Tivoli commands quadruple top price amid strong demand for growth and structure

High-growth performance and moderate frame size were top priorities for buyers at the Tivoli Angus bull and female sale at Springfield, Merriwa.

The Kraeff family sold 47 of 53 bulls to a top price of $14,000, four times, to average $8191.

At auction, the first $14,000 bull, Tivoli Rocketman U238, was knocked down to online bidder Hamish Saunders, Colly Plains, Quirindi.

Son of Millah Murrah Rocket Man R38, and out of Tivoli Ann Q112, the 24-month-old bull weighed 802 kilograms with a scrotal circumference of 42 centimetres.

He recorded high growth traits in the top 30 per cent of the breed for 200-, 400- and 600-day weights at +65, +117, and +149, respectively, along with carcase weight at +101 and an intramuscular fat of +3.4.

The second $14,000 bull, Tivoli Iceman U50, was secured by repeat client Stephen Garland, The Basin, Muswellbrook.

Sired by Texas Iceman R725 and out of Tivoli Patawalla S61, the 25-month-old weighed 794kg with a scrotal circumference of 39cm.

He also recorded high growth traits in the top 30pc of the breed for 200-, 400- and 600-day weights at +60, +101, and +132, respectively, along with carcase weight at +83.

Mr Garland runs 240 Angus cows and targets the weaner market, aiming to turn off steers at over 300kg by six to seven months of age.

"[Iceman] is a nice structure bull that is big and ready to work with great sire appeal," he said.

"He also has a good set of numbers with good growth and low birth weight."

The third $14,000 bull, Tivoli Rocketman U278, was purchased by the White family, Talbragar Holdings, Talbragar, Coolah.

Another son of Millah Murrah Rocket Man R38, and out of Tivoli Ann P104, the 23-month-old bull weighed 752kg with a scrotal circumference of 39cm.

He ranked in the top 30pc of the breed for +8.6 calving ease direct, +119 mature cow weight, -5.9 days to calving, +2.3 rib fat and +4.3 rump fat.

Georgia White sought a moderate-framed bull with balanced EBVs across the board, placing particular emphasis on good fat cover and overall structural soundness.

"[Rocketman] is a soft bull with big capacity and is well suited to our area and soil type," she said.

A repeat buyer, Ms White continues to choose Tivoli bulls for their longevity and strong value for money.

With a 400-head self-replacing Angus herd, the White family targets the feeder market, producing 420kg steers off regenerative pastures.

They also purchased a second bull, Tivoli Sandy Bay U381, for $8000.

The final $14,000 bull, Tivoli Alternative U72, went to Grant Whatham, Yorlaana, Branxton.

Sired by Baldridge Alternative E125 and out of Millah Murrah Prue L106, the 25-month-old bull weighed 852kg with a scrotal circumference of 42cm.

He ranked in the top 30 per cent of the breed for 200-, 400- and 600-day weights at +65, +111, and +155, respectively, along with carcase weight at +78 and an IMF of +3.4.

Mr Whatham backgrounds 40 to 50 predominantly Angus cows, with a focus on producing heavy feeder steers as close to 500kg as possible.

"[Alternative] is a heavy bull with good shape and growth rates," he said.

In particular, Mr Whatham appreciated the consistent performance of Baldridge Alternative's progeny.

Volume buyer Tathra Farming, Quirindi, purchased four bulls to a top of $10,000 to average $8250.

In the females, 29 of 49 heifers sold to $1800 to average $1684.

Hugh Kraeff, Tivoli, said the sale drew strong support from both new and returning clients.

"We aim to present bulls here that can go on property tomorrow and work perfectly," he said.

Elders and Buffier Livestock Marketing conducted the sale with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.