A $28,000 full-blood heifer tops the fourth national Wagyu sale at Roma as bulls average $9234
Summary
The fourth national Wagyu bull and female sale at Roma delivered a satisfying result, drawing buyers from as far south as Victoria and Tasmania plus an online participant from the United States. Ten vendors from Queensland and NSW presented 54 bulls, selling 47 for an 87 per cent clearance and a $9234 overall average. Three of the six females offered sold to a top of $28,000 for a $13,666 average. The US buyer paid $6000 online for a heifer that will remain in Australia for embryo transfer production destined for export. A Leyburn-based stud sold the top-priced bull for $26,000 and finished with a $17,666 average across a 100 per cent clearance of its six young bulls. That top bull, carrying an average marble score of 9, was bought by an operation between Millmerran and Inglewood seeking new genetics. On the female side, a Murray River stud sold a full-blood heifer to a Walgett buyer for the $28,000 sale topper, an outcross pushing +10 for eye muscle area and +4 for marble score, sold with one straw of semen from a renowned sire. The sire with the most progeny recorded 19 of 20 sold to a top of $21,000 and a $7842 average, while another sire's four progeny averaged $17,750. Vendor clearances were strong across the board, reflecting solid demand for proven carcase data in a competitive market.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Bulls sold | 47 of 54 (87%) |
| Bull overall average | $9234 |
| Top female price | $28,000 |
| Female average | $13,666 |
| Top bull price | $26,000 |
| Top bull marble score | 9 |
| Most-progeny sire | 19 of 20 sold, $7842 average |
| Top-average sire | $17,750 (4 progeny) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the national Wagyu sale at Roma perform?
Ten vendors presented 54 bulls, selling 47 for an 87 per cent clearance and a $9234 overall average. Three of six females sold to a top of $28,000 for a $13,666 average.
Why did a heifer top the sale at $28,000?
A full-blood heifer sold to a Walgett buyer for $28,000 because she was an outcross, defect-free and pushing +10 for eye muscle area and +4 for marble score. She sold with one straw of semen from a renowned sire.
What was the top-priced bull and its price?
The top bull sold for $26,000 from a Leyburn-based stud, which achieved a 100 per cent clearance of its six young bulls at a $17,666 average. The bull carried an average marble score of 9, the highest paid level.
Where did buyers come from?
Buyers came from as far south as Victoria and Tasmania, along with an online participant from the United States. The US buyer paid $6000 for a heifer that will stay in Australia for embryo transfer production for export.
Which sires stood out at the sale?
The sire with the most progeny had 19 of 20 sold to a top of $21,000 and a $7842 average. Another sire's four progeny sold to the top average of $17,750.
How did the overall female offering sell?
Three of the six females offered sold to average $13,666, topped by the $28,000 heifer. One Murray River vendor sold all three of its females and all eight of its bulls.
What did buyers say about the market?
The market was described as slightly down but competitive, which was seen as helpful for making F1 cross breeders more affordable. The focus for many buyers is meat production rather than the stud game.
When and where was the sale held?
The fourth national Wagyu bull and female sale was held at Roma on July 31. Selling agents interfaced with AuctionsPlus for online bidding.
