Spirited bidding by new and return clients showed increased confidence in Wallawong Murray Greys’ breeding program at the 17th Annual Carcase Quality Sale at ‘Marriot Park’ Gunnedah last Thursday 7th August. Several new milestones with the sale were achieved by principals Lachlan and Kate James who described the sale as “a great endorsement of our carcase quality focus”. 16 of 20 Bulls sold to a top of $7,000 and an average of $4500, reflecting the solid competition for lots throughout the sale. 8 registered heifers were also sold to a top of $1900.
Impressive weights and eye muscle areas combined with finishing ease appealed to both stud and commercial producers with registered bidders from Queensland, Victoria and throughout NSW.
The $7,000 top priced bull was Lot 21 Wallawong Waterboy, a 750kg son of the 2012 top priced $13,000 bull Wallawong Unbelievable. Described as “unsurpassed for carcase proportion”, he combined outstanding eye muscle area, sleek coat and hindquarter capacity and was purchased by repeat buyer David Schouten, ‘Calala’ Gravesend. Waterboy had an EMA EBV in the top 1% of the breed. His raw EMA scan was 129 cm2with fat scans of 8mm and 6 mm on rump and rib. Mr Schouten selected him specifically for his outstanding carcase traits that will fit into a 5 year plan he has to improve the carcase results of his cattle targeting domestic supermarkets.
The second top priced bull was Lot 11 Wallawong Wall St who achieved $6500. By Wallawong Ultramodern out of Wallawong Esmeralda 20th, 780kg Wall St combined outstanding depth of body and hindquarter with top 15% growth EBVS and an EMA EBV also in the top 1% of the breed . He possessed a raw EMA scan of 123cm2 and fat measurements of 9mm and 6mm on rump and rib. New Wallawong clients the McRae family of Dajory Murray Greys, purchased the bull for their stud operation near Shepparton, Victoria. Carolyne and Josh McRae travelled up for the sale, also purchasing lot 4 for $5500 for stud duties.
Lot 3 Wallawong Vinnie Roe reached $6000 being a Wallawong Ripsnorter son out of Wallawong Cristy 4th. With outstanding muscularity and hindquarter shape and being recommended for heifers, long term repeat buyers Allan and Kate Waldon, Borambil Murray Greys, purchased the 920kg sire for their stud and commercial operation near Mendooran, NSW. Vinnie Roe will be used on heifers to produce offspring destined for the Waldon’s high quality butcher shop Eastern Road Quality Meats in Turramurra.
After purchasing three bulls at the 2013 Wallawong Sale, return client EM Fraser Bourne and Sons picked up another three bulls for their operation near Barcaldine in Queensland for an average of $4000.
Wallawong stud principal Lachlan James said: “It was a great result. What was impressive is the support shown by our repeat commercial clients and the level of new interest this year.
75% of bull buyers were return customers and that’s a real endorsement to the quality of cattle we are producing and client service we strive for.”
“Murray Greys are going from strength to strength and people are willing to invest in the best genetics with the right balance of carcase shape and quality.” Mr James added.
The registered heifers were purchased by a mix of stud and commercial buyers seeking quality females for their respective operations. Local commercial breeder Ben Tongue, Loomberah, selected Bundaleer Lolita H82 for $1900 and Bundaleer Remembrance H66 for $1600 for his children to further their interest in registered cattle, while Alan Humphreys of Branxton took home two heifers and a bull for their new Kalyra stud operation. New buyer Keegan Jones purchased Wallawong Miss Impressive H21 for his commercial livestock operation near Gunnedah, NSW. Andrew and Sharon Gunn from Mundalola Murray Greys, also purchased two heifers to boost the numbers of their stud herd near Attunga, NSW.
Kate James also spoke to the crowd of her successful use of Wallawong Premium Beef at the Gunnedah Saleyards Canteen where patrons always enjoy eating high quality Murray Grey meat.
Further information:
Lachlan James 0402 839 373
Kate James 0402 838 462
Katejames2380@gmail.com
Facebook ‘Wallawong Murray Greys’
Photo 1: Top priced bull $7,000 Lot 21 Wallawong Waterboy LEJ H28 with buyer David Schouten ‘Calala’ Gravesend NSW
Photo 2: Second top priced bull $6500 lot 11 Wallawong Wall St