Eastern Plains Angus bulls achieve double-top amid local support despite season

Despite experiencing the worst of the autumn season, which resulted in significant culling of females across the region, the annual Eastern Plains Angus bull sale near Guyra had strong local support on Wednesday, August 5.

All total of 46 of the 64 bulls sold to a top of $18,000, twice, averaging $7895.

Eastern Plains Vernan V32 was the first to take the top price tag, secured by Neil James, James Grazing, Wandoan, Qld.

The June 2024-drop, 834-kilogram bull was sired by Murdeduke Quarterback Q011 and out of Eastern Plains Bertha P182.

He recorded a low birth weight estimated breeding value (EBV) of +1.51, high growth traits for 200-, 400- and 600-day weights at +55, +85 and +127 respectively, along with an eye muscle area (EMA) of +8.5.

He also had a scrotal circumference of 40 centimetres.

Mr James breeds replacement heifers and grows feeder steers out to 480kg.

He said the bull complemented their herd's growth while its fertility figures suited their heifers.

"We plan to join him to our maiden heifers and he has low birth weight, good growth and good carcase traits," Mr James said.

"The Eastern Plains bulls that we have bought in the past are still running with the herd and some of them are six-year-olds, so they also have longevity."

Mr James also secured another four bulls for an average $7500.

The second $18,000 bull, Eastern Plains Veteran V22, was bought by Uralla Partnership, Uralla.

The Dunoon Recharge R102 son, from Eastern Plains EDA, weighed 796kg and had a scrotal circumference of 38.5cm.

He was described as having "very good calving ease" with a calving ease direct (CED) EBV of +9.1 and low birth weight of +3.3.

Other notable lots included Eastern Plains Vicore V134, which made $14,000 and will be trucked just down the road to Glenowan Partnership at Armidale.

The same buyers also secured August 2024-drop bull, Eastern Plains Vako V203 for $6000.

There was strong support from other local volume buyers including Stuart Grills, Alderberry Pastoral, Guyra, who bought three bulls to a top of $8000 and average of $4266.

Mr Grills has been buying bulls from the White family for 29 years to complement his bullock and feeder steer operation.

He was impressed with the longevity of the bulls he had bought in the past.

"I like the longevity of the bulls I've got bulls from Eastern Plains in our herd that are nine years old," Mr Grills said.

Deeargee Pastoral Co, Uralla, bought three bulls at $6000.

Further away, Wards Mistake Pastoral, Balmain, secured three bulls for $6000 each.

Perrottet Pastoral Co, Dirranbandi, Qld, took home three bulls all for $6000.

Eastern Plains principal Andrew White said it was a tough day in the office, following a dry, harsh season, but he was buoyed by the local support.

"It's been hard going and with a lot of bulls sold ahead us but that is the season and there aren't many cows about," he said.

"We appreciate the loyalty of our repeat buyers, especially in seasons like this and our region saw the worst of it.

"Bring on the rain and bring on next year."

Elders conducted the sale with guest auctioneer Paul Dooley and AuctionsPlus providing the online interface.