Bulls topped at $60,000 at the Sprys Bull Sale held on April 26 at Gerald and Lynden Spry’s property, Ardlui, Mangoplah.
At Sale time, it was almost standing room only in the Sale Shed with an air of excitement and anticipation building throughout the day.
The Sale started very strongly with lot 1, Sprys Just a Ripper R129, selling for $30,000 to Wangolina Properties.
He was followed by the sales topper, lot 2, Sprys Goldenrod R33 by the in demand sire, Sprys Goldenrod P39. Greg Schuller was the successful purchaser of this bull at $60,000, described by Gerald Spry as a ‘well balanced, structurally sound, very correct young sire’.
The Sale then progressed extremely strongly with keen and enthusiastic bidding continuing throughout the catalogue. Equal second price of $36,000 was achieved for two bulls. They were lot 6, Outback Sprys Solar R307, purchased by Ray Brook, on behalf of Eloora and lot 7.
Sprys Thermal Ultimate R111, also purchased by Wangolina. Lot 6 is by the Muridale Thermal Energy son, Sprys Solar N135 while Lot 7 is a Muridale Thermal Energy son. Wangolina were strong buyers throughout the day, taking home 3 Shorthorn and 2 Angus bulls for an average of $28,000 for the Shorthorns. Bulls sold to as far away as Western Australia and Queensland.
A total of 44 out of 44 of the Shorthorn bulls sold for an average of $20,181. 4 cows sold to a top of $32,000, 4 Muridale Thermal Energy straws sold to The Grove, Queensland at $1250 per straw.
At the end of the Sale, Shorthorn Beef president, Chris Thompson, presented Gerald Spry with a Life membership to the Shorthorn Beef Society.
Chris paid tribute to Gerald, mentioning his great contribution to the Society and his influence over all areas of the breed. Through his importation of overseas genetics, his showing and promotion of his own cattle, Gerald has been responsible for the resurgence of the Shorthorn breed. He has also been a strong supporter of youth within the Society, being very generous with sensible advice to all.