Mountain Valley sets a record on-farm Hereford average with a $28,000 top at Coolatai
Summary
The annual Mountain Valley Poll Hereford and Angus sale at Coolatai set a record on-farm Hereford average on Wednesday, July 15, with all 81 bulls finding buyers across four states, namely Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Both breeds achieved full clearance: the 36 Poll Herefords sold to a $28,000 top and a $16,000 average, well up on last year's $12,350, while the 41 Angus reached $20,000 for an $11,853 average, lifting the combined 81-lot average to $13,625. The top lot, Mountain Valley Volunteer V134, was an August 2024-drop weighing 880 kilograms that scanned 6.7 per cent intramuscular fat, a 127 square centimetre eye muscle area, 20 and 12 millimetres over the rump and rib and a 37 centimetre scrotal circumference; ranked in the top 5 per cent for all growth estimated breeding values and top 10 per cent for milk and eye muscle area, it sold to Mawarra Genetics of Longford, Victoria. The second top Hereford, Mountain Valley Vavoom V161, an 808 kilogram September 2024-drop in the top 10 per cent for 400 and 600-day growth, made $26,000 to Karoonda Herefords, while Mountain Valley Vegemite V115 reached $24,000. In the Angus run, Mountain Valley Sensation V366, a 994 kilogram July 2024-drop in the top 1 per cent for docility and feed efficiency, topped at $20,000 for Burbong Angus, and Mountain Valley Precidence V447 followed at $18,000. Three Angus heifers averaged $9333 to a $10,000 top. Nutrien and AWN Squires conducted the sale with AuctionsPlus providing the online interface.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total bulls sold | 81 (full clearance) |
| Poll Hereford top price | $28,000 |
| Poll Hereford average | $16,000 |
| Angus top price | $20,000 |
| Angus average | $11,853 |
| Combined average | $13,625 |
| Previous Hereford average | $12,350 |
| Top bull weight | 880 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the 2026 Mountain Valley sale a record?
The sale set a record on-farm average for Herefords, with the 36 Poll Herefords averaging $16,000, well up on the previous year's $12,350. All 81 bulls sold across four states.
What were the top prices for each breed?
The Poll Herefords topped at $28,000 and the Angus at $20,000. The combined 81-lot average was $13,625.
What were the top Hereford bull's figures?
The top lot was an August 2024-drop weighing 880 kilograms that scanned 6.7 per cent intramuscular fat and a 127 square centimetre eye muscle area. It ranked in the top 5 per cent for all growth EBVs and top 10 per cent for milk and eye muscle area.
Which states did buyers come from?
Buyers attended from Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. The sale also drew strong local support and a number of online bidders.
What distinguished the top Angus bull?
The top Angus was a 994 kilogram July 2024-drop that ranked in the top 1 per cent for docility and feed efficiency. It sold for $20,000 to a repeat buyer.
How did the Angus run perform overall?
All 41 Angus sold to a $20,000 top and an $11,853 average. Three Angus heifers were also offered, averaging $9333 to a $10,000 top.
How many years has the stud been breeding?
The vendors noted 40 years of breeding at the operation. They cited strong presentation, genetic investment, better seasonal conditions and a buoyant cattle market behind the result.
