Strong demand leads to full clearance at Alpine Angus' annual bull sale

The focus on moderate birth and big growth genetics together with structural integrity and maternal qualities drove strong competition for bulls at the Apline Angus bull sale at Rosewhite on Wednesday.

A total of 52 bulls were offered and sold to a top price of $60,000, averaging $10,460.

The top-priced bull, Alpine Right Time V014, a 19-month-old son of US sire Right Time 7861, was secured by return buyers Ange and Wesley Jeffery, Tarcombe Lodge, Avenel.

Weighing in at 775 kilograms and first of the younger bulls catalogued, the bull boasted figures of +73kg for 200-day growth, +130kg for 400-day growth and +176kg for 600-day growth.

Ms Jefferey said the bull had plenty of growth and punch, which was backed up by his figures.

"In particular, we were chasing bulls that have a fantastic temperament as well as different genetics to introduce to our operation," she said.

"He's a well-structured, young sire displaying excellent growth for age, a strong topline, and he carries himself naturally with a depth through his hindquarters and a balanced, easy-doing shape."

The same buyers also purchased the second top-priced bull of the sale, Alpine Roy U314, for $20,000.

"We were impressed with his structural correctness and strong growth," Ms Jeffery said.

"Our two picks of bulls today were the complete package to add real value to our herd."

With such strong bidding competition, there were few buyers able to successfully select in bulk.

Purchasing four bulls to add to their operation were return buyers Robert and Craig Ferguson, Bowmans Forest, who paid up to $15,000 to average $10,500.

Craig Ferguson said they were chasing bulls with great birth-to-growth ratios and strong carcase traits.

"We were looking for some replacement bulls with different bloodlines to restock our herd," he said.

"We run a self-replacing cattle operation and have followed Alpine genetics for a number of years as it suits our operation."

Alpine stud manager Chris Oswin said he was extremely appreciative of both new and returning buyers' support.

"At Alpine, we really aim for more frame, more scope and as much growth as we can, as that is what our clients are chasing," he said.

The sale was conducted by Nutrien and Rodwells.