BY IAN TURNER
A HUGE crowd of over 300 was recently on hand at Furner to witness a quality line-up of 100 Simmental bulls go through the sale ring at the Baker family’s 12th Annual Elite Production Bull sale.
The fall of the gavel on the last lot from Elders auctioneer Ben Finch finished another good sale, with 98 selling at auction to buyers from all states of Australia and New Zealand, topping at $30,000 and averaging $7102.
While the overall average was 23pc down on the previous year, which was boosted by a $52,500 top, it was a result that still pleased the vendors.
“We knew leading into the sale that it was a tough time seasonally for many producers across Australia, plus there was a perceived price barrier for others, so we planned the extra numbers of commeBrcial bulls in an effort to cater for more of our loyal commercial clients,” proprietor Tom Baker said.
“We are over the moon with the result.
“Many of our clients who were with us when we started with just 20 bulls are still here.
“They are our bread and butter clients and could have gone elsewhere but they have not, so we are ecstatic to see so many exceptional bulls sell in the great value range of $4000 to $7000 giving them every opportunity.
“We have had a big year, including the launch of our Woonallee North venture.
“We’ll celebrate this terrific result, but then the work starts for our next sale ventures which will probably include a Victorian bull sale.”
Through Elders Southern livestock specialist Laryn Gogel, Lily Xu and Dong Zhu of Lakeside Simmentals, Beachport were pushed to the sale’s second top price of $21,500 for the 16 month-old and impressive Woonallee Napoleon N462 later in the catalogue.
Long, thick, stylish and soft, this was the first son of Woonallee Lady Killer to be offered.
Long term Furner clients Chris and Maris Bateman paid $16,000 for W. Nero N69.
Dr Kevin McGrath of Beachport was again prominent on the SimAngus bulls with five to $5000 and at a $4200 average.
Mark Wheal, Wheal Farms, Beachport was also a strong commercial bidder in the volume buying list with four purchases, all Blacks, paying to $8500 and averaging $5500 for his family’s 500 cow herd.
“We put the Black Simmentals into the mix to produce our Angus/Black Simmental cross cows, keeping the heterosis advantages going,” Mr Wheal said.
“You cannot ignore the figures and our gross margin figures say it works exceptionally well and we have been doing that for the last 10 years.
“Woonallee genetics are drawn from a worldwide pool and are industry leaders.
“Their genetics greatly enhance our program, producing not only top sale cattle, but also outstanding breeders with the advantages we are introducing now being embedded and passed on through generations for the next 20 years.
“If you want to breed the best, then you need to use the best.”
