Glenlea Charolais tops $1 million at eighth Winton sale with record $30,000 bull and total clearance
Summary
The eighth annual Glenlea Charolais sale at Winton achieved a total clearance of all 103 lots and grossed $1,056,500, with the stud almost doubling the number of bulls on offer. A new top-price record was set at $30,000, breaking the previous mark by $4000, while the overall average was $10,257. By comparison, the 2025 sale topped at $26,000 and averaged $12,517 from 59 bulls, so the larger 2026 draft lifted the gross even as the average eased. This year's catalogue comprised 86 Charolais bulls averaging $10,733, 10 Simmental bulls averaging $8700, three Charolais cow-and-calf units averaging $8166, two joined heifers averaging $6750 and two heifers averaging $4250. The record-priced bull, a homozygous polled strong red-factor sire aged 27.5 months, weighed 933 kilograms and carried rib and rump fat of 7 and 12 millimetres, an eye muscle area of 141 square centimetres, intramuscular fat of 6.8 per cent and a 43-centimetre scrotal circumference, and was bought online by a Northern Rivers stud chasing red-factor, homozygous polled genetics. The sale opened with two bulls at $24,000 each, and several buyers paid $20,000 to $22,000, including one operation that took seven bulls to average $13,428. The vendor, described as the largest producer of red-factor Charolais bulls, credited the good season and strong demand for red-factor and poll genetics for the result. Additional volume buyers each secured eight bulls, averaging $10,125 and $7625 respectively. Selling was simulcast online through the agents' bidding platform.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Sale gross | $1,056,500 |
| Lots offered and cleared | 103 (total clearance) |
| Top price | $30,000 |
| Overall average | $10,257 |
| Charolais bulls average (86 head) | $10,733 |
| Top bull weight | 933 kg |
| Top bull eye muscle area | 141 sq cm |
| Previous top price record (2025) | $26,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the Glenlea Charolais Winton sale?
The top price was a record $30,000, breaking the previous mark by $4000. It was paid for a homozygous polled, strong red-factor bull.
What did the sale gross and average?
The sale grossed $1,056,500 with a total clearance of 103 lots. The overall average was $10,257.
How did this year compare with 2025?
The 2025 sale topped at $26,000 and averaged $12,517 from 59 bulls. With almost twice as many bulls in 2026, the gross rose even though the average eased.
What were the record bull's measurements?
The 27.5-month-old bull weighed 933 kilograms and carried rib and rump fat of 7 and 12 millimetres. It had an eye muscle area of 141 square centimetres, intramuscular fat of 6.8 per cent and a 43-centimetre scrotal circumference.
How did the different categories average?
The 86 Charolais bulls averaged $10,733 and 10 Simmental bulls averaged $8700. Cow-and-calf units averaged $8166, PTIC heifers $6750 and heifers $4250.
Why are red-factor Charolais bulls in demand?
Red-factor bulls are sought for crossing with red-based cow herds to produce desirable coloured calves. The stud is described as the largest producer of red-factor Charolais bulls.
Who were the other volume buyers?
Two operations each bought eight bulls, averaging $10,125 and $7625 respectively. Another buyer took seven bulls to average $13,428.
