Top and average beat best year at 2026 Lilydale Charolais bull sale
A legend of the catwalk bought the top-price bull at the 2026 Lilydale Charolais invitational sale, in what was likely the sale's most successful year.
About 100 people packed the stands at the Toogoolawah showgrounds on Thursday, July 23, including a big contingent from local areas, and bidders from as far as Taroom-Wandoan and Yuleba.
Eight of the first 10 lots sold for more than $10,000 each, and the fierce bidding continued throughout the sale.
A total of 31 of 32 bulls sold through the ring for a 96.8 per cent clearance, a gross of $347,000 and an average of $11,566.
By comparison, 54 of 55 bulls sold through the ring in 2025 for a clearance of 98.2pc and an average of $8281.
Bird Hill Charolais principals Janice and Jim Spreadborough sold Bird Hill Viscount to Dick and Jill Boyd, Gilla Partnership, Blackbutt, for the top price of $22,000.
Bird Hill Viscount was 25 months old, polled and weighed 880 kilograms.
He had an eye muscle area of 137 square centimetres, scrotal circumference of 42cm, intramuscular fat of 4.8pc, and P8 and rib fat measurements of six and five millimetres.
See who caught up at the 2026 Lilydale invitational sale
Pictures by Zac Braxton-Smith
Bird Hill Charolais principal Janice Spreadborough, based at Blenheim, said Viscount stood out from early on, was quiet and had a lot of length.
"Artificial insemination is a big part of our program, given we are on a reasonably small block," Ms Spreadborough said.
"Viscount is the first calf of ours by New Zealand sire Silverstream Padra, but we have used Silverstream sires before.
"(On selection pressure), we are just trying to breed good beefy bulls, with good temperament, and to keep the cows that give you calves with good condition.
"That's true of his dam, Bird Hill Suede."
The top bull would have a test run over a few heifers fairly soon, buyer and Shepherdson & Boyd principal Dick Boyd said.
"We like to buy bulls that we can put straight into the herd," Mr Boyd said.
"(Viscount) is by a very good New Zealand Charolais bull, and we liked his bone as well as his bloodlines."
The quality on offer was rewarded by buyers, Shepherdson & Boyd agent Vince O'Brien said.
"It was pleasing to see buyers from the first Lilydale invitational sale still coming down, and today we saw repeat buyers pay $15,000 to $22,000," Mr O'Brien said.
"There was strong local support from around the Brisbane Valley, Lockyer and Scenic Rim, as well as those who travelled from central and western areas."
Cliff Kroesen, based at Christmas Creek, bought the second-top-price bull, Lilydale Vogue, from Lilydale Charolais principals Ross Sticklen and Janine Lau for $20,000.
Lilydale Vogue was 21 months old, homozygous polled and weighed 880 kilograms.
He had an EMA of 138 sq cm, scrotal circumference of 41cm, IMF of 6.3pc, and P8 and rib fat measurements of 11 and eight mm.
Mr Sticklen said Vogue's sire, Temana N2D, was the first red bull he had bought.
"Temana had all the raw data we were looking for, and has produced some lovely easy-finishing cattle over the years," he said.
"We try not to push them too hard in terms of growth; IMF is more of a focus for us.
"We have a lot of clients around the south east with Bos indicus cattle, and they are looking for that extra fat cover out of their Charolais."
Vogue - out of Lilydale Oprah - had the right amount of growth for age, excellent fat coverage, a good frame, temperament and a smooth coat, Mr Kroesen said.
"He is the right type of bull for my country, (where there's) a mix of irrigated pasture and hills," he said.
"There is consistent quality across his figures, and that gives you confidence it will carry through to his progeny.
"He will go over Bos indicus cattle to produce Charbrays for the commercial market."
In 2024, sale committee chair and Lilydale Charolais principal Ross Sticklen said it was the best sale result to date when bulls sold to an average of $10,565 and a top of $18,000.
One cow and calf pair, offered by Sandy Ridge Charolais, also sold through the ring for $4000.
- Agents: Boyd O'Brien Bartholomew, interfaced with StockLive.
Vendor averages
For vendors who sold two or more head through the ring under one prefix:
- Bird Hill sold 9 of 9 for an average of $13,556
- Cheyenne: 3/3, avg: $13,333
- Juandah: 8/8, $8750
- Lilydale: 10/10, avg: $11,000.
