Superman steals the show at Murgona's fourth annual sale in Taroom

The Phillips family of Wandoan celebrated another standout result on Saturday, September 13, when every lot cleared at their fourth annual Murgona Santa Gertrudis Production Sale, held at Taroom Showgrounds selling complex.

Daniel and Kaey Phillips, with their children Taylor and Brian, sold 37 of 37 bulls and one 'pick of the paddock' option for a 100 per cent clearance.

The draft averaged $13,868 and grossed $527,000 in what was another sign of momentum for the young stud.

In comparison, last year's sale had a stronger average of $17,586 and total clearance of a smaller draft of 29 bulls, with a top of $50,000.

Topping the sale was lot 5, Murgona Superman, purchased by local commercial producer John Rodger of Hatcham Downs, Taroom.

Superman, an AI son by Murgona Legend and out of Murgona Nectar N36, was awarded junior champion bull at the 2025 Sydney Santa Gertrudis Feature Show.

He weighed 1005 kilograms, scanned an eye muscle area of 146 square centimetres, measured 14mm P8 and 9mm rib fat, recorded 5.5pc IMF, and had a scrotal circumference of 41cm.

The second-top priced bull, lot 10 Murgona Servant, was also purchased by Hatcham Downs for $27,000.

Sired by Yarrawomga Quake and out of Murgona Magic, he weighed 862kg, scanned an EMA of 151 square centimeters, measured 11mm P8 and 8mm rib fat, recorded 4.4pc IMF, and had a scrotal circumference of 44cm.

Mr Rodger of Hatcham Downs was the bulk buyer of the day, securing eight bulls for an average of $18,750.

He said the draft was well-suited to his program, which consists of 7000 cows that extends to a backgrounding and feedlotting operation.

"These bulls will head west to Winton and Blackall," he said.

"I'm looking for meat and kilos, because that's what we're being paid for... fertility isn't the most important thing to me.

"We're chasing volume, and these bulls had the weight behind them."

The Phillips also offered an innovative 'pick of the paddock' option, which sold for $14,000 to Greg Kroll of Oakdale Santa Gertrudis.

The package included three PTIC recipient females carrying elite IVF progeny, an opportunity Mrs Phillips said was designed to support the next generation of breeders.

"We know how hard it is to get started, and we thought this might appeal to someone who wanted the hard work done for them," she said.

"All three are PTIC with genetics we believe in, and it's great to know that Oakdale has faith in our program."

Reflecting on the sale, Mrs Phillips said the family was both relieved and excited.

"We're happy - we always enjoy it, but it's good to have it over and done with as well," she said.

Genetic highlights included the first sons of Waco Sonny Bill and Dunlop Wassim, as well as the stud's first IVF calves.

"We've got about 70 IVF calves due again this season, and we've bought 50 cows from Oakdale Santa Gertrudis, so that will help lift our numbers," Mrs Phillips said.

Buyers operated from across the state, with a Charters Towers-based operation securing nine bulls to stamp a solid presence in the sale.

• Selling agent: Nutrien Ag Solutions