A new Australian breed record has been set at the Sprys Shorthorns and Angus bull sale, with Outback Sprys Foreman U218 selling online through AuctionsPlus for $120,000.
The sale marks the highest price ever paid for a Shorthorn bull in Australia, surpassing the previous record of $106,000 set by Ronelle Park Slurpie S29 in June last year.
The record-breaking result came early in the sale, as the third bull through the ring attracted spirited bidding under the shelter of the sale shed at Ardlui, south of Wagga Wagga.
Outback Sprys Foreman U218, a 21-month-old son of Canadian sire Bell M Foreman 30A, was snapped up by Dougal Armstrong, Maroubra, Carinda, located southwest of Walgett in northern New South Wales.
Weighing in at 980 kilograms, the bull is out of the well-regarded dam Outback Ann P108, who had four sons in the sale that averaged $42,500.
The bull’s standout genetic profile helped propel him to record territory, with several Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs) ranking in the top five per cent of the breed — including docility at +17, carcase weight at +24.1, rib eye area at +0.68, and rib fat at -0.05.
His yearling weight EPD of +97.8 placed him in the top 10pc, while his weaning weight EPD of +61.3 landed him in the top 15pc.
Meanwhile, topping the Angus offerings of the catalogue, a new sire made his debut in the Sprys program, with his first son, Sprys Nobleman U576, selling for $30,000 to Gilmandyke Angus, Orange.
Reiland Angus has wrapped up another successful Autumn Bull Sale, achieving a 76% clearance (58 of 76 lots) and an $8,285 average. The sale topper, Reiland Usher U982 (lot 24), sold for $25,000 to repeat buyer Edward Aston of Thuddungra and Rankins Springs.
The sire weighed in at 800kg with a 42cm scrotal circumference, ranked in the top 4% for IMF at +5.3 and offered a desirable mix of calving ease, moderate birthweight, and quick maturity. Online buyers remained active, with five bulls sold through AuctionsPlus, topping at $8,000.
At Challambi Charolais near Tooma, NSW, history was made with the sale of Australia’s first DNA-tested non-diluter Charolais bull, who was sold in a helmsman-style auction. Despite dry local conditions, 10 of 17 sires sold to average $5,950. Standout lot Challambi Upwood, a 20-month-old Canadian embryo import, is expected to sire black or red calves when joined to Angus females as a non-diluter Charolais bull.
Buyers were present from across the eastern states, with Toowoomba’s Nicole Finney picking up three bulls to average $5,000 and Victoria’s Ken Manton securing Challambi U Back for $5,500.
Outside of cattle, the 2025 Melbourne Nutrien Standardbred Yearling Sale also delivered strong results, clearing 107 of 147 lots (72.8%) for a $3.4 million gross and a $31,841 average. Fillies led the sale with a 78% clearance, followed by Colts at 68%. Pacers slightly edged out Trotters in clearance and gross value, bringing in $2.18 million compared to $1.23 million.
The top-priced lot, MY MACKENZIE 2023 FILLY (Lot 266), fetched $230,000. Online engagement remained high, with seven digital bidders securing six lots.
Meanwhile at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, Simmentals took centre stage last week, with the GB Livestock Built For Breeding V2 Sale achieving a perfect 100% clearance across nine lots. The five PTIC cows and four heifers averaged $5,278, with top honours going to GB Livestock Keepsake V101 (lot 1), which sold for $8,750 to a buyer in Roslyn, NSW.
However, the cattle offerings weren't the only show-stoppers at Sydney Royal. Strong prices at the Pigs and Pinot Auction, held at the Sydney Royal Easter Show on April 15, signalled growing confidence in the pork industry. The stud pig auction, revived in 2024 after a 25-year hiatus, had 25 of 30 catalogued lots sold, topping at $2,300 and averaging $1,134—a significant lift on last year’s $1,600 top and $802 average.
The top-priced pig, Punjab Marshall N120 (Lot 1). Pic: Supplied
The top-priced pig was Punjab Marshall N120, a Large White boar offered by John Singh of Punjab Stud, Bangalow. He was purchased by Charles Sturt University veterinary student David Batt of Wagga Wagga, trading as National Feed Company.
