NZ-influenced genetics draw international buyers to Injemira sale
It was an international affair at the Injemira Beef Genetics 55th production sale at Book Book, with New Zealand-influenced bulls selling to the United Kingdom, as well as five states and territories across Australia.
During the sale, on Tuesday, February 24, 66 of 78 bulls offered sold to $70,000, averaging $10,242.
"Triple-threat" bull, Injemira Navigator V400 achieved the top price, bought in partnership between regular Injemira clients, David and Michelle Elsom, Macarthur, Vic, and United Kingdom stud Netherhall Herefords, Cumbria, run by David and Maggie Kelly.
The spring-drop bull has record-breakers on both sides, with his sire, Matariki Navigator, also the sire of the $80,000 New Zealand highest priced bull, while the dam, Injemira Harmony S208, is a daughter of Australian $160,000 highest-priced bull Injemira Robert Redford Q287.
In his estimated breeding values, Injemira Navigator V400 ranks in the top 1 per for 200-day growth at +53, and in the top 10pc for 400-day growth (+76), 600-day growth (+106) and rump fat (+3.2).
He was also in the top 20pc for milk at +22, eye muscle area at +6.0, rib fat at +1.8 and intramuscular fat at +1.5pc, with a sustainability index and a Meat Standards Australia index both at $217.
The Elsoms operate a commercial herd in western Victoria, while their daughters run a boutique Hereford stud Emigrace, with their new sire to share duties across both.
They also picked up another bull, Injemira Scooby Doo V066, at $20,000, which ranked in the top 1pc for gestational length at -7.3, top 5pc for 200-day growth at +46 and top 10pc for IMF at +1.8pc.
The Kellys have used semen from Injemira before in their operation, but selected Navigator while touring Hereford studs across Australia in December.
Their part ownership gives them semen rights into the European market, while there is also interest from other semen companies, globally.
Injemira Beef Genetics principal Marc Greening said the bull was "as perfect as you can get" in terms of phenotype and structure, with "fantastic" EBVs, while the outcross genetics made him "really marketable".
"He is a bit of a triple threat," he said.
All up, there were 12 Navigator sons offered, averaging $15,333.
Another standout sire in the sale was Mountain Valley Scooby Doo S073, bought for $70,000, with his first sons offered, including the second highest price in the sale.
Injemira Scooby Doo V005, an autumn-drop bull sold for $28,000 to long-standing client of four decades, Jarrah Genetics, Banana, Qld.
The bull was out of Injemira Maritana S014, and had a 200-day growth figure of +42 and IMF score of +1.4pc.
Jarrah Genetics' Sam Becker said they wanted the chance to nab one of the first drop of Scooby Doo sons, with this bull offering "sire appeal".
"His skin, coat and overall carcase is what we're trying to breed in a bull - he was the right fit for us," he said.
He said seeing the good line-up of Scooby Doo sons in the sale gave them confidence in their selection.
Mr Becker also picked up a second bull Injemira Richard V035, at $8000, saying they already had a Richard son that was performing, while this bull had a different cow line, offering a "little bit extra carcase".
The sale's volume buyer was Todd River Pastoral Co, Alice Springs, NT, with 11 bulls to $10,000, averaging $6909.
Todd River Pastoral had bought Injemira bulls out of the paddock before, with this the first time bidding at auction.
Mr Greening said it was great to see the geographical spread of the buyers, with bulls heading to Qld, NSW, Victoria, SA and the NT.
The sale also offered a run of pregnancy-tested in-calf commercial heifers, with 45 sold to $2610, averaging $2513.
The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien, with Paul Dooley the guest auctioneer and AuctionsPlus providing the online interface.
