SOME 51 bulls went under the hammer at the Alpine Angus spring bull sale last Wednesday, with strong buyer loyalty a cause for optimism amid a soft market, according to Alpine Angus principal Jim Delany.
Mr Delany said 90 per cent of the bulls were sold, with an average sale price of $8,139 and three bulls selling for $14,000.
He also said around 90 per cent of the sales were by existing clients.
“It demonstrated, again, the strong, loyal support we have from our clients, which we are so appreciative of.” he said.
Alpine Angus manager Chris Oswin said buyers of heifer bulls were less active in the sale.
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“No doubt this reflects the decline in prices at the saleyard and the widespread fear about El Nino driving dry conditions, so a lot of people are potentially not going to join their heifers,” he said.
“This was evident throughout the sale, but the stronger cow bulls did exceptionally well.”
Mr Oswin said the Alpine Angus program seeks to focus on producing a consistent line of bulls that will birth calves safely and grow quickly to keep clients profitable.
“When times are tough good genetics make all the difference to the bottom line,” he said.
“Focusing on that makes you drive the two key profit drivers of any beef business, and that is the number of kilos you grow and the number of live calves.”
Whorouly cattle farmer Chris Baker purchased two bulls from the sale – Alpine Qualifier and Alpine Marvel – and said the overall lineup was high quality.
“They've done a really good job with the bulls,” he said.
“I don't think anyone would be disappointed with their purchase.
“Prices weren’t too expensive which is always good for the buyer.”
Mr Baker said docility in bulls has become popular, and it’s a trait he appreciates too.
“Everyone wants quiet cattle - that goes a long way at a sale,” he said.
Mr Oswin agreed.
“You've got to have it because if the bull isn't quiet, he often will pass that on to his daughters and then the whole problem multiplies,” he said.
“It's much easier to have cattle that you can you can work with easily.”
