Waitara Safekeeping syndicate member secures more sought-after progeny

Baldridge SR Goalkeeper genetics led the way at the Waitara Angus sale near Trangie, with a returning $110,000 Waitara GK Safekeeping S56 syndicate member claiming the top bull.

At auction, the Chase family sold 43 of 46 bulls to a top price of $32,000 to average $10,050, up more than 20 per cent on last year.

The 32,000 bull, Waitara Ultra-Keeper U053, was knocked down to Luke Graham, Crawford Angus, Tumorrama.

Son of Bladridge SR Goalkeeper and out of Waitara M49 Wilcoolah Q83, the 24-month-old weighed 844 kilograms with a scrotal circumference of 41 centimetres.

He recorded high growth traits within the top 10 per cent of the breed for 200-, 400- and 600-day weights at +68, +117, and +147, respectively, along with net feed intake at -0.32.

Ultra-Keeper also ranked within the top 15pc of the breed for +129 mature cow weight, +85 carcase weight and +12.5 eye muscle area.

No strangers to the bloodline, Crawford Angus were part of the Waitara GK Safekeeping S56 syndicate in 2022, when the first progeny sold for $110,000.

Waitara has retained the sale topper's semen for in-herd use.

Return client Haddon Rig, Warren, secured the second top-priced bull, Waitara Achiever U051, for $18,000.

Sired by Dunoon Quiet Achiever Q89 and out of Waitara GK Veronica S004, the 24-month-old bull weighed 802kg with a scrotal circumference of 35cm.

He ranked among the breed's elite for structure, sitting in the top 1 pc for +0.56 foot angle and top 5 pc for +0.54 claw set.

Haddon Rig also purchased Waitara So Right U029 and Waitara Goalkeeper U039 for $10,000 each.

Volume buyer Andrew and Alison Kennedy with Rob and Marina Kennedy, Canonbar Pastoral Company, Nyngan,purchased a draft of five bulls to a top of $8000 to average $7600.

The Kennedys have purchased Waitara bulls previously and have been pleased with their performance.

When selecting the draft, Andrew Kennedy said heifer bulls with good calving ease and long bodies were top of the list.

Stephen Chase, Waitara, said the bulls presented as a particularly even group, which he was excited to offer.

"It is a pretty cool time to be part of our industry with prices sitting where they are at the moment," he said.

"We aim to breed cattle for our commercial operation, which targets the feeder market, so we understand the importance of a quality cow herd."

Forest Grove Farming, Forest Grove, Nevertire, bought two bulls to average $11,000.

Cajildry, Tottenham, secured two bulls to average $8000.

Currans Family Trust, Nyngan, purchased two bulls to average $8000.

Nutrien Warren conducted the sale with Tim Woodham, Nutrien studstock, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.