Stanford Poll Herefords continue to be in demand, despite seasonal challenges

Stanford Poll Hereford genetics continued to be in demand at the 2025 bull and female stud sale in Bathurst, despite usual western NSW and Queensland clients unable to operate due to seasonal challenges.

The May 2 sale sold 17 of the 32 bulls on offer, reaching a top of $8000, three times, to average $5300. Another two sold afterwards.

All 14 cows and calves sold for $1900 each, while 30 of 40 commercial pregnancy-tested-in-calf (PTIC) heifers sold to a top of $1875, averaging $1775.

Stud principal Michael Rutherford said it was good to see a number of their bulls and heifers off around the state considering the current season.

"The sale was as good as could be expected given the very dry conditions," he said.

"Plus the fact our western NSW and Queensland clients were unable to operate as they are either too dry or under water."

The first top-priced bull was Stanford Uncle Bill U070, which was bought by Brian and Marita McCormack, Laggan, for $8000.

Stanford Uncle Bill was sired by the Stanford Reformer R057, and recorded a birthweight value of +5.2 and calving ease of -4.3.

The second was Stanford Uppercrust U142, bought by Michael Lowe, Crookwell, for $8000.

Stanford Uppercrust was also sired by the Stanford Reformer R057, and recorded a birthweight value of +5.2 and calving ease of +0.6.

The third was Stanford Ulysses U192, bought by Billilingra Partnership, Bredbo, for $8000.

Stanford Ulysses was sired by the Stanford Quilpie Q033, and recorded a birthweight value of +1.8 and calving ease of +13.4.

The McCormack family, Laggan, purchased two bulls and 10 PTIC heifers.

The rest of the 20 PTIC heifers sold to Peter Watts, Willow Tree.

Two bulls were each purchased by Paul Dakin, Dubbo; Michael Lowe, Crookwell; A and M Meek, Hobby Yards; Billingra Partnership, Bredbo; and J Coward, Hernani.

Heifer bulls also continued to be popular with five selling to a mix of repeat and new clients.

All of the cows and calves went to M and K Craig, Goulburn, and Anthony Gibson, Girilambone, who also purchased one bull at $5000.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien Ag Solutions, Bathurst.