Marbling and growth figures drive demand for genetics at Wirruna Poll Hereford sale
Well-known seedstock operators and local commercial producers didn't let scorching temperatures keep them away from the Wirruna Poll Hereford sale at Holbrook on Wednesday, February 25.
The Locke family's sale had peak at $37,000, with 57 of 65 bulls selling to average $11,456.
That high price was well up on the $26,000 from last year while the average exceeded the $9164 from 2025.
The top-priced bull, Wirruna Umpire U036, was purchased by long-term supporter of the program, Don McDouall, Piperleigh Herefords, Bingara.
Sired by the Tobruk Southern Cross S15, the two-and-a-half-year-old bull weighed 1032 kilograms and measured a scrotal size of 42 centimetres.
He ranked in the top one per cent of the breed for eye muscle area, top 5pc for intramuscular fat and retail beef yield with estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +9.2, +2.6 and +2.2, respectively.
Mr McDouall said he prioritised strong all-round figures, including good birth weight, excellent growth and a large eye muscle area.
He described the bull as dark, long-bodied and visually impressive, combining performance data with physical appeal and marbling potential.
Mr McDouall said this year's purchase represented largely new bloodlines for the herd.
"I have supported the same Wirruna program for over 20 years," he said.
He attributed the durability of sires he had previously purchased to the bulls not being overfed.
"Over the past 12 months, my steers have averaged more than 280 kilograms dressed weight, with an MSA average of 62," Mr McDouall said.
His focus is now on lifting that average to 63 or higher, a benchmark that would place his cattle among the top 1pc sold in Australia.
Improving marbling remains a priority for Mr McDouall while still maintaining structurally sound, balanced cattle that perform commercially.
The second top price bull Wirruna Upton U376 sold for $35,000 and to a buyer from Yelbeni, Western Australia.
Wirruna Upton was nominated for the Herefords Australia super-sire program and achieved the highest marbling scan from 200 bulls and sat in the top 1pc for IMF at +2.76.
The bull was described as a curve-bending, growth profile, underpinned by a strong calving ease foundation.
The top-priced bull, Wirruna Umpire, shone through in the female offering, with his influence evident among the leading lots.
All 15 females sold to a top of $6000 on three occasions to average $4333, while five of the six grouped females were sold to an overall average of $2540.
The first of the top-priced females, Wirruna Madam S106, pregnancy-tested-in-calf to Wirruna Umpire U036, was purchased by AW and T Johnston, Tarrone, Vic.
The five-year-old sat in the top 4pc for growth and top ranked for carcase weight of +81.
Also PTIC to Wirruna Umpire U036, Wirruna Madam S224 was secured by Butts Livestock on behalf of a client, while Wirruna Nadia U393, PTIC to Wirruna Unreal U103, sold to ER Cheers and Sons, Goolgowi.
Wirruna Madam S224, a 4.5-year-old daughter of Wirruna Quambone Q135, sat in the top 1pc for calving ease, short gestational length and top 7pc for milk.
Wirruna Nadia U393, the three-year-old sat in the top 1pc for IMF.
The volume buyer on the day was Nutrien Leongatha, representing their client, Braidwood Investments, which purchased six bulls to a top of $11,000, averaging $8286.
Wirruna stud principal Ian Locke said after 77 years and three generations of breeding, performance recording and supplying the industry with profitable Poll Hereford genetics, the Locke family would offer the stud herd up for sale in the near future, creating a rare opportunity for others to secure proven foundation females.
The sale was settled by Nutrien Livestock with AuctionsPlus.
