Ram sales start strong, season brings mixed results in bulls: The Last Lot

Agents say the top end of ram sales will likely be strong thanks to market conditions, while southern bull sales might be mixed given the season.

Tim Woodham, Nutrien stud stock, said it was clear over the past fortnight of bull sales that buyers were prepared to invest in good genetics that would improve their breeding programs.

Rennylea Angus, Culcairn, which averaged $15,523 for 217 of 219 bulls, had been particularly strong given the dry conditions in the south, he said.

He expected southern studs with a large client base to still post solid results, but smaller operators who sold within a 150 kilometre radius were more likely to feel the pinch.

Mr Woodham said buyers were chasing calving ease and growth traits, and also considered intramuscular fat and muscle.

"With the seasonal conditions we've had of late, people are just looking for those cattle that are going to do it a bit easier," he said.

He said buyers were more focused on calving ease figures, while they were happy for birthweight data to sit at the breed average.

"I think they're trying to rebuild from a younger base because they've had to get rid of a few cows," he said.

"They're conscious of the performance of the bulls in terms of getting live calves in 12 months time."

Other Angus sales from the past fortnight included Dunoon, Gilmandyke, Karoo, 3R Livestock, KO Angus, Coolie, Segenhoe, Injemira, Highrent, and Redbank.

Shorthorn sales included Royalla and Futurity Pastoral, with the latter averaging $15,000 for 49 of 51 two-year-olds.

Futurity also offered Charolais, clearing all 38 bulls, to average $10,433.

Santa Gertrudis sales included Watasanta, Hardigreen Park, and Glenalbyn and Munnabah, while Ironbark and Wirruna offered Herefords.

Thurlstone Poll Dorsets and White Suffolks, Cookamidgera, kicked off the run of ram sales, selling 84 of 111 flock rams to average $2243.

Forbes Livestock and Agency Co agent Sam Mackay said sales across the Central West opened on a strong note.

Buoyed by a climbing lamb market, Mr Mackay said buyer confidence has lifted, with clients willing to invest more in top-end sires this season.

He predicted solid results across all breeds.

"We had two Poll Dorset sales in the first week of the ram sale season, and both exceeded last year's averages by at least $1000 with stronger clearances," he said.

"In the Central West, our season will carry well into spring, which should keep momentum in the market."

Mr Woodham said the strength of the lamb market would likely bring some good results.

"Even our traditional Merino breeders are getting rewarded with their wether lambs," he said.

"I believe there's going to be an air of confidence - the frustrating part, like we've said with the cows - the ewe base is subsided.

"Everyone is praying for this spring to happen and then rain into early summer, so there's a bit more confidence.

"The top end rams will be hot because of where the job has been, but it's just how many there are to go about."