Name says it all: Unstoppable smashes Polldale Shorthorn on-property record
A "beautifully balanced bull that can't be faulted" has set an on-property record at the annual Polldale Shorthorn bull sale, held at Polldale, near Dubbo.
True to his name, Polldale Unstoppable soared to $50,000, with repeat buyer Andy Withers, Belmore Shorthorns, Naracoorte, South Australia, securing the bull.
The price beats the $45,000 Mr Withers paid in 2024 for Polldale ZZ Tarmac.
Son of Polldale Rooney and out of Polldale Loving 187TH, the 23-month-old Sydney Royal grand champion bull weighed 888 kilograms.
He scanned eight millimetres and 11mm over the rib and rump, respectively, along with 136 square centimetres eye muscle area and 6.5 per cent intramuscular fat.
Unstoppable also displayed estimated progeny differences (EPDs) in the top three per cent for yield grade at -0.47, and the top 20pc with +13.8 docility and +0.8 birthweight.
"Everything about [Unstoppable] is so balanced and correct," Mr Whithers said.
"He is the type we are looking for with a lovely temperament, even fat cover, correctness, and sound."
Phenotype was the key factor in Mr Withers' choice, though he noted the bull's low birthweight added further appeal.
"Unstoppable is the fourth Polldale bull we have bought over about 12 years," he said.
"He'll be an outcross to our heifers, most of which are red.
"We try to breed as few white cattle as possible just because there can be some buyer resistance.
"He is in to join very soon with about 35 head."
Nicholas Job, Royalla Shorthorns, Yeoval, paid $16,000 for the equal second top-priced bull, Polldale Upheaval.
Sired by Royalla ZZ Top Ro46 and out of Polldale Queen Anne 10TH, the 24-month-old weighed 872kg with 9mm rib fat, 12mm rump fat, 130sq cm EMA, and 7.7pc IMF.
Upheaval displayed EPDs in the top 10pc of the breed for +28.7 milk, +55.7 maternal weaning weight, +8.6 maternal calving ease and -0.084 fat.
Ken Laurie, Maudville, Gloucester, also paid $16,000 for Polldale Unmaned.
Son of Caskieben Olympus R24 and out of Polldale Action Duchess 189TH, the 22-month-old weighed 922kg with 13mm rib fat, 18mm rump fat, 135sq cm EMA, and 7.7pc IMF.
Volume buyer Fred Palmer, Burrawong Graziers, Cumnock, purchased four bulls to average $6500.
Long-term client Matthew Passmore, Yumeena, Forbes, secured three bulls to average $6333.
"[Polldale] bulls represent outstanding value in terms of genetics and performance," Mr Passmore said.
"We've never been disappointed."
Mr Passmore selected his draft with a strong emphasis on performance, conformation, and docility.
A proud Shorthorn breeder, he operates a family-owned enterprise of 3200 cows across 12 properties from Eugowra to Condobolin.
They target the heavy feeder market, aiming to reach weights of around 500kg.
"[The bulls will] go over 100 odd heifers for nine to 12 weeks, who, depending on the season, will calve in late winter or early spring," Mr Passmore said.
All up, the Williams family sold 28 of 40 bulls to average $9857.
In the females, all nine cows with calves sold to a top price of $4000 to average $3466, all 15 pregnancy-test-in-calf heifers sold to $1900 to average $1846, and all 14 heifers sold to $1400 to average $1300.
Polldale stud co-principal Ned Williams said the team was thrilled with the result.
"We're very pleased with the consistent line of bulls put forward this year," he said.
"The strength of spine, softness, and overall appeal of Unstoppable has a lot to offer the Shorthorn breed.
"He's by Polldale Rooney, one of the best sons of Royalla Ultimate we've bred, and on the dam side, every female by Polldale Dom has continued to breed on exceptionally well."
Old Gulgong Partnership, Old Gulgong, Mudgee, bought two bulls for $14,000 and $10,000.
R and C Fitzgerald, Mullaley, paid $14,000 for Polldale Unconsidered.
Walsh and Evans, Woodlands, Legerwood, Tasmania, purchased Polldale Useable for $10,000 and seven heifers for $1400.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
