The trend of strong bull sales continued with Merridale Angus’ annual sale on Friday.
Of the 37 bulls offered at the Tennyson-based stud, 32 sold to a top of $15,000 twice and averaged $6391.
The top-priced bulls were full brothers, both being sired by Te Mania Emperor E343 (AI) and out of Merridale Ester C131. Both of these sale-topping sires, Merridale Jordy J106 (AI) (ET) and Merridale J109 (AI) (ET) had estimated breeding values in the top one per cent for 200, 400 and 600 day weight and carcase weight, and top 10pc for EMA.
These two highlighted the trend Merridale principal Peter Collins observed in the sale – more competition and higher prices for the meatier and more “growy” sires.
They were purchased by Luke Graham, Tumut, and Ian Wylie, Mt Mercer, respectively, both of whom run stud and commercial Angus.
There were also females sold, including four older cows with calves at-foot (that sold to $4500, av $3375) and five heifers (that sold to $4500, av $2800).
Mr Collins said it was terrific to have return and new clients, with one of the biggest crowds the sale had attracted in many years.
The Merridale team focuses on breeding good females and the progeny will follow, and Landmark auctioneer Kevin Norris saying they looked at phenotype as well as figures.
“This year we have seen Merridale genetics shine through for our clients at weaner and local sales with top prices at Yea, Ballarat, Corryong and Euroa,” Mr Collins said.
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