Sugarloaf Angus hill-country bulls draw total clearance and $10,529 average at 10th annual Dungog sale
Summary
Hill country genetics drew strong buyer support at the 10th annual Sugarloaf Angus bull sale at Dungog, held on a dry sale day for the first time in four years. With half the catalogue weighing more than 900 kilograms, the sale achieved a total clearance and an average of $10,529, edging past the 2025 average of $10,212. It took just seven lots to reach the sale-topper, Sugarloaf Eyes On You V57, a 951kg July 2024-drop son of American reference sire E G Eyes Onyou. The bull made $18,000 to first-time buyers running an operation of about 800 breeders that has supplied steers to feedlots since 1988. He carried 200, 400 and 600-day growth figures in the top 3 per cent, a mature cow weight in the fifth percentile and a carcase weight in the top 10pc, though the buyers said they purchased on physical impression rather than data. The catalogue of 34 Angus, three Simmental and three Angus-Simmental bulls sold to solid results, with the seven Angus yearling bulls averaging $11,714 and both the Simmental and SimAngus bulls averaging $8670. Female demand was also strong, attributed to a shortage of breeding stock after earlier dry weather. The 39 heifers all sold for an average of $3902, four cows averaged $3800 and a pen of three cows and calves made $4600. Buyers sought structurally correct, heavy, deep and thick bulls able to handle the steep, undulating terrain, with breeders noting more kilograms translate to more return at sale.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price |
$18,000 |
| Average |
$10,529 |
| Clearance | Total (100%) |
| Top bull weight | 951 kg |
|
Angus yearling bull average |
$11,714 |
| Heifers average | $3902 |
| 2025 average | $10,212 |
|
Bulls catalogued |
40 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What were the top price and average at the 2026 Sugarloaf Angus sale?
The sale topped at $18,000 and averaged $10,529 on a total clearance. That average edged past the 2025 figure of $10,212.
What were the details of the top-priced bull?
The sale-topper, Sugarloaf Eyes On You V57, was a 951-kilogram July 2024-drop son of American reference sire E G Eyes Onyou. It made $18,000 to first-time buyers.
What were the top bull's breeding value figures?
The bull carried 200, 400 and 600-day growth figures in the top 3 per cent. His mature cow weight sat in the fifth percentile and his carcase weight in the top 10pc.
How many bulls were offered and sold?
The catalogue featured 34 Angus, three Simmental and three Angus-Simmental bulls, all of which sold. The seven Angus yearling bulls averaged $11,714.
How did the female offering sell?
The 39 heifers all sold for an average of $3902. Four cows averaged $3800 and a pen of three cows and calves made $4600.
Why was female demand strong?
Demand was linked to a shortage of breeding females following earlier dry weather. The heifer clearance was described as excellent.
What type of bull suits the local country?
Buyers sought structurally correct, heavy, deep and thick bulls able to handle steep, undulating terrain. Breeders noted more kilograms translate into more return, as stock is sold per kilogram.
