At Sterita Park’s Angus bull sale in Lucindale, a remarkable event unfolded with the sale of their 2020 drop bulls. The auction set a new precedent with an average sale price of $19,689 for 106 bulls, surpassing the previous year’s average by $7,373 and setting a new benchmark for SA Angus Week bull sales.
The sale was highlighted by the active participation of long-time client Legh Winser of Benara Pastoral, Mount Gambier. Winser purchased a significant portion of the bulls, including 50 from the catalogue, averaging $21,100 each. Among his notable acquisitions were lots 4 and 5, Sterita Park R181 and R114, each sold for $34,000.
The auction’s top sale was lot 8, Sterita Park R111, which went to James and Leticia Gosse of Penola for a record $38,000. This 812-kilogram bull, a son of Millah Murrah Loch Up, was sought after for its breeding flexibility, excellent calving ease, and gestation length figures.
Elders Naracoorte branch manager Tom Dennis spoke highly of the Gosses’ calves, which have been popular in both Naracoorte weaner sales and AuctionsPlus. R111 was particularly praised for its physical attributes, including a heavy frame and well-developed muscularity.
The sale also saw significant participation from other volume buyers. The Bainger family of Hillcrest Pastoral Company bought 10 bulls averaging $18,300, while Thomas Elder Consulting acquired seven bulls for Kangaringa, averaging $17,143. Additionally, Tom Green, the general manager of TFI Rural’s Southern Cross properties, purchased five bulls with an average price of $23,600.
The sale concluded with thirteen spring drop bulls, largely AI and ET bred, averaging $17,462. The highest among these was lot 104, a Rennylea L519 son, sold for $24,000 to Chesapeake Pastoral’s Savage family.
Nanni DiGiorgio, the stud principal, expressed astonishment at the sale’s success, noting that while they anticipated good results, the near $20,000 average was beyond expectations. This success, according to Gordon Wood, reflected the quality of the grassfed bulls and the consistent demand from buyers.