The outstanding quality was evident at the 27th annual annual sale of Hereford and Poll Hereford bulls on account of the Smith family, Glenellerslie stud, Adelong, despite the recent trauma suffered during the surrounding bushfires.
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When welcoming buyers, an emotional stud principal Ross Smith thanked all who had helped his family and neighbours during the fires which threatened their stock, property and livelihood.
"We did think we were gone until they all turned up and the wind changed turning the fire back on its self," he said.
"So we are very proud to be able to offer this great draft of bulls."
Of the 36 bulls offered, 22 sold for a sale average of $4659 (up $259 on last year) with a sale top of $9000 paid by Max and Sue Weis, Kareba, Cassilis.
Their selection, Glenellerslie Stavros, appealed to the first time buyers for his correct structure, overall balance and genuine softness.
"He has good smooth skin, a smooth shoulder and is good over the chine," Mr Weis said.
"For me those traits are a good indication of doing ability, eating ability of meat produced and calving ease."
The 22-month-old son of Devon Court Avalanche had December 2019 Hereford Group Breedplan figures of +5.9 birthweight, +14 milk, +84 600-day growth and +75 mature cow weight.
Other good prices included $8000 paid by repeat buyer Greg O'Brien, Mansfield, Victoria for a 23-month-old son of Kymarney Avalanche with breed figures of +7.3 birthweight, +17 milk and +93 for 600-day growth.
Tim Woodgate, Buchan, Vic selected two bulls and paid $6500 for his first choice with $3500 paid for his second pick, while Peter Forrest, Tintaldra, Vic outlaid $5750 for his selection, a 23-month-old son of Kaludah Kyle, with breed figures of +6.3 birth weight, +10 milk and +100 mature cow weight.
Danetree Herefords, Beechworth, Vic paid $5500 for a son of Kaludah Kyle.
Volume buyers included Nimmo Pastoral Co, Cooma who selected two bulls at $5000 apiece and Julucy Pty Ltd, Adelong paid average $3833 for their draft of three new sires.
Long term client Gordon and Sally Moon, Wulgulmerang, Vic took two bulls home for $3750 average price.
Speaking after the sale, Mr Smith was very pleased with the result knowing some of his clients had suffered worse bushfire damage than his family.
"I think it was a very good sale and a lot better than what we had expected," he said.
"Our bulls met the demand and I am pleased many of our clients have been able to satisfy their requirements along with a couple of new buyers."
The Helmsman auction system was facilitated by Michael Glasser, GTSM, Yackandandah, Vic while Elders, Tumut settled the accounts.