Undisputed demand: buyers back big frames and carcase quality at DSK sale

Growth, carcase quality, and extra frame topped buyers' wish lists at the annual DSK Angus and Charolais sale at Borah Station, near Coonabarabran.

In the breakdown, all 40 Angus bulls sold to a top price of $22,000 twice, to average $11,500.

At auction, the first $22,000 bull, DSK PR U Rock U185, was knocked down to Peter and Charmaine Cook, Barana Simmental and Angus, Coolah.

However, shortly after, the bull was purchased by underbidder Rob McIntyre, Biloela, Queensland, in a private sale.

Son of DSK B.M. Poddy Rock R26 and out of DSK XYC Hot Stuff M115, the 21-month-old weighed 862 kilograms.

He scanned 14 millimetres and 22mm over the rib and rump, respectively, along with 129 square centimetres eye muscle area and 7.2 per cent intramuscular fat.

The second top-priced bull, DSK N71 Undisputed U189, was secured by repeat client Hewitt Agribusiness, Bylong.

Son of DSK YXC New Age N71 and out of DSK Sup Panda J25, the 21-month-old weighed 886kg with 14mm rib fat, 21mm rump fat, 124sq cm EMA, and 7.6pc IMF.

Hewitt Agribusiness stud manager Warren Miller said it was both pedigree and performance that drew him to Undisputed.

"I've always liked his sire, and [Undisputed] has a good punch to him," he said.

"He's got a larger frame, thick skin, and strong performance, which is important as we sell over the scales."

"In the raw data, I was particularly impressed with his EMA and weights."

Mr Miller said their operation aimed for 320kg dressed weights in steers, while maximising heifer turn-off.

The company also purchased DSK SP Ultra Pacific U89 for $20,000, a 23-month-old son of Sterling Pacific 904.

Another son of Sterling Pacific 904, 20-month-old DSK Up To The Mark U209, was sold for $20,000 to Shane McGregor, Fairview, Bell, Qld.

Jacqueline D'Hudson, Brundabarra Springs, Loomberah, secured the final $20,000 bull, 22-month-old son of EG Eyes Onyou, DSK EOY Unit U116.

Volume buyers David and Katherine Kidd and Jesse and Abbey Radcliffe, Rannoch Park, Currabubula, bought three bulls to average $10,666.

The newly joined partnership runs 400 Angus cows and aims to sell weaners at 350kg to 380kg at 10 months of age.

With over a decade of purchases from DSK, Mr Kidd said the bloodline's consistent reliability keeps them coming back.

He sought thickness, a big frame, high EMA, and good skin when selecting their draft.

Chris Knox, DSK, said he was ecstatic with the sale result.

"This is the best lot of bulls we've ever put together from top to bottom, and we're very proud of them," he said.

"We breed for cows but [target] EMA and weight as we like to see carcass in our cattle."

Helen Alexander, DSK, said it was encouraging to see both top-priced bulls come from homebred sires, a strong endorsement of their breeding program.

GN and RA Groth, Bunnee, Barrabra, secured two bulls to average $13,000.

Glenvale Pastoral Co, Kilcoy, Qld, purchased two bulls to average $11,500.

Dunmohr Trading Co, Blue Vale, bought two bulls to average $11,500.

Glenrowan Pty Ltd, Glenrowan, Mullaley, bought three bulls to average $7666.

The sale was conducted by Elders with Ryan Bajada, Elders, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.