Repeat buyers chase traits that 'tick all the boxes' at Moogenilla bull sale

A bull with 'all the top traits' has sold across the border at the 2025 Moogenilla Angus sale, after interstate interest drove lively bids on Friday, August 1.

A last-minute bid from across the border saw repeat buyer Ted Aston pipped at the post for the son of Moogenilla Quinella, who ranked in the top one per cent for calving ease at +10.4 EBV, and in the top 2pc for carcase weight.

Melody Rynne, "Jilliby", secured Moogenilla U104 for $23,000, headed to Tara, in Queensland's Western Downs.

Sired by Moogenilla Quinella with dam Moogenilla R158, the July 2023-drop bull was used as a yearling by the stud, and reached the top 6pc for 600-day weight, reaching 896kg at sale with a scrotal circumference of 36cm.

The sale reached an average of $11,297, with 53 of 56 bulls sold at the fall of the hammer. Two of the three bulls that were passed in sold privately shortly afterwards.

Moogenilla U111 came close to his brother's record, and sold for $22,000 to Ted Aston, Redlands, Thuddungra.

Also sired by Moogenilla Quinella, with dam Moogenilla L48, he was described by the vendor as ticking every box, in the top 2pc intramuscular fat, the top 4pc for carcase weight and calving ease.

"I always seem to be able to pick the top-priced bulls up there, I must have a bit of a good eye for good stock," Mr Aston said, with a laugh.

"Their size and quality are good, and so is their confirmation."

Mr Aston said the stats told the story, and made for a worthwhile purchase under more favourable conditions. The bull is headed to his Rankin Springs property, Gladewood, along with Moogenilla U112 and Moogenilla U27.

"It's been pretty tight back our way back towards young through the season, and a struggle to get the weight up there with handfeeding, but it's starting to move along a bit now after the rain," he said.

"We've had a minimum number [of bulls] with a few cows, there's a bit of catch-up work to do."

Moogenilla stud principal Sarah Wrigley, Condobolin, said the sale had 'something for everyone,' drawing in buyers from the far west through to the eastern producers.

"All my long-term clients that were here bidding get to go home with something that suited them, which is the aim of the game, because it's better for them and it's better for us if they come back," she said.

"I like it when there are some more affordable bulls, if your budget's not that big; I think there was something here for everyone today."

Ms Wrigley said she made sure to utilise well-respected bloodlines from Dunoon Recharge and Moogenilla Quinella, lifting the profile of the industry.

"They're both bulls that really service the Angus industry. They have really nice carcases, moderate birth weight through to amazing growth," Ms Wrigley said.

"They just tick every box, those two boys, and their sons are ticking even more boxes, which is the way the Angus breed goes."

Repeat buyers supported the lion's share of the sales; Fiona and Michael Milthorpe were no exception.

Selecting two bulls to bring home to Hillston, Mr Milthorpe said both bulls would be released with their own heifers before the spring.

"The facts and figures were all good. We wanted one bull for heifers, but we wanted a herd bull as well," he said.

"The market is good and bulls are a big investment, so you've got to spend the right money for it."

Andrew and Tess Herbert, Gundamain Pastoral, Eugowra, secured Moogenilla U102 for $12000 and Moogenilla U16, a Dunoon Recharge son, for $10,000.

Ahead of the auction, Mr Herbert said they were selecting for eye muscle and IMF to support their commercial herd.

Melita and Darren Turner, Ivanhoe, purchased five bulls, Moogenilla U181, U171, U226, U61, and U245 for $16,000, $16,000, $9000, $8000 and $8000, respectively.

The Hooke family, from Booroorban, secured established bloodlines, with a Dunoon Recharge sire in Moogenilla U137, along with his dam, Moogenilla P144, for $12,000, and a Moogenilla Quinella son, Moogenilla U119, for $10,000.

Cass Hooke said their ideal would be one heifer bull and one herd bull, with dual-purpose high growth and calving ease to support their cattle operation near Hay.

The auction was conducted by Kevin Miller Whitty Lennon and Co., Forbes, with auctioneer Luke Whitty. The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus.