Strong demand for structure, carcase and muscle at Bowen, Peake stud auction
There was strong demand in the Angus run at the Bowen Poll Herefords and Peakes Angus bull sale at Barraba on July 16, with buyers across Queensland and NSW chasing growth traits and structure.
The 31st sale drew had repeat buyers make up 90 per cent of those in the stands with full clearance across both breeds.
In the Angus portion, all 95 bulls averaged $13,242 and reaching a $40,000 top.
That average and top price were well up on 2025 sale results.
In the Herefords, all 39 bulls sold to a top of $28,000 and an average $10,974 - also up on last year.
The top-priced Angus sold to Hewitt at Bylong, NSW.
Peakes Bowen Everest V323 was by Peakes Bowen Everest S557 and from Peakes Bowen Lowan L781.
The August 2024-drop bull had the third highest weight at 1004 kilograms and second highest eye muscle area measurement at 600 day scanning in his mob, as well as a scrotal circumference of 42 centimetres. The stud also retained semen.
Warren Miller of Hewitt, a repeat buyer for five years, said the bull stood out for its structure and muscle.
"We send bulls to the Northern Territory so we need a heap of muscle, walking ability and the bull needs to look like a sire," he said.
"We were after plenty of muscle and a higher performing bull that stands on his feet."
The second top priced bull, Peakes Bowen Countdown V451 sold to the Lee family of Lesmar, Qld, for $30,000.
The September-drop, 854kg bull was a son of TeMania Qountdown Q1290, out of Peakes Bowen Mona R532.
His marbling ranked in the top 4 per cent of the breed, alongside high fertility data with fertility, growth and fats.
An Angus bull at $28,000, Peakes Bowen Identity V333, a Milwillah Identity P134 son, sold to the Newberry family at Glen Innes, NSW.
The August 2024-drop, 940kg bull was described as an eye catching bull with "tremendous" body depth.
The charity bull, Peakes Bowen Starlink V344, was knocked down for $12,000, adding to the $71,400 already raised since Bowen began offering a charity bull in 2022.
The proceeds were split three ways between the Ruby Mae Foundation, Westpac Helicopter Service and the Stuart Peake Memorial Cancer Research Trust.
It was sold to the Edendale Company, Toowoomba, Qld.
In the Herefords, the top-priced lot again went to R and A Larkin, Ben Bullen, NSW.
The $28,000 Bowen Viewpoint V137 is a son of Tobruk Southern Cross S15 and out of Bowen Advance M28.
It had an estimated breeding value (EBV) of +2.6 for birthweight, +50 for 200 day growth, +83 for 400 day growth and +112 for 600 day growth.
Second top price went to Bowen Vocal V135, by Bowen Soloman S009, which sold for $24,000 to the Fisher family, Coorawong.
His figures included +4.8 for EMA and -3.8 for gestation length with +4.8.
The Fisher family also secured Hereford bull Bowen Viaduct V54 for $8000.
Volume buyer Brook Pastoral Company, Birdsville, Qld, took home seven Herefords, all at $6000.
Brook Pastoral supply OBE Organic Beef.
Bowen's Stephen Peake said he was very happy with the result and it was pleasing to see so many repeat buyers.
He said in the short life of this year's draft of Hereford and Angus bulls, they had seen flood and drought but had come through the season extremely well.
"We're very satisfied given eight weeks ago things were looking very grim with a massive cow sell off," Mr Peake said.
"Despite that, it's pleasing to see people have come to chase good, sound genetics with performance.
"These bulls have structural integrity, good fat, good temperament, tight sheaths, fertility and carcase."
Nutrien conducted the sale with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, the guest auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
