Wongawilli gains stud purchasing support at annual sale
Stud interest in the annual offering of Wongawilli Poll Hereford Bulls has solidified the success of the stud's direction.
Of the 21 bulls offered, nine sold to a top of $11,000 and a $7167 av, nearly identical to last year's $7100 average.
The top price bull was lot 2 - Wongawilli Uriah U009 and bought by Supple Whiteface stud Ben and Leanne Rumbel, Guyra, New South Wales.
The March 2023-drop bull had estimated breeding values of 1.3 calving ease, -4.3 gestation length, a +77 400 day weight, a +82 carcase weight, and +8.1 eye muscle area, and +2.9 rib fat, landing it in the top 5 per cent for those three traits.
Mr Rumbel said the bull was bought in a share partnership with Chris Lethbridge, stud principal Warren Point Poll Hereford, Mitchell, Qld.
"He will be used here in the winter to service our cows with our stud bulls and then go to Mitchell to service Chris's herd in the summer," he said.
"It is a cross pedigree for us and will hopefully do a good job.
"He's a good type, good muscle shape, beautiful soft skin, and has a good head and outlook about him."
Wongawilli stud principal Nathan Clarke said it was the first time a stud had supported the sale and appreciated the support.
"Lot 2 had some good carcase attributes which got him a fair bit of attention, and the stud who bought him is a first-time client," he said.
"Overall the sale was about on par with other Hereford sales, obviously the blacks are selling stronger.
"Our remaining bulls are available for private selection."
The second highest price bull was lot 7, Wongawilli Union U028, and also went to Talbalba Poll Herefords, a stud in Millmerran, Queensland.
Commercial and repeat buyers Will and Jake Whitty, Furner, purchased three lots in the sale, 10, 14 and 16, to a top of $7000 and a $6500 av.
O'Connor and Graney livestock agent Bryn Weaver said Wongawilli offered a "very good quality run with good type".
"AuctionsPlus created an outlet getting them further and getting a bit of interest from further away," he said.
"Overall it was a pretty good result given the season."
The sale was conducted on AuctionsPlus in a helmsman style, with O'Connor and Graney as the supporting agent.
