Merawah Poll Herefords marks its centenary with a $32,000 top and $13,695 average
Summary
The Merawah Poll Herefords annual sale at Boggabilla on Tuesday, July 14, coincided with the stud's centenary, drawing strong support from Queensland and Northern Territory buyers to mark 100 years of Hereford breeding. The sale topper, Merawah Rex V066, made $32,000, matching the 2025 result, while 46 of the 51 bulls offered sold for an average of $13,695, up on the previous year. The $32,000 lot was a July 2024-drop weighing 918 kilograms and a son of Mountain Valley Rex R113 out of Merawah Shamrock NO18, secured by Warren Point Poll Herefords of Mitchell, Queensland. It carried a low birthweight estimated breeding value of +6.9, a gestation length of -1.3, an eye muscle area EBV of +6.2, growth figures of +40, +76 and +116 for 200, 400 and 600-day, a milk EBV of +24 and an intramuscular fat figure of +0.4. Central Australia's Mt Riddock Station, which spans about 2635 square kilometres, was the standout volume buyer, taking eight bulls to a $24,000 top and a $15,250 average. Buyers from Bogong secured four bulls to a $24,000 top and a $19,500 average, while volume purchasers from the Central West and Queensland were also active. A co-vendor operating under the Tenaru banner offered and sold eight bulls to a $24,000 top and an $11,500 average. The catalogue featured the first sons of the $130,000 sire Truro Sherlock. Elders stud stock and Wilks and McKean Livestock were the selling agents, with AuctionsPlus providing the online interface.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Bulls sold | 46 of 51 |
| Top price | $32,000 |
| Sale average | $13,695 |
| Years in Hereford breeding | 100 |
| Top bull weight | 918 kg |
| Top bull 600-day growth EBV | +116 |
| Volume purchase | 8 bulls, $15,250 average |
| Featured sire value | $130,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What milestone did the 2026 Merawah sale mark?
The sale coincided with the stud's centenary, marking 100 years of Hereford breeding. It drew strong support from Queensland and Northern Territory buyers.
What was the top price and average?
The sale topper made $32,000, matching the 2025 result, while 46 of the 51 bulls offered sold. The average was $13,695, up on the previous year.
What were the sale-topping bull's details?
The $32,000 lot was a July 2024-drop weighing 918 kilograms. It carried a low birthweight EBV of +6.9 and growth figures of +40, +76 and +116 for 200, 400 and 600-day growth.
Who was the leading volume buyer?
A Central Australian station spanning about 2635 square kilometres bought eight bulls to a $24,000 top and a $15,250 average. High growth rates and temperament suited its operation.
What draws buyers from remote regions to this stud?
Buyers cited consistent bulls with good figures and temperaments suited to their climate and feeder-steer operations. Support came from western Queensland, the Northern Territory, the Northern Rivers and Central West NSW.
What notable sire featured in the catalogue?
The sale included the first sons of a $130,000 sire named Truro Sherlock. The vendor said the sire added carcase shape and power.
How did seasonal conditions affect attendance?
Conditions along the border kept some regular volume buyers away, as the local cow herd had halved or more. Even so, the stud was pleased with the overall result.
