Woonallee's 2300km journey to Tamworth for a $1317 increase in average
Black Simmental and SimAngus bulls sold to a full clearance at Woonallee's fifth annual sale held at the Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange, and the added bonus was an increased average price.
The overall average was $10,797 for 47 bulls, an increase of $1317 on last year's sale average.
Woonallee sold 25 yearling Black Simmental bulls to a top of $20,000, averaging $11,360. Five two-year-old Black Simmental bulls to a top of $12,000, averaging $10,000, while three SimAngus bulls of the same age sold for a top of $12,000 and averaged $12,000.
There were 14 yearling SimAngus bulls that sold to $14,000 and averaged $9821.
Co-principal, Tom Baker, who trucked the bulls almost 1830 kilometres for a three-month adaptation spell at Allora on Queensland's Darling Downs, and then a further 450km to Tamworth, said the sale result was outstanding.
He said the return and new clients were heartening, and there were good reasons to be confident with the beef industry.
Central Queensland stud bull breeders, Mac and Gayle Shann, Cantour Park, Clermont, were bidding online and bought the top-priced lot, Woonallee Show Stopper V191, for $20,000.
Weighing 804 kilograms, the 17-month-old son of Woonallee Show Stopper was out of a Woonallee Lieutenant female.
It was described as having outstanding performance with estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +20.8 for milk, a weaning weight of +83.2 and a yearling weight of +126.1.
A buyer from Balootha, Julia Creek, Queensland, were volume buyers with seven bulls to a top of $8000 three times, averaging $7428.
AR and RG Black, Dunkeld, Qld, bought two bulls for $15,000 and $14,000, while Jason and Rachel Leitch, Manalee, Springsure, Qld, bought one for $16,000.
Carter and Close, Manilla, bought five bulls to a top of $14,500, averaging $11,300 and Michelle Tomkins, Terrabella, bought three bulls to a top of $12,000, averaging $9666.
The Rankin Brothers, Spring Ridge, bought four bulls to a top of $11,000, averaging $9250.
Woonallee co-principal, Lizzy Baker, said the inquiry from Queensland buyers was 'happening more and more'.
Ms Baker said it was gaining momentum as clients are seeking to add extra weight with a Black Simmental and SimAngus sires in their herds.
"The (Simmental) cross adds great hybrid vigour, gives the females more udder and improved carcase qualities," she said.
"We're breeding more bulls with a better data set and carcase performance that can match the Angus."
Ms Baker said the importance and integrity of good structure and phenotypes allowed the cattle to perform their role in the vast rangelands of Queensland.
The selling agents were Elders Tamworth; Lincoln McKinlay, Linc'd, Esk, Queensland, was the auctioneer. StockLive provided online support.
