Strong support from west

The top calf with Ash Barron, Provenance Show Steers, Kingaroy; Jambili Belgian Blues and South Devons principal James McUtchen; and Andrew Stumer, also of Provenance Show Steers.

With 17 bid cards registered and active online bidding, the JAK Production Sale held on Monday 1 September recorded a strong result, with three bulls selling to a top price of $8000.

The McUtchen family’s Jambili Umunga was knocked down to the Peart family, Arcadia Valley, while the McDouall family’s Kildare U3 and Kildare Kanaka K112 both sold to the Groat family, Roma.

Repeat buyers from western Queensland, including Roma, Baralaba and Clermont, were key in supporting the sale.

In total, 17 bulls were sold from 21 offered, achieving an 80 per cent clearance and averaging $6000.

Adding extra interest to the program was the sale of a four-week-old calf at foot, purchased for $2500 by Andrew Stumer of Provenance Show Steers, Kingaroy.

Four calves at foot were sold overall, averaging $1675. Three steers also sold, averaging $1367, while a single heifer made $1250.

By stud breakdown, Jambili South Devons sold four of five bulls offered to average $6500, while Kildare South Devons sold 13 of 16 bulls for an average of $5923.

Peart Pastoral principal Rowan Peart said the four bulls he purchased were the family’s first South Devons.

“We have seen South Devons deliver a decent growth rate at [fellow buyer] Jack Groat’s place and thought they were worth trying,” Mr Peart said.

“These bulls will be naturally joined to four-breed composite cows Chianina, Shorthorn, Afrikaner, and Sahiwal. They will go into our breeder herd in late September. Their progeny will likely be sold as feeder steers and finished heifers in the future.”

Roma’s Jack Groat said he particularly liked the growth, fat cover, and temperament of Kildare U3.

“The bulls we bought today will go over Droughtmasters from the start of October onwards,” Mr Groat said.

“We are likely to sell their progeny into the weaner market at Roma.”

The Groat family were the bulk buyers of the day, securing six bulls for an average of $6333.

Aussie Land and Livestock agent, Midge Thompson, said the result reflected confidence in the South Devon breed.

“It was encouraging to see both new and repeat buyers recognising the good meat quality, fertility, and adaptability of the cattle on offer,” she said.