US-sired carcase genetics drive Waitara Angus to a $26,000 top and $9500 average at its 20th Trangie on-property sale
Summary
First-time buyers paid the top price at the Waitara Angus 20th on-property sale at Trangie on Friday, August 14, 2026, seeking lower birth weights and solid growth. Waitara sold 36 of 43 bulls for an 84 per cent clearance, with a top of $26,000 and an average of $9500. The top-priced bull, Waitara Step Up V031, was a son of the United States sire Ezar Step Up 9178 PV and was purchased by a Gerogery-district stud near Albury making its first Waitara purchase after a long association with the vendor. Its structure and carcase traits appealed, backed by estimated breeding values including a birth weight of +1.1 and calving ease-direct of +9.5, both in the top 10 per cent of the breed, an eye muscle area of +9.9, and 200-day and 400-day weights of +58 and +104 in the top 25 per cent. The bull also carried an Angus Breeding index of $278 and an Angus Breeding Low Feed Cost index of $440, both in the top 5 per cent. The second top price of $22,000, secured through a livestock agent, went to Waitara Network V083, a son of the US sire Hart Network with a carcase weight EBV of +89 and intramuscular fat of +4.9. Two bulls made $16,000 each. Long-term buyers running about 450 cows took five bulls to a top of $10,000 and average of $7200, continuing a two-decade relationship with the stud. The 2026 draft was run on crop as weaners before being hand-fed from February until rain returned in late May. Nutrien conducted the auction with AuctionsPlus providing the online interface.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Bulls sold | 36 of 43 |
| Clearance | 84% |
| Top price | $26,000 |
| Average price | $9500 |
| Second top price | $22,000 |
| Top bull birth weight EBV | +1.1 |
| Top bull Angus Breeding index ($A) | $278 |
| Top bull $A-L index | $440 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did the Waitara Angus 20th sale perform?
Waitara sold 36 of 43 bulls for an 84 per cent clearance at Trangie on August 14, 2026. The sale topped at $26,000 and averaged $9500.
What did buyers value in the top-priced bull?
First-time buyers were drawn to the bull's structure and carcase traits, along with a lower birth weight and adequate growth. It was described as structurally sound with good feet and legs.
What were the top bull's key EBVs?
The top-priced bull had a birth weight of +1.1 and calving ease-direct of +9.5, both top 10 per cent. It also carried an eye muscle area of +9.9, 200-day and 400-day weights of +58 and +104, and Angus Breeding indexes of $278 and $440.
What made the second top-priced bull notable?
The $22,000 bull was a son of a US sire and carried strong carcase figures, including a carcase weight EBV of +89 and intramuscular fat of +4.9. Its selection indexes sat in the top 10 per cent of the breed.
Did repeat buyers support the sale?
Yes, long-term buyers running about 450 cows purchased five bulls to a top of $10,000 and an average of $7200. They have bought at Waitara for about 20 years.
How were the sale bulls prepared?
The 2026 sale group was run on crop as weaners. They were then hand-fed from February until rain returned at the end of May, reflecting a difficult start to the season.
Who conducted the sale?
The auction was conducted by Nutrien, with AuctionsPlus providing the online bidding interface. Bulls were also bought through other livestock agents on behalf of buyers.
