Talbalba Herefords on the Darling Downs kicked sale-ring goals in the spring sale season, achieving a top of $91,000 at its sixth annual on-property sale.
In total, stud principals Steve and Debbie Reid, Millmerran, sold 63 of 67 bulls under the hammer for a stellar $19,119 average and 94 per cent clearance.
Twenty-five bulls made $20,000, or more, which lifted the sale’s average from $15,797 last year.
Sale topper Talbalba Hoffman R131 was knocked down via AuctionsPlus to Barry and Topsy Newcomen, Newcomen Herefords, Ensay, Victoria.
The 22-month-old homozygous polled son of Talbalba The Hoff M035 and out of Talbalba Almond N018, weighed 912 kilograms, had a scrotal measurement of 48 centimetres and was rated in the top 10pc of the breed for eye muscle area, gestation length and scrotal size.
He also boasted strong calving ease, low birth weight with above average growth, positive fats and intramuscular fat.
“He is a unique individual with outstanding data,“ said Talbalba stud principal Steve Reid, who retained semen rights and part ownership of the bull.
“Phenotypically he has a lot of carcase shape, moderate bone, is structurally correct and mobile.“
Second top price was $34,000 for Talbalba Genesis R027 sold to the Anderson family, Narrien Station, Clermont.
The 24-month-old son of Days Genesis N102 and out of Talbalba Choice P049 weighed 880kg, had a scrotal measurement of 36.5cm and was rated in the top 10pc of the breed for EMA and retail yield.
Mr Reid said there was strong demand for bulls from central Queensland buyers, with the stud aiming to breed cattle with muscle and adequate fat for either straightbred or crossbred herds.
“This allows them to increase carcase quality over Bos indicus cattle and yield over Hereford cattle,” he said.
