Shorthorn Spring Fling multi-vendor sale has top bull headed for stud duties
Weather conditions were front of mind for both vendors and buyers, who battled record wet weeks before the annual Shorthorn Spring Fling bull sale at the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange on July 31.
Kim Williams of Polldale Shorthorns, Dubbo, secured the top bull, Emross Vintage Star V9, for $18,000.
The February-2024 drop was by Yamburgan Zeus K62 and from Emrossbel Sarahs Aussie Babe S10.
The roan ranked in the top 10 per cent for maternal calving ease (MCE), and in the top 30pc for marbling. Described as a bull with true stud sire potential, Vintage Star was quickly snapped up by Mr Williams, outbidding David Leeds, Leeds Shorthorns, Jerilderie.
Vendor Belinda Emery, Emross Shorthorns, Delungra, said she was thrilled to see some of the top studs battle it out for Vintage Star.
"It's a real compliment to your program," she said.
"He's such a balanced calf, and he's got real sire appeal ... That presence should come through in his calves."
Initially planning to take Vintage Star to the Ekka or Shorthorn Nationals, it was a gut feeling that led Ms Emery to bring the bull to Tamworth.
"When you see a bull with that instant 'sireability', you know they will go well," she said.
"Last time I was here, I sold a bull for $13,000, and I was chuffed. To follow that up with my next visit with $18,000 has been a very good twist."
Leeds Mercury U28, offered by Leeds Shorthorns, Jerilderie, was the second top-priced bull at $8000.
He sold to Rob Cropper, Greenhills Pastoral, Willow Tree. Mr Cropper said he didn't attend with a plan to buy, but bloodlines and a buyer's market drove his demand.
"It was a good opportunity to pick some up ... they're all soft, easy doing bulls," he said.
"Good eye muscle, good marbling traits were there, but price was also a big factor when you're not expecting any, and you buy four."
By Royalla Undisputed N174 and from Leeds Hemlock Liberty P36, the May-2023 drop rated in 25pc for birthweight.
The Croppers capitalised on favourable conditions to secure four bulls in total, including Terra Unfrozen U25 for $7500, Leeds Major U14 for $7000 and Leeds Musicman U66 for $6000.
"We've been breeding Shorthorns for a long time, and we're still breeding Shorthorns," Mr Cropper said.
"These four bulls will be going over first-calf heifers."
Terra Unfrozen U25, by Sprys Extra Special R91 and from Terra Queen M37, ranked in the top 10pc for stayability, in the top 2pc for rib eye area, and the top 3pc for yield grade.
Leeds Major U14, an April-2023 drop, was by Outback Sprys Balance G266 and from Leeds Dolly Fancy K29, while Leeds Musicman U66 was by Turanville Minister Q79 and from Judy Marelda R25.
The sale averaged $8125 for eight of 26 bulls. A further two were sold after the sale.
Auctioneer Scott Cooper said buyers were able to select for the exact needs of their operation.
"A small group of buyers identified and selected for pedigree and phenotype," he said.
Selling agents Elders Tamworth led the sale, which was interfaced with StockLive.
