Pacific influence pays off as younger bull with power attracts heavy bidding

A first-time bidder in 2024 has returned to Urban Angus in 2025, leaving as both the top-price and volume buyer.

At the on-property sale at Wallarobba on Saturday, July 12, there was full clearance of the 33 bulls offered, to a $20,000 high and $11,485 average.

Ford Cattle Co, Tea Gardens and Monkerai, picked up six bulls in total for a $14,667 average, including the two highest price bulls at $20,000 and $18,000.

The $18,000 bull came at lot 6, Urban Upgrade U103, an August 2023-drop Millah Murrah Soldier S84 son.

Upgrade's Estimated Breeding Values included a carcase weight figure of +93, in the top four per cent, as well as 200-day and 400-day weights of +64 and +111 and a retail beef yield of +1.2, all in the top 10pc.

But the $20,000 top price was paid at the end of the sale, lot 33, for February 2024-drop Urban Pacific V16.

The young bull was one of four younger bulls offered at the end of the sale, and among three sons of United States semen sire Sterling Pacific 905.

The top-priced bull had figures of +69 for 200-day weight, +118 for 400-day and +147 for 600-day - in the top 3pc, 4pc and 8pc, respectively, as well as a top 3pc feed efficiency of -0.54 and top 2pc docility of +46.

Ford Cattle Co manager Grant Ford said both bulls caught his eye early in the inspection period.

"I do look at figures but I'm more about type, and these caught my eye - they walked and moved freely," he said.

Mr Ford said the young bull was particularly appealing with his weight for age, with good feet and structure.

"I'd be happy to get cattle similar to that," he said.

Mr Ford said he appreciated the type of bull Urban Angus was breeding, as well as the fact they were acclimatised to the local region.

"He's breeding the cattle we're after, that suit the markets we're chasing," he said.

"You can see what he spent on genetics, paying them back."

The Fords are breeding replacement females and steers to sell into the weaner market, predominantly to feedlots.

"We're chasing good temperaments, easy doing and fleshing cattle," Mr Ford said.

Urban Angus principal Matt Urban said the Sterling Pacific sire had been introduced to add some power to their breeding.

"He puts a lot of oomph into the cattle," he said.

They had used the sire in their AI program in autumn, resulting in several females and the three sons in the catalogue.

The three 2024-drop sons averaged $12,000.

Mr Urban said he was also pleased with the offspring of Millah Murrah Soldier, including the second top price bull.

"He's added a bit of power and performance," he said.

The six Soldier sons averaged $13,000 across the sale.

Mr Urban said he was pleased with the sale overall, with a mix of returning and new buyers, who were able to purchase at a range of price points.

Another first-time buyer last year, returning this year, Hampshire Station, Merriwa, bought three bulls to $12,000, averaging $10,667.

Also buying three bulls was Malacco Farm Pty Ltd, Mondrook, bidding to $14,000 and an average $10,000.

The sale also had two of 12 unjoined heifers sold at $1300, and two of eight pregnancy-tested in-calf heifers make $2000.

The sale was conducted by Ray White Gloucester with Paul Dooley the auctioneer.