Northern buyers dominate at Hicks Beef
Queensland buyers stepped into the market with confidence at the Hicks Beef autumn bull sale on Thursday, with both top-priced bulls headed for Queensland.
The Hicks family offered 56 bulls and sold 55 to an overall average of $10,400 and a top of $21,000 on two occasions.
In the breakdown, 31 black composite bulls sold to a top of $21,000 and average of $11,258, 14 red composite bulls sold to $12,000 and averaged $8714, and 10 Red Angus bulls sold to a top of $21,000 and average of $10,100.
The first top-priced bull was a 19-month-old black composite, ABC U695, purchased by Banana Station, Banana, Qld, for $21,000.
He was described in the catalogue as being one of the highest API (All purpose index) of 195.2 black bulls to every be offered at Hicks Beef.
U695 ranked in the top 5 per cent for calving ease (CE) of +19.7, as well as marbling with a figure of +1.04 and his terminal index with a score of 102.7 and stayability.
He also ranked in the top 10pc for birthing weight of -2.7, maternal calving ease (MCE) of +10.5, and docility of +16.1.
The top-price Red Angus was Hicks Upwood U40, purchased by Sweetland Grazing Co, Wycombe, Qld, for $21,000.
He was sired by Hicks Ringer R95 and was the highest marbling and API red yearling bull in the sale, with figures of +1.01 and 200.4, respectively, placing him in the top 5pc, along with his back fat and terminal index of +0.065 and 111.2.
The sale was conducted by Elders with Matt Tinkler and Brett O'Shea taking bids as auctioneers, while AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
