Semen companies already lining up to take on record-breaking Granite Ridge bull

He had barely left the ring, and semen companies were already lining up to secure a slice of South Australia's new record-breaking Angus bull, after history was made at the 19th annual Granite Ridge Angus autumn bull sale on Friday, February 13.

The atmosphere at the Finlay family's Avenue Range property was electric as a new South Australian all-breeds on-property record price was set at $235,000, contributing to a total sale gross of just over $1 million.

With 80 of the 83 bulls sold under the hammer, the Finlays achieved a 96 per cent clearance and an overall average of $12,513.

The result was a significant leap from the previous year's sale, which saw 68 of 96 bulls sell to a top of $23,000 and an average of $7676.

After receiving plenty of attention at the Stock Journal Beef Week field days, the subject of the record breaking top price in 2026 was Granite Ridge Velocity V42, a 23-month-old embryo transfer bull.

Due to immense pre-sale interest, the lot 12 bull was brought forward in the catalogue to be offered between lots 3 and 4.

The successful buyer was Sara Park Angus, Glen Innes, NSW, who secured the bull over underbidder Wade Peatman of Gilmandyke Angus, Orange, NSW.

Sara Park stud principal Herb Duddy said from the moment the hammer dropped, he was inundated with interest from semen companies.

"By the end of the day I had about six semen companies ring me, I didn't ring them," he said.

"I plan to put him in with a semen company...until the spring...he'll be joined with probably about 40 cows"

The 23-month-old boasted a birth weight of +1.3, an eye muscle area of +10.0, and an intramuscular fat of +4.9.

He featured estimated breeding values in the top 1 per cent of the breed for 200 and 400-day weight..

Velocity V42 was described in the sale catalogue as a "very friendly and docile bull, a deep, thick and smooth young sire with great all-round EBVs and an exceptional pedigree".

He was by Landfall Lorenzo R1470 and out of the dam Granite Ridge Wilcoola J177.

Granite Ridge stud principal Scott Finlay said they purchased Lorenzo from Tasmania for his structural integrity and used him to join with J177, a powerful stud cow from a very strong family.

The unprecedented price tag smashed the previous South Australian Angus record of $85,000, which was set back in 2017.

Mr Finlay was thrilled with the result, noting that the favorable season and strong support made for a memorable day.

"I loved it, absolutely loved it. It was bloody great to see the change of the seasons and much more favorable conditions," he said.

"It's amazing the difference that we've had from the last couple of seasons to finally have some grass in front of them and watch the boys flourish."

Elders auctioneer Laryn Gogel described Velocity V42 as "bulletproof" in terms of structure and temperament.

"He's got every point cornered, absolutely square... he's soft and he's deep," Mr. Gogel said.

He added that while they anticipated a price between $50,000 and $100,000, the confidence from the crowd pushed the bull to the record-breaking result.

The Granite Ridge sale draft also included the first sons to be offered by sires Sitz Resilient, LVVF Tanker 14, Stokman Solution S329, and Koogan Hills Tradesman T306.

Beyond the record-breaking top, momentum continued with strong commercial and volume buying.

Leading the volume buyers was Kelly Evans of Nutrien Balaklava, acting on behalf of Williams Cattle Company.

He secured 12 bulls at an average of just under $6500 to be sent to stations across northern South Australia including William Creek, Coober Pedy, and Oodnadatta.

Mr Evans said recent rains had spurred the purchase, as it had previously been too dry to buy.

Lachie Seears of Boonderoo Pastoral Company, Lucindale, a long-time client of the stud, showed strong support by securing eight lots for an average of just under $11,000.

Mr Seears placed emphasis on moderate birth weights with growth, specifically looking for positive rib and rump fat cover.

The sale was settled by Elders with Laryn Gogel as auctioneer, with AuctionsPlus in attendance.