Valley Creek Simmentals notch $20,000 top and $11,556 bull average at fifth online sale
Summary
Strong commercial demand underpinned a standout fifth online Bull and Female Sale for Valley Creek Simmentals, held at Binda on August 21 and conducted by Nutrien Ag Solutions through AuctionsPlus using the Helmsman system. Nine of the 10 bulls catalogued averaged $11,556 and topped at $20,000, with the tenth bull selling shortly after the auction concluded. In the female offering, four sold to average $6250 and reach a $9000 top. The sale-topping bull, VC War Horse W031, was a March 2025-drop polled son of Springcreek Launch 110E out of VC Cream Soda S031. He weighed 744 kilograms, carried a weaning weight EPD of +84.3 and a yearling weight EPD of +119.6, and recorded an eye muscle area of 127 square centimetres alongside an intramuscular fat reading of 5.1 per cent. Buyers were drawn to his structural soundness, body and rib shape, extra bone and natural doing ability, traits the stud says define its breeding focus. Sons of RF Caliber 014G also drew strong competition, with full brothers VC Caliber W024, W016 and W017 out of VC Cream Soda S031, and VC Caliber W027 from VC Lady Luck R016. VC Caliber W024 made $16,000 and VC Caliber W027 sold for $8000. The female topper, VC MRL Miss W005, reached $9000. Demand exceeded supply, with the stud fielding requests for additional bulls after the sale as the Simmental breed increasingly favours softer, bigger-ribbed cattle that retain growth and frame.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top bull price | $20,000 |
| Bull average (9 of 10) | $11,556 |
| Female top price | $9000 |
| Female average | $6250 |
| Top bull weight | 744 kg |
| Top bull eye muscle area | 127 sq cm |
| Top bull intramuscular fat | 5.1% |
| VC Caliber W024 price | $16,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was the top price at the Valley Creek Simmental sale?
A1: The top-priced bull reached $20,000 at the fifth online Bull and Female Sale held at Binda on August 21. Nine of the 10 bulls catalogued averaged $11,556, and the tenth bull sold shortly after the auction closed.
Q2: How did the female offering perform?
A2: Four females sold to average $6250 and topped at $9000. The $9000 top female was VC MRL Miss W005.
Q3: What were the top bull's key measurements?
A3: He weighed 744 kilograms and recorded an eye muscle area of 127 square centimetres with 5.1 per cent intramuscular fat. His figures included a weaning weight EPD of +84.3 and a yearling weight EPD of +119.6.
Q4: Which sire produced several sought-after bulls?
A4: Sons of RF Caliber 014G drew strong competition, including full brothers VC Caliber W024, W016 and W017. VC Caliber W024 sold for $16,000 and VC Caliber W027 made $8000.
Q5: Who conducted the sale and on what platform?
A5: The sale was conducted by Nutrien Ag Solutions through AuctionsPlus using the Helmsman bidding system. It was the stud's fifth online sale.
Q6: What type of cattle were buyers seeking?
A6: Buyers favoured softer, bigger-ribbed cattle with extra bone and body shape while retaining growth and frame. The stud says this natural doing ability is a core focus of its breeding program.
Q7: Did demand exceed supply at the sale?
A7: Yes. Demand outstripped the number of bulls available, and the stud spent the following day trying to source additional bulls for clients who missed out.
