Full clearance at Bongongo Angus as buyers new and old chase birth weight

Buyers chased low birthweight, resilience and growth at the Bongongo Angus bull sale, held at Riverview, near Coolac, on Wednesday, September 24.

The stud recorded a full clearance, with 108 bulls sold to average $10,861, with a top price of $19,000.

Bongongo V190 sold to Paul Graham, Bongongo Adjungbilly, weighing 570kg, with an intramuscular fat (IMF) in the top 17 per cent of the breed at +3.9 estimated breeding value (EBV).

By Te Mania Saville S258 and from Bongongo T2, the March 2024-drop bull recorded in the top 10pc for rib fat at +2.3, and the top 22pc in the rump at +1.5. He recorded a scrotal circumference of 38cm.

"We selected six bulls for the day, and that's the ones we wanted," Mr Graham said.

"Good birth weight, great growth and positive rib and rump, which is what we need in our cold country. We bull tested yesterday, and each of these bulls shows longevity, that's why we turn up each year."

Mr Graham purchased five other bulls to average $13,166, including the second top-priced bull, Bongongo V179, for $18,000.

Buyers travelled from the Central West, Southern Highlands and the Riverina, and online bidders Lake Echo Pastoral, Stonehouse, Tas, also secured bulls for the long journey south.

The Tasmanian cattle producers purchased Bongongo V557 and Bongongo V387, for $15,000 and $14,000. A March 2024-drop by Te Mania Saville S258 and from Bongongo R61, Bongongo V387 ranked in the top 1pc for eye muscle area at +15.1, and in the top 7pc for carcase weight at +90.

Volume buyer Elders Emms Mooney purchased 10 bulls, which averaged $6900, on behalf of Barry Smith Transport, Cubbie Station, Dirranbandi, Qld.

Beggan Beggan Pastoral Co purchased five bulls to average $14,200, while Baltimore Enterprises, Wantabadgery, also purchased five bulls for an average $10,200.

First-time buyers Ellen and Alex Miles, Billoonba, Big Springs, secured Bongongo V705 for $7000, weighing 490kg. Mr Miles said the August 2024-drop bull by Paringa Statesman S115 and from Bongongo T836 would be put to work right away, with joining starting in October.

"We're in a bit of a growth phase, we're running about 350 cows. We hope to get that number up to closer to 600 or 700," he said.

"This is just another string to the bow. If we can improve the production and the animals we're breeding, it will certainly make a massive difference to the operation."

Positive fats in the top 9pc for rib at +2.4 and 16pc on the rump at +2.1, combined with a 'beautiful' temperament, were deciding factors, intending to rear grass-fed and finished steers at Billoonba.

Paul Roche, Rochedale Pty Ltd, Adelong, purchased Bongongo V254S and Bongongo V320, both for $11,000. He said he got exactly what he was looking for as a return buyer.

"One's a heifer bull, and one's for some young cows ... we'll be joining them on the first of November," he said.

"They're very consistent, very even, our steers all hit their weights well."

Repeat buyers Tracey, Bridget and Chris Longley, Longaroo, Wee Jasper, purchased two bulls to average $12,000.

Stud principal Bill Graham said a focus on low birthweight and curve-bending bulls was a gratifying opportunity to contribute to a breed with growing demands on easier calving and client expectations.

"The reduction in calving difficulty in this area over the last 40 years has dropped remarkably, and it's now a huge improvement," he said.

"The bulls retain plenty of growth and plenty of carcase and plenty of doability for the job they have to do, and it remains one of our main focuses as well."

The stud will mark 100 years of operation in 2026, and Mr Graham said he expected to celebrate in style.

The sale was conducted by Elders, with auctioneers Ryan Bajada and Harry Waters. The sale was interfaced with AuctionsPlus.