Hicks Beef spring bull sale records full clearance with a $33,000 top and $13,023 average
Summary
The Hicks Beef spring bull sale at Holbrook achieved a record full clearance, with all 84 bulls offered on Wednesday, September 2 finding new homes at an average of $13,023 and a top of $33,000. Spirited and consistent competition lifted results well above the previous year's spring sale, when 82 lots sold to a top of $24,000 and an average of $12,109. The composite offering spanned several colours and types: 51 black composite bulls averaged $13,020, the 18 red composite bulls averaged $14,500, and 15 Red Angus bulls averaged $11,266 to a top of $22,000. The sale-topping black composite bull carried estimated progeny differences in the breed's top 5 per cent for calving ease at +19.2, marbling at +0.88 and an all-purpose index of +183.1. The red composite that made the second-highest overall price of $28,000 ranked in the top 5 per cent for heifer pregnancy at +12 and marbling at +0.77, and was earmarked for a large North Queensland crossbreeding program with Brahman heifers. Volume buyers were active from up and down the eastern seaboard, with one pastoral company securing 14 bulls at an average of $9500 and a top of $13,000, and a handful of bulls even bound for Tasmania. A strong female population across southern Australia, mild seasonal conditions and steady nutrition in the lead-up were credited with underpinning demand. The result reflected a healthy mix of repeat clients and new buyers, and confirmed continued confidence in composite beef genetics heading into the spring joining season across eastern states.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Head offered and sold | 84 (100% clearance) |
| Overall average price | $13,023 |
| Top price (black composite) | $33,000 |
| Black composite average (51 bulls) | $13,020 |
| Red composite average (18 bulls) | $14,500 |
| Red Angus average (15 bulls) | $11,266 |
| Second-highest price (red composite) | $28,000 |
| Previous year average and top | $12,109 / $24,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the top price and average at the 2026 Hicks Beef spring bull sale?
The sale reached a top of $33,000 for the best of the black composite bulls and averaged $13,023 across the offering. All 84 bulls sold for a record full clearance.
How did the 2026 result compare with the previous year?
In the prior spring sale, 82 lots sold to a top of $24,000 and an average of $12,109. The 2026 sale lifted both the top price and average while also clearing every bull offered.
How did prices break down by type?
The 51 black composite bulls averaged $13,020, the 18 red composite bulls averaged $14,500, and the 15 Red Angus bulls averaged $11,266 to a top of $22,000. The red composites recorded the highest average of the three lines.
What genetics did the sale-topping bull offer?
The top black composite bull sat in the breed's top 5 per cent for calving ease at +19.2, marbling at +0.88 and all-purpose index at +183.1. Those figures reflected a combination of easy calving, carcase quality and balanced performance.
What was the second-highest-priced bull used for?
The red composite that made $28,000 was bought for a large North Queensland operation and was destined for a crossbreeding program over maiden Brahman heifers. It ranked in the top 5 per cent for heifer pregnancy at +12 and marbling at +0.77.
Where did the buyers come from?
Buyers were spread up and down the eastern seaboard, and a handful of bulls were bound for Tasmania. The sale drew a mix of long-standing repeat clients and new buyers.
What was credited with driving the strong demand?
Strong female cattle numbers across southern Australia, a mild season with timely moisture, and steady nutrition in the lead-up to the sale were all cited as supporting factors. Producers carrying extra females were seeking additional bulls to join.
