Coonamble genetics a drawcard

Demand for Angus genetics across the State has been red hot and Coonamble's sale last Wednesday was no exception.

The top bull sold for $12,500, compared with $10,500 last year, and the average price paid per bull has almost doubled in the past three years.

The success of the stud followed last year's sale of Elevator E11 for $50,000 to an eastern states syndicate.

Before the sale, Landmark auctioneer John Wirth prompted the crowd - mostly made up of commercial producers - to consider how much each bull was worth, given they sired 40 to 50 progeny when producers were happy to pay $1500 to $2000 for pure PTIC Angus heifers.

His words and the efforts of Coonamble stud principal Murray Davis and his team to produce a quality catalogue of bulls resulted in a full clearance.

The line up of dams in the catalogue was described by one buyer as the best seen in Australia, and even Mr Davis was chuffed with his selections.

"I am sure next year will be even better," he said.

Taking home the top bull, Lot 7, Coonamble F204, were Hopetoun producers Paul and Sam Foulds.

It was the second year in a row the father and son team had outbid the competition to take home the top pick.

The September-drop bull, weighing 686kg, was sired by Sitz Upward 307 from the US through an ET program with Coonamble Z2.

The Foulds considered Estimated Breeding Values for 200-day weight and milk, appearance and temperament. It was the fourth bull with Coonamble genetics they had purchased. They have been keeping the heifers to build up numbers and phase out older genetics.

Mr Foulds said they were noticing improvements in length of muscle on heifer calves and greater growth.

Lot 12, Coonamble F13, purchased by Bullrush Farms in Gingin, made the second top price of $12,000.

The third top-priced bull, Lot 2, Coonamble F169, sold for $10,500.

The bull, who was sired by Te Mania Ada, was bought by the Lester family in Manypeaks.

"He's a nice soft bull and will go over Red and Black Angus cows and the calves will go into the feedlot before they head to Woolworths," Kim Lester said.

Landmark Albany agent Bob Pumphrey said it was an outstanding sale with several new buyers in the market.

Coonamble Annual Bull Sale * <table border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td align="left">BREED </td> <td>OFFERED </td> <td>SOLD </td> <td>TOP PRICE </td> <td>AVERAGE </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Angus </td> <td>51 </td> <td>51 </td> <td>$12,500 </td> <td>$6397 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>