Angus genetics dominate first week of March stud sales

The past week’s stud sales delivered strong results across multiple breeds nationwide, with AuctionsPlus interfacing 21 sales—further cementing the momentum of the autumn selling season. However,  it was Angus genetics that dominated buyer demand this week, with numerous studs achieving high clearance rates and five-figure prices for their seedstock. Below are some of the standout results from across the country.

The Killain Angus World Class Female and Genetic Auction attracted a buzz of competition both onsite and online, with 16 lots secured by online buyers. The top-priced lot, Lot 3, was sold onsite for $18,000. However, a standout moment came with Lot 1, Killain Blackcap May 34 U54PV, a fully imported embryo from Schaff Angus Valley (SAV) in North Dakota. She was purchased online for $11,000, with 100% of the proceeds donated to the Angus Australia Foundation.

Killain Blackcap May 34 U54 (Angus Foundation Heifer). Vid: Supplied

"This donation is a heartfelt thank you for the invaluable experiences our family has gained through Angus Australia, particularly the Angus Youth program," said stud principal Richard Duddy.

This donation will assist in providing professional development opportunities for young beef breeders, and to assist in conducting research, development and educational programs for the benefit of Angus breeders and the wider Australian beef industry.

To Tennyson, Victoria, where the Merridale Angus Bull & Female Sale amassed more than 3,200 catalogue views for a top price of $26,000 and 90% clearance rate. In the breakdown, 37 out of 38 bulls sold to a top of $26,000 twice (Lot 4 Merridale Usha U132 and Lot 5 Merridale Urbane U7) for an average price of $13,086. Meanwhile, nine out of the 11 heifers sold to a top of $18,000 (Lot 45. Merridale Vicky U111) and averaged $7,778.

Queensland buyers were active at the Hicks Beef Autumn Bull Sale, securing both top-priced bulls. The sale achieved 96% clearance with 55 out of 56 bulls were sold, achieving an overall average of $10,426. Among them, 31 black composite bulls were sold, reaching a top price of $21,000 and averaging $11,258. Fourteen red composite bulls were sold, topping at $12,000 and averaging $8,714, while 10 Red Angus bulls were sold, also reaching a top price of $21,000 and averaging $10,100.

The first top-priced bull, ABC U695, a 19-month-old black composite, was purchased by Banana Station, Queensland, for $21,000. He had one of the highest All-Purpose Index (API) scores ever offered at Hicks Beef, ranking at 195.2. He was also in the top 5% for calving ease at +19.7 and marbling at +1.04. The second top-priced bull, Hicks Upwood U40, a Red Angus, was purchased by Sweetland Grazing Co, Wycombe, Queensland, also for $21,000.

The Te Mania Angus Autumn Bull Sale attracted keen bidding both onsite and online, with bulls secured by buyers from South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales. A total of 162 out of 166 bulls were sold, with the remaining four selling post-auction. The sale achieved an average price of $11,290. The top-priced bull, Lot 45, Te Mania Umbo U442, was purchased by TRT Pastoral Group for $45,000. AuctionsPlus facilitated eight successful bidders who secured 11 lots.