Hopgood Charolais top bull makes $30,000 in a solid Clermont sale with a full clearance
Summary
Strong demand for Charolais genetics kept results firm at the 18th annual Hopgood Charolais bull sale at Clermont on Friday, September 4. The Goovigen-based stud achieved an 85 per cent clearance on the day, selling 50 of the 58 bulls offered for an average of $11,140 and a gross of $550,000, with the balance sold afterwards to complete a full clearance. The average edged ahead of the previous year, when all 43 bulls sold for a 100 per cent clearance at an average of $10,953 and a top of $36,000. This year's top-priced bull, Hopgood Vigor, sold for $30,000. The 25-month-old weighed 832 kilograms and recorded P8 and rib fat of 8 and 6 millimetres, an eye muscle area of 136 square centimetres, intramuscular fat of 4.5 per cent and a scrotal circumference of 38.5 centimetres. For the September 2026 estimated breeding values, the polled sire sat in the breed's top 2 per cent for gestation length and eye muscle area, the top 15 per cent for carcase weight and the top 20 per cent for both calving ease direct and retail beef yield. The second-highest-priced bull, Hopgood Vaporetto, made $25,000 at 24 months of age and 830 kilograms, scanning 133 square centimetres for eye muscle area with 5.2 per cent intramuscular fat and a scrotal circumference of 40 centimetres. It ranked in the top 15 per cent of the breed for intramuscular fat. The sale drew strong interest from both repeat and new buyers, reflecting confidence in Charolais and favourable seasonal conditions across the region.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price (Hopgood Vigor) | $30,000 |
| Clearance | 85% at sale (50 of 58), 100% post-sale |
| Average price | $11,140 |
| Sale gross | $550,000 |
| Second top price (Hopgood Vaporetto) | $25,000 |
| Top bull weight and EMA | 832kg / 136 sq cm |
| Previous year average and top | $10,953 / $36,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the 2026 Hopgood Charolais bull sale?
The sale topped at $30,000 for a 25-month-old bull. It was the highlight of the stud's 18th annual sale at Clermont.
What was the clearance rate and average?
On sale day the stud cleared 85 per cent, selling 50 of the 58 bulls offered at an average of $11,140 and a gross of $550,000. The remaining bulls sold afterwards for a full clearance.
How did the result compare with the previous year?
In 2025 all 43 bulls sold for a 100 per cent clearance, an average of $10,953 and a top of $36,000. This year's average edged ahead of that figure on a larger offering.
What genetics did the top-priced bull carry?
For the September 2026 estimated breeding values, the polled top bull sat in the breed's top 2 per cent for both gestation length and eye muscle area. It was also in the top 15 per cent for carcase weight and the top 20 per cent for calving ease direct and retail beef yield.
What were the physical figures of the top bull?
The 25-month-old weighed 832 kilograms and had an eye muscle area of 136 square centimetres. It recorded P8 and rib fat of 8 and 6 millimetres, intramuscular fat of 4.5 per cent and a scrotal circumference of 38.5 centimetres.
What stood out about the second-highest-priced bull?
The second top bull made $25,000 at 24 months and 830 kilograms, with a softer, fatter carcase profile. It scanned 133 square centimetres for eye muscle area, 5.2 per cent intramuscular fat and sat in the top 15 per cent of the breed for intramuscular fat.
What drove demand at the sale?
Strong interest came from both repeat and new buyers, supported by firm Charolais values. Favourable seasonal conditions with plenty of grass in the region also underpinned confidence.
