Birthweight, explosive growth, key traits pushing prices at Reiland Angus sale

Chasing consistency and strong carcase traits, buyers from across the state and further afield pushed prices at Killimicat Station, Tumut, for the annual autumn Reiland Angus Bull Sale, on Thursday, 23 April.

At the fall of the hammer, 59 of 73 bulls sold for an average $9339, with passed in lots selling following the sale.

Prices rose above that of the same time last year by $1000, with the top-priced bull sold to Graham and Judith Houston, Houston Pastoral Co., Burrowye, Vic.

By Reiland Successor S564 and from Reiland Mildred P264, the August 2024-drop Reiland Successor V1749 sold for $26,000, and was the sole purchase from the Houston family.

"This bull, plenty of length, plenty of stretch, decent set of testicles," Mr Houston said.

"A very meaty bull and he's moderate for birth and a few other traits, but he's got growth and carcase qualities."

The bull weighed 740kg, and recorded an estimated breeding value (EBV) of +2.9 for birthweight, and +130 600-day growth, with an eye muscle area (EMA) of +8.9 and a scrotal circumference of 46cm.

While the bull will make his way south, it's a long journey for the Houston herd, which will be returning from agistment in Qld after bushfires and severe storms lashed the district in 2025 and 2026.

"Just blew everything out down the main creek, to the extent we've got no fences left, no security for stock," Mr Houston said.

"We had some nice rain, we've got grass a foot high, but we can't keep the cattle in at this stage ... the freight bill is going to be horrific."

Mr Houston said the bull will help boost the herd, which had 3000 marked calves this year, as part of an operation to deliver cattle to feedlots at about 450kg.

Christine Hughes, Bannister Station, Goulburn, secured the second-top priced bull, Reiland Elevation V2934 for $22,000.

The July 2024-drop bull recorded an EBV in the top 4 per cent of the breed in days to calving at -8.3, with a -10.9 gestation length and +126 for 600-day growth. By US sire Montana Elevation 7108 and from Lawsons Bartel E7 H532, the bull weighed 756 kg, and recorded a scrotal circumference of 39cm.

Southern buyers weren't the only producers chasing birth weights and stud sires. Proudford Agricultural Co., Binda, secured six bulls in the sale, to average $11,833.

William Proudford said the commercial beef operation had been buying bulls from Reiland Angus for 16 years, since diversifying from sheep into beef. He said there was a list of bulls to bring home, and he secured them all.

"[We were looking for] that high growth and low birth weight, and leaning towards the carcase traits, EMA, rib fat, rump fat," Mr Proudford said.

The family run 1700 breeding cows and about 60 bulls, joined in November for a spring calving. Grass-fed steers are grown to 450-500kg and sold to Stanbroke meat processors.

Photo Gallery: Reiland Angus 2026 Autumn Bull Sale

Pictures by Eliza Spencer and Dakota Tait.

Elders Goulburn's Ben Seaman, purchased five bulls on behalf of Wallah Pastoral, Rugby, to average $9200. He said it had been a "very similar" sale to last year's, the top end of the draft attracting bids above that $20,000 mark, with value at the bottom.

"Down here the season is not all that crash-hot," Mr Seaman said.

"There are definitely less females and so to have this result down this way is pretty solid."

Anderson Agri Services, Tumbarumba, purchased three bulls to average $8666. Connen Hill, Goulburn, secured three bulls, also averaging $8666.

Parraway Pastoral Co. purchased Reiland Beastmode V2957 for $6000 and Reiland Transcendent V848 for $8000.

Stud co-principal Mark Lucas acknowledged the significance of tough seasonal conditions, but acknowledged the resilience of a herd built on 50 years of data-driven genetics.

"These bulls ran out of quality pasture back in the middle of November, and from then they've been supplemented on silage produced on property, with some bought in as well," he said.

"We've always maintained you're as good as your cow herd, you put the brakes on them or accelerate them on the bull."

The sale was conducted by Elders and Nutrien Ag Solutions with Peter Godbolt as auctioneer, and interfaced with AuctionsPlus.