Breaking new ground: Santa Gertrudis bulls offered at Moura for the first time

The inaugural Elders Moura Santa Gertrudis Invitational Bull Sale marked a first for the Dawson Valley when bulls from five studs went under the hammer at the Moura saleyards on Thursday, October 30.

Of 45 bulls catalogued, 44 were presented, with the draft ranging in age from 20 months through to 34 months.

A clearance rate of 43 per cent was achieved, with the sale grossing $104,994 and averaging $5526.

The sale represented the first time Santa Gertrudis bulls had been offered in Moura, with vendors and agents alike recognizing it as a key step in breaking new ground for the breed in a multi-vendor format to service the breed's growth and demand for Santa Gertrudis bulls in central Queensland.

Top honours went to Rosehill V159, a 22-month-old sire offered by John and Rosemaree McCarthy, Rosehill Santa Gertrudis, Hodgsonvale.

The young bull by Wave Hill J14 and out of Rosehill Q90 tipped the scales at 835 kilograms and scanned an eye muscle area of 138 square centimetres.

He measured fat depths of 10 and 6 millimetres, recorded intramuscular fat of 4.4 per cent, and had a scrotal circumference of 35 centimetres.

He sold for $9000 to Dean Carseldine of JDC Holdings, Theodore.

Mr Carseldine said the bull stood out in his contemporary group.

"I thought he was the best bull in the sale today," he said.

"He had the volume, doing ability, and temperament I always look for, and at that money, he was very well priced."

Mr Carseldine said the bull would join his commercial program at Theodore, running across both granite forest and softwood scrub country.

"Our focus is on breeding top-end commercial cattle, full Santa bloodlines, and this bull will go straight into that program," he said.

The second highest price was achieved early in the day when Spring Creek Viceroy V52, offered by Andrew and Angela Doering of Spring Creek Santa Gertrudis, Tansey, was knocked down for $ 8000.

The 20-month-old scurred bull was by the $105,000 Canowindra Tennessee T148 and out of Spring Creek Nadia N505.

He weighed 678kg, had an EMA of 128sq cm, rib and rump fats of 7mm and 9mm, IMF of 3pc, and a 41cm scrotal circumference.

The Doerings, alongside Rosehill, were among the experienced vendors in the catalogue, while newcomers included Homeleigh, Kemmis Creek and Costaplenty, each bringing bulls to market for the first time.

Selling agent and Elders Moura branch manager Chris Todd said the mix of new and experienced vendors highlighted the purpose behind the sale.

"This was about creating another outlet for Santa breeders, particularly in a region that hasn't hosted a Santa bull sale before," Mr Todd said.

"There are plenty of breeders between here and Springsure, and Moura is well positioned to service them.

"Today, the good bulls sold well, but we'll look at moving the date a little earlier next year to fit better with the spring selling season.

"The support is here, and the sale will grow with more vendors and buyers on board."

Bulk buyer of the day was IM Grazing, who secured six bulls for an average of $5333.

GDL buyer Mitch Jackson said the draft would be put straight to work in their northern program.

"We were chasing those older bulls that will head to Greenvale and handle the conditions," he said.

"They'll be used in a Santa-Brahman cross program in the north, so they were wanting bulls that had frame."

Despite the reduced clearance, Mr Todd said the inaugural sale created the right platform to build on.

"The breed itself is looking for more multi-vendor outlets, and Moura has proven it can host one," he said.

"Santa Gertrudis weigh like lead, and with the right presentation, this sale can become a real fixture for central Queensland."

• Selling agents: Elders, AuctionsPlus online interface.