle market.
How widely did the bulls sell?
Bulls sold from Macksville to Broken Hill, Wodonga in Victoria and up to Goondiwindi in Queensland. Local volume buyers were also strongly represented.
What were the top bull's growth figures?
The top bull recorded 200-day growth of +59, 400-day of +111 and 600-day of +139. Its intramuscular fat figure was +4.7.
Who conducted the sale?
The selling agents were Elders at Guyra and Armidale. AuctionsPlus provided the online bidding interface.
