Reputation, preparation and quality set the pace: The Land's Last Lot

Reputation, preparation and quality underpin the standout results of the spring studstock season, while the tail end of some catalogues battle to clear.

Elders stud stock agent Brian Kennedy, Armidale, said sales were unfolding as expected, led by well-prepared sellers and established breeders.

"The cream always rises to the top," he said.

"Operators with good quality cattle that do plenty of homework, that people [trust] are selling well," he said.

"If there are two or three bulls at the back of the [catalogue] that aren't quite up to the quality of the others, well, they're struggling to sell."

A mixed bag of clearance rates this fortnight reflects that trend.

Queensland buyers continued to make their presence felt at NSW sales, fetching a number of top-priced progeny.

Mr Kennedy said most were chasing bulls for crossbreeding programs, and knew exactly what they wanted.

"I wouldn't say that they've dominated, but they're certainly buying, that's for sure," he said.

"The reality is that good cattle will always sell, and buyers who like them will travel to secure them."

Davidson Cameron and Co agent Scott Newberry, Tamworth, said the absence of southern buyers was evident in the market.

"Queensland buyers are more noticeable this year as there haven't been as many Victorians, which is understandable," he said.

"There hasn't really been any inquiry on that side, which is obviously purely seasonal."

Mr Newberry said the northern market was benefiting from the shift, with buyers enjoying greater choice and more selective purchasing.

"The season has been pretty solid, with some good clearances and averages, as people who have got a good product will still get rewarded," he said.

Standout sales helped maintain momentum across the market.

Clunie Range, Wallangra, set a stud record with a $300,000 top price, averaging $15,358 across a full clearance of 201 bulls. Of these, 114 sold to Queensland.

Texas Angus, Warialda, also recorded a strong result, selling to $75,000 and averaging $16,226 with a full clearance of 283 bulls.

Knowla Livestock, Gloucester, averaged $17,177 across 79 bulls, with a $90,000 top, while Minnie-Vale Charolais, Narrabri, hit a new on-property record of $42,000, sold all 42 bulls, and averaged $10,309.

Demand for heifer bulls remains strong, especially in the Angus breed.

Mr Kennedy noted the trend was less pronounced in Herefords, but said carcase data, intramuscular fat and outcross pedigrees still attracted plenty of interest across all breeds.

Angus sales set the pace with the highest averages.

Curracabark, Gloucester, cleared all 36 bulls, to $26,000, averaging $13,500, while Heart Angus, Timbumburi, lifted on last year, clearing 62 bulls to top at $22,000 and average $11,620.

Sugarloaf Angus sold 45 of 48 Angus bulls to $22,000, averaging $10,212, as well as four of five black Simmental bulls to $10,000, averaging $7000.

Gates Performance Genetics, Armidale, hit $24,000 for 42 of 46 bulls, averaging $9595.

Brooksby Angus, Bundarra, sold 39 two-year-old bulls to $18,000 three times, averaging $12,128, and 14 of 16 yearling Angus bulls, averaging $6500.

Swanbrook Angus, Long Plain, sold 43 of 44 bulls to $13,000, averaging $7686, while Sara Park and Duddy Angus, Pinkett, sold all 66 sires to $24,000, three times, to average $13,183.

Moogenilla's annual sale at Forbes averaged $11,297.

In contrast, other breed results displayed notable variability across sales.

Amos Vale Herefords, Glen Innes, sold all 27 bulls to $25,000, averaging $12,740, while Curracabark, Gloucester, sold 15 of 15 Herefords to $16,000, averaging $10,200.

In the Glenwarrah Herefords catalogue, the top price was $16,000, with nine of 14 bulls averaging $9444, and Lotus Herefords, Glen Innes, made $21,000 with 34 of 40 bulls sold to average $9323.

Glen Innes Herefords sold 18 of 27 bulls for a $7055 average, while Bungulla and Nagol Park Shorthorns, Manilla, topped at $18,000, with 32 of 47 bulls averaging $7375.

The Shorthorn Spring Fling reached $18,000 with eight of 26 averaging $8125.

Ultimately, Mr Kennedy said the market boiled down to three factors: supply, demand, and the weather.

"The export market is very strong at the moment, probably the strongest I've seen it for quite some time, and that will drive the rest of our market up," he said.

"Good bulls are still making plenty of money, and there is lots of talk around a couple of upcoming sales with [predictions] that some bulls will make a bit of money."