Ultrablack bull gets top price at Marcella sale and goes to local breeders
An Ultrablack bull reigned supreme at the 2025 Marcella Angus, Brangus and Ultrablack sale, selling for the top price to local buyers who were looking for good bone and tick resistance.
The stands were packed out with about 100 people at the Innes family's Booubyjan property, Marcella, on Saturday, August 2, for the annual sale.
A total of 46 lots from 49 sold on the day for a gross sale value of $414,000, a clearance rate of 93.9 per cent, and an average of $9000.
The result compared favourably to the 2024 sale, when the clearance was 91.7 per cent, the average $7841 and the top-price bull went for $13,000.
Repeat buyers travelled from the North and South Burnett, Wide Bay, Brisbane Valley, and Scenic Rim, while new buyers attended from as far west as St George.
Ultrablack bull Marcella World Traveller fetched the top price in 2025, selling to local commercial breeders Dan and Gemma Van Itallie, Boubyjan, for $18,000.
He was 26 months old, weighed 788 kilograms, with an eye muscle area of 123 square centimetres, rib fat of 11 millimetres, P8 of 7mm, and a 42 centimetre scrotal circumference.
The top-price bull was by Telpara Hills World Traveller and out of Marcella Miss Registry.
Mr Van Itallie said his family was chasing the good bone on Marcella World Traveller that could help them breed heavier calves.
"We have attended the Innes' sale in the past and missed out on a bull last year, but this is the first time we have taken home the goods," Mr Van Itallie said.
"We are trying to keep a smoother coat on many of our breeders to help with tick resistance, although we do have some with more Angus-like traits.
"We are very happy with our new bull: he will be the main bull in our breeding herd of about 65 cows.
"Our family has looked at different breeding practices in the past, but he will be naturally joined with the herd."
Marcella Angus and Ultrablacks stud principal Rhys Innes said Marcella World Traveller was mobile, fleshy, had great bone and structure.
"He is in the top four per cent of the breed for 200-day weight estimated breeding value, in the top six per cent for intramuscular fat, 400 and 600-day weight EBVs.
"He has the Angus and Brangus legends Emperor E343 and MC Embassador on the bottom of his pedigree.
"There was a big crowd at the sale with strong repeat buyer support contributing to a solid result."
Overall, 28 of 30 Angus bulls sold to average $8857, all five Brangus bulls sold to average $7200, and 13 of 14 Ultrablack bulls sold to average $10,000.
Repeat buyers Greg and Sophie Bennett, St George, bought the largest number of bulls on the day, taking home 11 lots for an average price of $8000.
Shepherdson and Boyd agent Vince O'Brien said many repeat buyers attended the sale, alongside first-time buyers from western areas.
"The bulls' great temperament and EBVs helped deliver a strong result," Mr O'Brien said.
"Alongside the quality of the bulls, I think more western buyers showed interest this year because of their good season and high cow prices.
"Bulls don't seem so expensive at $7000 or $8000 when you can sell a cow for $2000 or $3000."
- Agents: Shepherdson and Boyd, AuctionsPlus, Elders.
