Raff Angus sees 100 per cent clearance in first sale since start of new era
A Tasmanian Angus stud couldn't have asked for a better result as they welcomed a new era for their operation, achieving a 100 per cent clearance rate at their 60th annual sale held in Drillham on Friday, August 15.
Andrew Raff, Raff Angus, King Island, Tasmania, welcomed buyers to the ring for the Raff Angus 'Boots on the Ground' sale and voiced his excitement about the next generation integrating into the stud.
The family recently purchased an additional property at Wagga Wagga, NSW, marking the first time they have operated on the mainland since 2015.
"It's a really exciting time for our family," he told the crowd before bidding commenced.
Of the 85 lots offered, all sold for a 100 per cent clearance rate, an average of $13,812 per head, and an overall sale gross of $1,174,000.
The 2025 sale was a substantial improvement from the 2024 result, which saw 82/96 lots sell for a clearance rate of 85 per cent, and an average of $10,061.
The top-priced bull, Raff Statesman U504, sold for $30,000 to Margaret Whip, Wallangra Pastoral Company, Wandoan.
Two other bulls, Raff Eyes on You U500 and Raff Eyes on You U475, both sold for $26,000 each to Texas Angus, Warialda, NSW, and Ian Morgan Livestock, Blackall, respectively.
In comparison, the top-priced bull sold for $28,000 in 2024.
The 22-month-old bull was sired by Paringa Statesman S115 and out of Raff Dream R190.
He weighed in at 852kg, was in the top one per cent for his carcase weight EBV, and the top three per cent for his eye muscle area, which measured 127 square centimetres.
His genetics were a standout to buyer Margaret Whip, whose family has a long-standing relationship with Raff Angus.
"He was very impressive, he stood out because he's just so well put together," Ms Whip said.
"That's got to come through with the calves.
"His low birth weight was another thing that stood out."
Mr Raff recognised the stud's past relationship with Ms Whip's aunt, the late Joyce Hodgkinson, and noted the family's return to the Raff sale.
"Years ago, my aunt and uncle bought Raff bulls, and they were very successful with them," Ms Whip said.
"We hadn't bought any for a number of years, so I really wanted to buy one, and the one I bought pretty well ticked all the boxes."
Raff Statesman U504 will be joining 12 other purebred Angus bulls at Wallangra Pastoral Company, who trade under Wallangra Angus.
In addition to an Angus stud, Ms Whip also runs a commercial operation on the 2428 heactre [6000 acre] Wandoan property.
"I feel [the Raff Angus bulls], they've got a good bone, they're a big bull, and we wanted those bloodlines," Ms Whip said.
"The bull we got will do the job we want, so we're happy with that."
Raff Angus stud principal Andrew Raff said he was humbled by the day's results.
"It's an outstanding result," he said.
"Seedstock producers put so much into it over many years prior to sale day, and to get the result that we did gives you a lot of confidence.
"We adjusted our numbers to suit the market and to get that 100 per cent clearance is outstanding."
Mr Raff said the sale result was of particular excitement as the stud looked towards the future.
"It's the beginning of a new era for Raff Angus with the purchase of the Wagga property," he said.
"The bulls have been down at this new block at Wagga for seven months, so any fears of acclimatisation coming from King Island, we can now negate that."
Mr Raff said the sale attracted both new and return buyers, and noted buyers purchasing for their own studs among the crowd.
"We've tried to incorporate a few bulls with a little bit of data, and I think that's attracted a new clientele," he said.
"I think generally, 80 per cent or so are return clients, but we have picked up a few new ones this year.
"They're probably looking for a little more difference in type, and a little more bone and weight for age.
"That's probably what our point of difference is in the Angus space."
Bulk buyers at the sale included Hubbard Pastoral Company, Windorah, who purchased six lots for a buyer average of $9667, and Harvey Black, Nebrean Pty Ltd, Toowoomba, who also purchased six bulls for an average of $14,667.
- Selling agents: GDL
