Award-winning operation secures top bull at Bongongo Angus autumn sale
Dry seasonal conditions didn't dampen the bidding at the Graham family's Bongongo Angus autumn bull sale Monday May 19, held on-property at Riverview, Coolac.
All 61 bulls sold to a top of $24,500 to average $10,270, with loyal clients, Sunny Point Pastoral, Oberon, securing the top-priced bull, Bongongo U494.
The Alpine Real Deal R153 son weighed 654 kilograms, with a scrotal 43-centimetre scrotal circumference.
He ranked in the top eight per cent for mature body condition estimated breeding value of +0.49, as well as with his days to calving figure of -7.2.
The 20-month-old bull also ranked in the top 7pc with a 200-day growth at +65, along with being in the top 10pc for his 400-day figure of +111.
He also recorded an eye muscle area of +10.3, ranking him in the top 13pc, and an intramuscular fat of +4.1
Mark Mawhood, Sunny Point Pastoral, Oberon, said the bull stood out to the family when looking through the catalogue.
"We've been chasing an Alpine Real Deal son," he said.
Bongongo Angus bull sale 2025
Pictures by Helen De Costa.
"He fitted the bill and has good 400-day growth and not an extreme mature cow weight figure.
"When you compare his carcase EBVs against the rest it stood out to us."
The family-run operation plans to join the sire to a select line of females, with 900 females being joined this year in their program.
Mr Mawhood said the 400-day figure and carcase traits were critical for their operation when turning off steers for the family's butchers shop and IGA Supermarkets, which have received multiple awards in carcase competitions.
The Mawhood family also purchased three additional bulls for an overall average of $15,625.
The second top-priced bull was the first to be offered in the catalogue, Bongongo U387, purchased by JG and V Bond, Welaregang, near Tooma, for $20,500.
The Baldridge Versatile son weighed 706kg with a scrotal measurement of 37cm.
He ranked in the top 4pc for calving ease direct with a value of +9.2 and in the 12pc for calving ease daughters with a figure of +7.3. He also had a birthweight of +2.2, placing him in the top 16pc.
He displayed curve-bending growth traits with a 200-day weight in the top 5pc with a figure of +66, he also placed in the top 7pc with a 400-day figure of +114, and in the top 15pc for his 600-day figure of +139.
The Bond family also purchased another three bulls for an average of $12,000.
There were several volume buyers active, with VHS Agriculture Pty Ltd, Humula, purchasing three bulls for a top of $10,000 to average $8166, while Beggan Beggan Pastoral Company, Harden, also purchased three bulls to $16,000 to average $14,000.
Bongongo stud co-principal, Georgia Stapleton, said she was genuinely shocked by the result.
"We're very surprised given the current climate," she said.
"We're very happy for our clients that keep coming back and for our new clients for their support."
The Helmsman sale was conducted by Elders Gundagai, with AuctionsPlus providing the online interface.
