NARANDA stud principals David and Dale Johnson had a number of positives to celebrate at the conclusion of the first joint Naranda and Bannitup Angus bull sale which rounded out the Landmark Esperance circuit bull sale last week.
Joined by their son Andrew and daughter-in-law Khumo at the sale with their very first offering of Bannitup Angus bulls, things were already looking up before Naranda set themselves a new sale record, selling a bull for five figures for the first time at auction.
The joint sale of 41 Naranda and Bannitup bulls topped at $10,500 when Wes Graham, a long-term supporter of local Angus stud breeders, went the distance for the Naranda bull in lot 18.
Overall 32 bulls were cleared at auction, with Bannitup fetching a top price of $7000 twice, paid by Mr Graham and Ryan Willing, Katanka, Boyatup.
Combined the studs averaged $4969, with Bannitup averaging $4625 and Naranda $5175.
Naranda stud principal David Johnson said it was a very pleasing sale.
“It is exciting to have Andrew and Khumo getting involved,” Mr Johnson said.
“We were very pleased to sell a bull for $10,000, that’s the first time we’ve reached that price.”
Bannitup stud principal Andrew Johnson said it was a good first sale for the new stud.
“It’s onwards and upwards from here,” Mr Johnson said.
Of the $10,500 top-priced bull which was also the highest price achieved during this year’s circuit bull sale, Mr Graham said it was a super-balanced and soft bull with great conformation.
“This is a new bloodline for me and we can see it’s sire in the paddock which looks good,” Mr Graham said.
“These genetics have been well used around Australia so I’m glad to get some of the same genetics and I thought this bull was the standout of the sale.”
Mr Graham’s selection was an April 2017-born calf sired by Rennylea K494, going back to Booroomooka Undertaken Y145.
It had figures including +9.2 EMA and +3.3 IMF, putting it in the top five per cent of the breed, as well as +74 carcase weight and +127 for 600-day weight (top 10pc).
It was also in the top 20pc of the breed for 200 and 400-day weights at +50 and +91 respectively.
The second top-price bull sold on the day was bought by Ryan Willing, Katanka, Boyatup, who paid $9500 for the Naranda bull in lot 30.
This was another Rennylea K494 son which went back to Booroomooka Undertaken Y145 with good carcase figures to back up his visual presence, including an EMA figure of +10.7 which placed it in the top 5pc of the breed.
Mr Willing said it was a growthy bull with calving ease.
“I liked that he has a fantastic EMA figure without compromising on fat,” Mr Willing said.
This was Mr Willing’s first time buying at Naranda though he had been keeping an eye on the quality of bulls there for a few years.
Coming away with the third top-priced bull of the day at $8000 was Michael Forward, Elders Esperance, who had missed out on the top and second top-priced bulls.
His selection in lot 32 was another Naranda bull and had the same pedigree information though it was a bit younger, from the May 2017-drop.
“The bull had good structure and all the traits we are looking for in a good herd bull,” Mr Forward said.
The bull was going to first-time buyers with an Angus herd based at Hopetoun who had been looking for a few years.
It had figures including +47, +82 and +113 for 200, 400 and 600-day weights, +8.3 EMA and +2.9 IMF.
At the top end of the Bannitup catalogue, Mr Graham and Mr Willing bought a $7000 equal top price bull each.
The first to make that money was the late April 2017-born son of VAR Index 3282, bought by Mr Graham with figures including +1.5 RBY and +7.6 EMA which ranked in the top 10pc and 15pc respectively.
It also had growth figures of +50, +96 and +118 for 200, 400 and 600-day weights.
Mr Willing’s Bannitup selection was another VAR Index 3282 son in lot five, with figures including +12.0 EMA, which ranked in the top 1pc of the breed.
Other EBVs included +24 milk, +2.1 BWT, and +1.4 RBY which were in the top 5, 10 and 15pc respectively.
Landmark Brindley & Gale auctioneer Neil Brindley said it was a buoyant sale.
“Bulls sold well, reflecting their presentation,” Mr Brindley said.
“With the introduction of Bannitup bulls to the sale, it was good to see successful succession planning working out.”
