Lancaster’s Tim Cartledge with buyers of the $12,500 top priced bull Steve and Robyn White, Roma, Qld, Spence Dix &Co’s Mark O’Leary and Henry Cartledge.
By Mark Scown, Stock Journal
STRONG buyer competition from five states ensured a total clearance at Lancaster Black Simmental stud’s annual bull sale at Meningie, on Friday last week and lift in average of nearly $1000.
Tim, Lise, Henry and Prue Cartledge presented a very even line-up of 56 purebred and hybrid bulls and were rewarded with a healthy $6830 average.
The bulls offered were all recorded on the American Simmental Association’s performance database, with strong emphasis on commercially relevant traits.
Lot 42, LCS Lancelot L194 commanded the top price of $12,500 to repeat buyers Steve and Robyn White, Roma, Qld.
The 890 kilogram June 2015 drop was a powerhouse bull with class and impressive expected progeny difference figures, being in the top two per cent for growth and marbling and top 4pc for its All Purpose index.
The Whites have been Lancaster clients since 2013 but it was their first time attending the sale from Qld.
They run 1200 Angus and Santa Gertrudis-Charolais cows which they mate to Lancaster Black Simmental bulls. The progeny are sold as weaners at the Roma saleyards.
Mrs White said the Lancaster progeny had “exceptional temperament, weight for age and softness”.
The Whites bought six bulls and two females.
Amherst Livestock Trust, Willalooka –who have been buying Lancaster bulls since the first sale in 2006- bought five bulls to $8000 for a $6900 average.
Moville property manager Ben Driver said they selected hybrid bulls for their “weight gain, muscle, softness and temperament”, breeding weaners for their annual on-property circuit weaner sale.
S&N Mudge, Port Wakefield were another major buyer with four bulls for a $6875 average.
Tim Cartledge said they were very proud of the consistent, thick, easy doing and moderate framed bulls.
He was also pleased to see such a large crowd and 14 new buyers.
The Cartledge family also offered a cross section from their breeding herd including cow and calves, pregnancy tested in calf females and weaned heifers.
A female stud record of $18,000 was achieved for lot 2, LCS Blanche G175 which sold to Tom & Lizzy Baker Woonallee Simmental stud, Furner.
Elders’ Lewis Bruggemann was taking the Bakers’ phone bids.
Blanche G175 sold with a stylish bull calf by Hook’s Yellowstone.
Mr Baker said they were always on the look out for “outstanding females”.
Gary & Joy Allen, Tugalawa stud, Mt Gambier paid the $12,500 second top price for LCS Erica H433.
Spence Dix & Co auctioneer Jono Spence said it was an excellent sale, with a good mix of repeat and new buyers.
“The draft of bulls was as even as any that has been offered in recent weeks,” he said.
“The success of the sale is due to the continued discipline selection and dedication in their breeding program.
Lewis Bruggemann, Elders, Jono Spence- Spence Dix & Co, Keith, SA and Henry Cartledge
Volume buyers Ben Driver & Tom Novy from Moville & Witallocka with Tim & Henry Cartledge