Spring bull sale blossoms for Granite Ridge Angus stud with jump in average
There was a strong sense of optimism about the future among commercial cattle breeders at Granite Ridge Angus stud's third annual spring bull sale at Reedy Creek.
It was a case of third time is a charm for the Finlay family, with easily the largest number of bulls sold and a jump in average of nearly $400 on last year.
In SA's only spring bull sale, 28 of 34 rising two-year-old bulls averaged a very healthy $7786.
The catalogue included 12 AI-bred lots from leading sires such as Landfall Lorenzo R1470 and Pine View Mogul G241, but it was some of Granite Ridge's own proven genetics that commanded the most attention.
Lot 10, Granite Ridge United U642, which topped the sale at $15,000, was a son of GR Quigley Q54 and out of top dam GR Jedda Q466.
Elders auctioneer Laryn Gogel described the October 2023-drop as a "bull to like for its depth and spring of rib."
With thousand-dollar free-flowing bids coming in from around the shed, it was not long until Lot 10 had reached the sale high.
United U642 was also in the top 15 per cent for carcase weight and had growth figures in the top 14-27pc.
It had an actual birth weight of just 36kg but was also one of the heaviest bulls in the sale at 810kg.
The successful buyers were CD&JL Muster Family Trust, Mundulla, who have been clients of the stud for more than 20 years.
Colin Muster was impressed by the weight for age of the bull and said its good type would match with another sire they had at home.
Each year, the Musters' calves are among the standouts at the Naracoorte weaner sales.
"The temperament of the cattle is excellent and the quality is very good," he said.
Two lots earlier, Granite Ridge U623 - by GR Redline R238 - made the $11,000 second-highest price.
The late September 2023-drop, which had the equal highest eye muscle area scan of 117cm2, found a new home at Clover Ridge Pastoral, Marcollat, which also bought the $23,000 autumn sale topper.
Among the 20 registered bidders, Western Vic buyers were particularly strong.
AJ&LM Balkin, Casterton, Vic, secured three bulls all at the $6000 base price, while Alan Millard, Merino, VIc, also found value with three bulls from $6000-$8000.
Also successful on three bulls was Elders Roseworthy's Bruce Cameron, who was buying for Yadlamalka Pastoral in the state's far north. This trio averaged $6667.
Stud principal Scott Finlay was "stoked" with the result.
"With everything that we have all been through season wise I was happily surprised," he said.
"It was fantastic to see the support and see the bulls going all over the place from the bush to south of here- hopefully our clients can take advantage of some great cattle prices."
Mr Gogel said they knew it would take three spring sales to gauge demand for bulls this time of year, but reflecting now are confident that there is a market for winter and spring calving herds.
"A month ago, I was saying I didn't know if we had the season on side and we didn't know if we had the clients on side with the cow herd shrinking, so to get to where we are today and to clear this number of bulls has been really, really good," he said.
"People were able to step in knowing that an old bull will go out the gate at $3000 and $4000 and if you double that, you can buy a brand new bull - that is good business."
Mr Gogel also commended the Granite Ridge team on how they had prepared the bulls in difficult seasonal conditions.
Adding to the sale interest were three pens of Granite Ridge's commercial Angus heifers, which will be offered in the AuctionsPlus Eastern States sale today.
A pen of 13 have already calved, while the other 30 pregnancy-tested females to be offered in three lots will commence calving in a month for six weeks.
