So Right outcome as Tivoli Angus auction exceeds expectations at Merriwa

A dry autumn and low cow numbers did not stop the bidding for carcase and fertility traits at the Tivoli Angus bull and female sale at Springfield, Merriwa, on Thursday, August 6.

The Kraefft family sold 44 of 49 bulls to a top price of $18,000 and an average of $9000.

That is up on last year's results of a top price of $14,000, and average of $8191.

The top-priced bull, Tivoli So Right V66, was knocked down to online bidder Rob Debenham, Lake Mary, Qld.

Mr Debenham said the bull stood out for his carcase and fat figures.

"We really liked the bull's type. We're in the business of growing meat so he has that in droves," he said.

"He had really good indexes and eye muscle and intramuscular fat.

"He'll be joining with grey Brahman heifers and we'll be getting black Brangus."

Mr Debenham is a builder by trade but is working towards his future in the beef industry, a journey which only began 12 months ago.

From a farming background, he has always wanted to get back to the land.

"These bulls are a big part of this dream coming to fruition," he said.

Son of Knowla So Right S48, and out of Tivoli Barunah S163, the 24-month-old bull weighed 908 kilograms with a scrotal circumference of 45 centimetres.

He recorded an estimated breeding value for gestational length in the top 3 per cent with -9.6, eye muscle area (EMA) of +10.8 and rump fat of +7.7 - in the top 1pc.

Mr Debenham also bought another four bulls for an average $13,00, including the $16,000 Tivoli Rocketman V114.

Another bull at $16,000, Tivoli So Right V83, was secured by Alband Pastoral, Rouchel.

Also by Knowla So Right S48, out of Tivoli Wattletop R1, the July 2024-drop bull weighed 846kg with a scrotal circumference of 40cm.

He recorded high calving ease figures, with a calving ease direct EBV in the top 2pc at +10.2, and low birth weight of +1.2.

Other notable lots included September 2024-drop bull, Tivoli Sandy Bay V313, secured through Grant Whatham, Hunter Stock and Land, for $14,000 for an undisclosed client.

He had bloodlines from Docklands, Broken Bow, Paratrooper and the Wattletop A108 cow.

He was also in the top 20pc for 600-day growth, with +138.

Mr Whatham also secured another three bulls for an average of $7333.

Another volume buyer was Talbragar Holdings, Coolah, which secured three bulls to a top of $10,000 and average of $7333.

With a 400-head self-replacing Angus herd, the White family of Talbragar targets the feeder market, producing 420kg steers off regenerative pastures.

Talbragar's James White said his family had been buying Tivoli bulls for a number of years to run with their breeder herd.

He said the bulls performed well in their rocky and steep terrain.

"We find they don't break down in our rocky country, they keep on going and when joining with heifers in that country they don't hurt themselves," he said.

"The bulls also match our values in terms of growth, good fat, low birth weights, good milk and good carcase."

Another volume buyer Frampton Farms, bought three bulls, all for $6000.

Tivoli stud manager Peter Colliver said it was a pleasing result.

"It was great to see repeat buyers, new faces and the support from Queensland was strong," he said.

"It's taken a lot of effort from the whole team to get these bulls and heifers sale ready but I think we had the cattle in exceptional condition.

"The bulls and heifers were even and presented really well so it was pleasing to see the support today."

First-time buyer, Steve Gadd from Barraba, secured his very first Tivoli bull for $6000.

Mr Gadd raises feeder steers and has an first-cross production operation.

He said he was impressed with the structure of the bulls.

"Connections to [Tivoli studmaster] Hugh Kraefft brought me here,' he said.

"It was a good draft of bulls."

In the females, all 100 heifers sold to a top of $2300 and an average of $2100.

Tivoli's Hugh Kraefft said the sale was "wonderful but unexpected" given the season they had faced on the farm and across the Hunter district.

"It was a fantastic sale that exceeded our expectations," he said.

"The heifers sold exceptionally well and for the bulls we saw great support from Queensland and repeat buyers from the Lower Hunter.

"Given the season, we're very grateful for the support, especially from our repeat buyers."

Elders and Buffier Livestock Marketing conducted the sale with Paul Dooley, Tamworth, as auctioneer. AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.