Lakeside Simmental heifers in demand at annual stud sale

Lakeside Simmentals, Robe, hosted their annual bull sale last week, selling six of 22 bulls offered, to a top of $6000 and an average of $5167, back on last years sale average by $1458.

They also sold five of 10 pregnancy-tested-in-calf heifers and three of 10 heifers.

The top price pen was Lot 1 Lakeside Unseld-U007, sired by Pol Eddy 3E, and sold to long-term commercial buyer MJ&SM Robertson, Paschendale, Vic.

It was a March 2023-drop bull with calving ease estimated breeding values of 3.8, birth weight of 6.8, milk of 28.5, and carcase weight of 20.1.

The Robertsons also bought lot 18 for $5000.

Lakeside Simmentals stud principal Dong Zhu said the demand for red colour cattle had reduced in the past few years.

"A lot of private customers have turned to breed black cattle," he said.

"Mr Robertson is satisfied with the bulls he bought from us in previous years and buys from us every year."

Top price buyer Mal Robertson said the bull would be going over Hereford Shorthorn/Simmental cross cows.

"He was a good type of bull with a good temperament," he said.

Mr Zhu said David Thomspon, Cohuna, Vic, bought six of their heifer offering, four PTIC and two heifers.

"He has bought heifers from us in previous sales and is very happy with their calves,' he said.

Elders Keith livestock sales manager Laryn Gogel said lot 1 was the standout of the sale and well put together, but the sale did not reflect the quality of the cattle.

"It was very much a lack of buying support, which I think we'll probably see a little bit of that this year," he said.

"Particularly for breeds like traditional Simmentals that probably aren't quite as popular as they were in previous times.

"The line-up of cattle was very good and was probably amongst one of the most even drafts of Lakeside bulls.

"They were very good for type and style."

The sale was conducted by Elders in conjunction with AuctionsPlus.