Queenslander buys Swanbrook Angus' bulls for their 'soundness and longevity'

A Queensland weaner breeding operation has bought the top-priced bull at the Swanbrook Angus on-property sale, drawn to the structural soundness they offer.

In almost dire conditions, rain, four degrees, and a steady wind, 43 of 44 bulls sold to $13,000, averaging $7686, selling a larger number of bulls than last year.

Just 80 kilometres away to the southeast, Guyra was experiencing the heaviest snow of this century, with 30 to 50 centimetres falling, and the New England highway was cut to north/south traffic.

The buyers of the top-priced lot were Joanna and Bob Creagh, who were buying on behalf of their son Nick and his wife Arabella, Jarabub, Meandarra, Queensland.

Swanbrook U95, sired by Chiltern Park Quantum Q135, out of a Swanbrook Genesis N51 female, was a moderate birthweight bull with well-muscled growth, Swanbrook co-principal, Glynis Turner, said.

Weighing 740kg, the August-2023 drop had 400-day and 600-day growth estimated breeding values of +123 and +154 respectively, which placed it in the top five per cent of the breed. Its carcase weight was another top 5pc, at +93.

The bull had an Angus breeding index ($A) of $265 and an Angus breeding low feed cost index ($A-L) of $459. This placed it in the top 5pc and the top 1pc, respectively.

The Creaghs ended the day with five bulls averaging $10,000.

Mr Creagh said they had shopped all over NSW for Angus bulls, but this was their third year at Swanbrook.

The family operation breeds and sells weaners, and were impressed with the performance of the Swanbrook bulls.

"They're quiet, sound and long-lasting bulls," he said. "We've never had any breakdowns, and we've bought eight to 10 bulls over the years, and they're still performing."

Nevile Brunt, Yarrabin, Ashford, bought two bulls for $9000 and $6000, while the Relf brothers, Keith and Wayne, Frasers Creek Pastoral Company, Ashford, bought two bulls for $9000 and $7000.

Greg Hill, Ben Bullen, Wandsworth, bought four bulls averaging $5750, while Lowther Pastoral Company, Merlin, Ashford, bought two bulls averaging $5500.

Johnny Watson, Rosedale, Red Range, bought two bulls averaging $8500, while Peter Watson, Kwong Lea, Red Range, bought two bulls averaging $5500.

Strathbogie Pastoral Co, Emmaville, bought two bulls to a top of $11,000, averaging $8000, while Geoff Reid, Myall Creek, bought two bulls averaging $75000.

Colin Say and Company auctioneer Shad Bailey pointed out the positive signs for beef producers.

"We're seeing tremendous results for feeder steers," he said.

"They're making from 500 cents a kilogram to 530c/kg to 540c/kg.

"Cows at Dubbo late this week were selling for 420c/kg to 430c/kg, it's starting to look good," he added.

The selling agents were Colin Say and Company, Glen Innes and Inverell. The auctioneer was Shad Bailey and AuctionsPlus provided the online support.