Buying support was a mix of both dedicated Shorthorn breeding programs and new buyers in a sale Mr. Burrow described as “very good”.
The first 2017 Shorthorn bull sale has got underway after Narralda Shorthorns, Albany, WA offered 20 Shorthorn sires and 49 heifers at their annual production sale at the Mt. Barker saleyards complex last week.
The average for this year’s sale was an amazing $2,217 higher than the Narralda 2016 average.
In what could only be described as a very impressive offering of Shorthorn cattle, Narralda achieved a 100% clearance rate, demonstrating the demand for long term Shorthorn breeder and Shorthorn Beef life member, Alex Burrow’s program.
Buying support was a mix of both dedicated Shorthorn breeding programs and new buyers in a sale Mr. Burrow described as “very good”.
Top priced bull was Narralda Lieutenant, who sold for $13,500 to Nat James, Milly Milly Station, Murchison WA. The red sire, a son of Sprys Global Demand was knocked down to Mr. James after he secured the final bid from under bidders, Kevin and Robin Yost, Liberty Shorthorns, Toodyay. In total, Mr. James purchased 7 Shorthorn sires at the sale for an average of just over $6,600, to join to some of their 3,000 breeders.
The second top priced bull was purchased by Mal Philips, Manjimup for $11,000. Other purchasers included Chris James, Hyden, WA purchasing a roan sire for $9,500 and Matt and Felicity Della Gola, Tonebridge Grazing, Tonebridge, who purchased a sire for $8,750.
Support from Eastern States was also felt as John and Lyn Nitschke, Carlton Shorthorns, Hahndorf, SA also purchased a roan sire with great structure for $8,500.
In total, 20 Shorthorn sires were offered and sold to return a top price of $13,500 and an outstanding average of $7,100.
Mr. Burrow said, “In terms of the heifers offered, they also sold well, with a growing number of commercial buyers wanting top heifers for their breeding programs.”
A total of 15 registered heifers and 34 purebred commercial heifers were offered.