Buoyant sentiment in the beef industry was evident at Murdeduke’s annual bull sale where a 100 % clearance resulted in a $5415 average. 50 spring 2013 drop bulls went under the hammer in front of a mainly Victorian buyers gallery with only the top price bull going interstate.
Connerville Station Tasmania paid $11500 for Lot 3 Murdeduke Jovial J167. Sired by popular AI sire Docklands, he was out of Murdeduke D40 a key donor from Murdeduke’s Panda family. According to stud principal Lachie Wilson “J167’s appeal stems from a combination of D40’s excellent temperament, structure, phenotype and performance and Docklands standout features. J167 expresses enhanced calving ease, low birth weight and growth traits in the top 5% of the breed and tremendous phenotype. Weighing 756Kg at 19 months with a daily weight gain of 1.23 kg, he has been a standout calf throughout the journey.’
Demand throughout the catalogue was strong which illustrates the depth of the Murdeduke herd and the consistency of the bulls presented. There were many long term clients active including Mingawalla who sort out Emperor sons taking home 4 to a top of $8000 averaging $6125. According to Mingawalla’s Will Dexter, ‘Emperor is one of the most complete bulls in the industry at the moment combining structure, phenotype, temperament and breed leading estimated breeding values and it is for this reason why we want to infuse our herd with his genetics.’ ( 11 emperor sons averaged $6000)
Other notable purchasers were Pardoo Cattle Company taking 6 to a top of $11000 averaging $6750. 2 Bulls purchased were flush brothers out of up and coming donor F49, an A241 daughter, who when combined with Regent produced the 4 flush brothers who averaged 748kg ( 1.24kg per day) and $8100. The bulls are stacked with impressive carcass and growth EBV’s and type. Pardoo also operated on some older proven genetics looking for the trueness of type, consistency and structural correctness they offered. (6 regent sons averaged $7083)
Otway grazing were also strong supporters throughout the catalogue taking 4 to $8000 averaging $6250. They secured a draft of new and proven genetics which offered high end growth and other traits particularly suited to grass fed markets.
According to Murdeduke stud adviser Simon Falkiner, ’the result reflects commercial producers growing confidence in the Murdeduke brand. The significant investments we have made recently in expanded embryo transfer and AI programs as well the purchase of leading AI sires Emperor, General and Gatsby is really starting to pay dividends ‘.
‘The sale was solid sale from start to finish with buying opportunities presenting themselves throughout the catalogue – no matter people’s budget. Improvements in EBV performance, consistency of type and structural integrity were featured in this year’s team which seemed to strike a chord with our clients as competed to secure genetics which would help improve the own herds. We are excited by the direction our herd is taking and look forward to returning with a bigger and better lineup for next year.’