Clearance, top price and average jump for south-west Victorian beef stud
A south-west Victorian Angus stud has ticked all of the boxes at its annual sale, with its clearance, top price and average all exceeding last year.
Willoughby Angus cleared all 12 bulls it put up for sale at the Central Victorian Livestock Exchange in Ballarat on Friday.
The top price of $6500 and average of $4666 marked a strong increase from last year's $5500 top price and $4222 average.
Most of the bulls went to Gippsland buyers, with the sale-topper purchased by Timboon veal producer John Rylance.
The July 2024-drop bull, USA19444025 Willoughby Pacific V434, was by Sterling Pacific 904 and out of Willoughby Cowboy Up Princess Q4.
He had TransTasman Angus Cattle Evaluation estimated breeding values of a 5.5 kilograms birth weight, 71kg 200-day weight, 121kg 400-day weight and 153kg 600-day weight.
He had an eye muscle area of 2.5 square centimetres, rib measurement of -0.1 millimetres and rump of -0.8mm.
Mr Rylance said he liked the bull's shape and figures.
"I raise vealers and sell them at 10-11 months in January," he said.
He said he'd bought Willoughby bulls before as they offered value for money and were well-prepared stock.
He said the bull would go out into the paddock "straight away".
Willoughby stud principal Ken Wharton, Gnarwarre, praised the top-priced bull for his structure, thickness and muscle definition.
"That's why he really stood out," Mr Wharton said.
He said the bulls received "a bit of extra" feed to finish them off before the sale and prices had met his expectations.
"It's about getting the bulls out there, people using them, getting progeny on the ground and seeing the results," he said.
"We had 12 bulls and they've all found homes to go to."
Mr Wharton said producers were feeling more confident on the back of recent rain, which had seen the season turn around.
"We just need a bit more run-off into the dams, and we'll be ready to go," he said.
