Queensland, Victorian and local buyers chase key traits at DSK bull sale
Buyers at the annual DSK Angus and Charolais sale at Borah Station, near Coonabarabran, on Friday, July 17, were chasing cattle that combined carcase quality, marbling performance and growth.
Chris Knox and Helen Alexander welcomed buying interest from multiple states as 27 of their 41 Angus bulls sold to average $10,703, resulting in a 66 per cent clearance, and a top price of $26,000 (up $4000 on last year).
The top-priced bull, lot 24, DSK Ronaldo Vapor V33, was purchased for $26,000 by Charvel Grazing, Theodore, Queensland.
A son of Alpine Ronaldo R232 out of DSK BBM Serene T122#, the 23-month-old tipped the scales at 832 kilograms.
The bull scanned 8 millimetres and 16 millimetres over the rib and rump, with an eye muscle area of 124 square centimetres and an intramuscular fat figure of 7.7 per cent.
He also recorded a 5+ fleck score, a trait that remains a key focus of the DSK breeding program.
The second top-priced bull, DSK PR Vagrant V131, was secured by DKF Heywood, Everton, Victoria.
A son of DSK B.M. Poddy Rock R26 from DSK Tel Panda Q58#, the 21-month-old weighed 830 kilograms and scanned 7 millimetres of rib fat and 12 millimetres of rump fat, along with an eye muscle area of 122 square centimetres and an intramuscular fat figure of 7.6 per cent.
He also recorded a 5 fleck score, reflecting the emphasis DSK places on marbling performance within its breeding program.
Volume buyer Tom Toynton of Rocky Glen near Coonabarabran, NSW, purchased four bulls to a top of $16,000 and an average of $12,750.
Having purchased DSK Angus bulls since the sale's inception, Mr Toynton said his focus was on securing high fleck score bulls to further enhance marbling performance in his feedlot-bound progeny.
DSK stud principal Helen Alexander said she was proud to present a predominantly home-bred offering, with the bulls displaying the consistency of type that buyers have come to expect from the stud.
"They were a very consistent line of bulls and were highly sought after throughout the sale," she said.
"We knew heading into the sale that conditions would make results tougher than in previous years, with many producers in the district feeling the effects of the season and carrying lighter cow numbers.
"Given the circumstances, we were pleased with the level of support and the overall sale outcome. We would like to thank all buyers and underbidders for their support and look forward to what the next 12 months will bring."
The sale was conducted by Elders with Ryan Bajada, Elders, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
