Ascot bulls sell out to interstate and overseas studs, commercial producers

The chase for high growth and intramuscular fat drove strong competition for bulls from both seedstock and commercial producers, hailing from four states and even overseas, at Ascot Charolais and Angus stud's 2025 bull and heifer sale.

A top price of $54,000 was paid for the Angus bull Ascot Prime Minister U383 by Darling Downs breeding and backgrounding operation Samuel Holdings.

Held on-property at North Toolburra, Warwick, Jim and Jackie Wedge's Ascot sale saw 82 of 82 Angus bulls sold to an average $17,013; 54 of 54 Charolais bulls sold to an average $15,491 and 65 of 65 heifers sold to an average $6188.

It was a 100 per cent clearance and a gross of $2,637,500. It is also believed to be the highest averaging Angus bull sale in Queensland this year.

A semen straw package of 10 straws also sold for $400 a straw.

An equal top price of $42,000 was achieved in the Charolais section. The Millner family's Rosedale Charolais, Blayney in NSW, first purchased Ascot Ultra U173E, a homozygous polled bull in the top 1 per cent for 200 and 600 day weight and IMF.

Then Ascot Upbeat U189E was purchased by a partnership between Palgrove Charoliais and two New Zealand studs: Sam and Viki Holland's Hemingford stud at Culverden and Fergus and Katrina Templeton's Twin Rivers at Southland.

Palgrove will retain the animal, with the NZ studs having semen rights.

In the heifer section, the top price was $21,000 paid by Coolie Angus, Merriwa in NSW, for Ascot Abigail.

The top-priced Charolais heifer was $9,000, paid by Crismarg Pty Ltd at Tenterfield in NSW for Ascot Dawn V184E.

The result compares to 2024's 197 lots selling out of 198 offered, culminating in a gross of $2,806,000, with a top price of $60,000 for a Charolais bull.

In total, 14 Charolais studs and seven Angus studs purchased bulls and there were 230 bidder cards issued. More than 300 people attended the sale.

Bulls went to Queensland regions such as Clermont, Roma, Springsure, Theodore and Winton and in NSW to the likes of Condobolin, Guyra, Tamworth, Glen Innes, Moree and Warialda. Some bulls are also headed for Victoria and one to Western Australia.

Buyers flew into a next door airport and one arrived via helicopter.

The top price bull was bought by Samuel Holdings for his nice balance of estimated breeding value data, particularly his above-average 200 and 400 day weight and IMF.

Samuel Holdings, owned by Nicolas Mather and managed by Miles Paterson, took nine Angus bulls in total, which will be used over Angus Charolais Brahman cross cows for producing weaners and feeders.

Mr Paterson said progeny were also at times grown out, depending on feed availability. This year, a good season has meant a lot more young cattle were kept on oats, he said.

Meanwhile, the NZ stud that was part of the purchasing partnership of Ascot Upbeat U189E said it was his outstanding carcase data that attracted them.

The Hollands, who have around 300 registered females in their stud and made the trip to Australia to inspect the Ascot offering, said the 25-month-old, 922 kilogram bull was a clear standout, with an eye muscle area of 141 square centimetres, terrific fat cover and in the top 1pc for IMF.

Mr Holland said Charolais were highly sought in NZ right now as commercial crossbreeders chased hybrid vigour.

The Charolais was typically put over Angus and Hereford herds to produce an easy-finishing type animal, he said.

"The Charolais is providing exceptional growth plus the carcase attributes," he said.

• Selling agents Elders, Nutrien and Colin Say and Co, Glen Innes, with the sale interfaced with AuctionsPlus.