Strong bidding for Varilek Geddes son at Maryvale

A black Angus bull from Maryvale Limousin and Angus stud, Allendale North, caught the eye of a South East buyer at the stud's sale on Thursday.

Selling for the sale's high of $9500, the 778kg bull - Maryvale Unlock U442 - will make its way south with purchaser Heath Weedon impressed with its 400-day weight and docility.

Unlock was hot property with bids flying for the bull featuring a 42cm scrotal measurement.

In his seventh year buying from the Vogt family, Mr Weedon said the bull would go to country between Glencoe and Wattle Range in the SE.

He felt the bull would complement their aim of breeding stock to sell at 12 months of age as they make the switch from Limousin to Angus.

He felt the growth rates supported their need to grow calves out to good weights before that age.

Overall, 16 of 48 Angus bulls sold to a top of $9500 and average of $5500, while 10 of 15 Limousin bulls sold to a top of $7000 and average of $5100.

A number of bulls sold immediately after the sale.

Volume buyer Chris Broad, Canowie Cattle Company, at Canowie in the Mid North, took 10 bulls, including the top Limousin for $7000.

Mr Broad said they purchased nine Limousins and two Angus bulls to support their commercial breeding program.

"On the Limousin side they add a lot of grunt to our genetics," Mr Broad said.

"We are looking for shape, and they add shape to British cattle.

"We were more of a Hereford herd originally but by transitioning to Limousins we are adding more grunt and butt shape."

These bulls will eventually make their way to Jervois in the NT, where they will be put over a Angus/Hereford herd.

"Limousin is a good cross for what we have got and what our cows are," Mr Broad said.

The Broad family have bought from Maryvale for the past 20 years.

Reflecting on the sale, Maryvale stud principal Matt Vogt said it went better than he expected considering the season.

"We try and produce an even line of cattle rather than one outstanding one, which is what we have got here," Mr Vogt said.

He said the cattle followed their breeding traits and philosophy and they were please to be able to present the line-up they did.

"Hopefully we are in for a better season and an early break that continues," Mr Vogt said.

"It is hard going but agriculture does turn around, who knows when but hopefully this year and not too far away.

"We can only roll with what we are sent. I think the industry is pretty sound and strong moving forward for global demand."

Nutrien livestock agent and auctioneer Andrew Wilson said despite the tough season, the Vogt family had done extremely well with the sale result.

He said buyers got good value for money and good genetics "at a reasonable price".

"I think Matt and Tess have put a lot of time and money and effort into their Angus program to try and get the best genetics that Australia has to offer into their herd as quick as possible," Mr Wilson said.

"The buyers that are coming here are able to secure good genetics at a reasonable price.

"To get the herd to where they are so early in the piece, they've done extremely well."