Te Mania Angus marks 20 years of Walgett sales with 100pc clearance
The 20th anniversary of Te Mania Angus selling Victorian-bred bulls at Walgett was marked on Tuesday, August 11, with a 100 per cent clearance.
High-quality genetics were on display, with nearly half the catalogue ranking in the breed's top 35 per cent for intramuscular fat (IMF) estimated breeding values (EBV).
An average of $13,793 was achieved across the 87 bulls offered with a $26,000 top.
The top price was paid by Rob Mackenzie, Mackas Beef, Saltash, for Te Mania Vanzeller V652, a July 2024-drop son of Te Mania Neon N1387.
Out of a GAR Ashland daughter, Te Mania Dandaloo R738, the 730-kilogram sire prospect featured an elite +8.6 IMF EBV, placing him in the breed's top 1pc.
At 24.5 months of age, V652 also ranked in the top 10pc for gestation length at -8.0, with an Angus Breeding Index ($A) of $264, Heavy Grain ($GN) of $381, and Heavy Grass ($GS) of $256.
Mr Mackenzie described the top-seller as a well-balanced bull that aligned perfectly with their herd objectives.
He also secured Te Mania Velleman V1034 for $16,000, calling the individual an impressive standout with significant presence and performance.
V1034 was noted for calving ease, fertility, and growth, supported by a +32 milk EBV (top 1pc), +148 600-day growth, and +13.4 eye muscle area (EMA) EBV, both top 10pc.
The Mackas Beef team, including stud manager Corey Ireland, have been regular buyers at the Walgett fixture for the past four years.
"They are performing extremely well right through the supply chain-in the paddock, the feedlot, and over the hook," Mr Mackenzie said of the Te Mania genetics.
The sale attracted strong interest from volume repeat buyers across the Walgett and Coonamble districts, as well as into Queensland.
Among them was Roger Henwood of the Aldingham Family Trust, Winton, Queensland, who returned for his 20th consecutive sale.
Proof of the success of his program was evident recently, with his Team Te Mania verified steers topping at $2770 on AuctionsPlus.
"It's the best I've ever done," Mr Henwood said, noting the favourable season.
With plans to join his new purchases with 700 to 800 replacement heifers, he secured 10 bulls at the sale to $24,000, averaging $15,400. One of his purchases, Te Mania Vanquish V591, featured a +26 milk EBV and +5.4 IMF, both in the top 10pc of the breed.
O'Brien Brigalows Pastoral Pty Ltd, Walgett, was another major buyer, taking home nine bulls for a $16,000 average.
Their top selection was Te Mania Vangard V463 at $22,000, a bull boasting elite growth figures with 200, 400, and 600-day EBVs of +69, +121, and +161, alongside a +25 milk EBV.
Other volume buyers included Ben Coulton Family Trust, North Star, with five bulls to $14,000 four times, averaging $13,600; Stratton Grazing, Roma, Qld, with six bulls to $16,000 four times, averaging $15,000; and G and W Steiner, Coonamble, which took home three bulls to $20,000, averaging $16,666.
The selling agents were Nutrien Ag Solutions and Clemson Hiscox and Co; the auctioneer was Paul Dooley, while AuctionsPlus provided the online interface.
