Mark Duthie, GDL Livestock, vendor Lis Skene, Meldon Park Simmentals, Cecil Plains, buyer Croydon Sturdy, Appleton Cattle Company, Charters Towers, with Meldon Park Matador, held by Rebecca Skene. Photo by QCL
By Lucy Ziesemer, QCL
The good times just keep on rolling for Meldon Park Simmentals this year with the stud setting a new top price record at its annual sale today.
In 2018 alone, the Meldon Park show team wowed judges and audiences alike at both Beef Australia and the Royal Queensland Show.
Meldon Park Matador not only claimed the broad ribbon for grand champion Simmental bull at the Ekka this year and last, he was also part of the pair to win the Ekka Champion of Champions pair in 2018.
Completing a whirlwind year, Matador sold for a sale topping price of $26,000 to Appleton Cattle Company, Charters Towers, at Moura today.
The principles of Meldon Park Simmentals dubbed Matador as being “all class,” having extra length, extra bone and the ability to lay down fat without sacrificing muscle.
Weighing in at an impressive 1064kg at 26 months of age, Matador’s P8 and rib fat measurements of 16mm and 12mm surely drew buyer attention, supported by his 39cm scrotal circumference that backed up his ability to breed progeny of his calibre.
Meldon Park’s Lis Skene said the bull deserved his place as their highest earner since the stud began.
“His overall structural correctness and movement is astounding and combined with his fat cover he is just a beautiful bull and one we have always admired,” she said.
“His physical characteristics are topped off by his lovely nature- we have photos of our then three-year-old grandson Lane leading him around.
“We would have loved to keep Matador in our stud but unfortunately his breeding was just too close to the herd.”
As Appleton Cattle Company’s Lloyd Appleton was unable to attend the sale, Appleton employees Chris Collins and Croydon Sturdy were on hand to appraise the leading sire.
Mr Collins said Appleton Cattle Company was looking for strong standout sires to go on and breed high yielding bullocks as well as future paddock bulls.
“Matador ticks all the boxes for what Appleton is trying to achieve, which is essentially building the herd’s meat producing capacity,” Mr Collins said.
“Obviously the carcase is where the money comes from so it’s a major factor in the beef business.
“We bought Matador’s half brother two years ago and he has had a notable positive influence on progeny and we’re sure this fella will do the same.
“He’ll be joined to about 60 Simmental cows and also be integrated into what is predominantly a Brahman and Charbray cow herd.”
Appleton Cattle Company also purchased the second top priced bull, KBV Magistrate, for $18,000.
On offer from invited vendors KBV Simmental Stud, Murphys Creek, KBV Magistrate also saw success in the 2018 show ring with a broad ribbon for Champion Beef Exhibit at the Toowoomba Royal Show.
At the conclusion of the auction 68 bulls were sold for a gross of $491,000 to average $7221 with a 91 per cent clearance.
The standout volume buyer of the sale was Arm and Dagger Cattle Company, Khyber, Augathella, taking home five sires totalling $31,500 for a $6300 average.
Lis Skene said the family had now held four sales at the Billabong Selling Complex, Moura, and each one had been completely different.
“The seasons are always different and the way bidders want to buy the cattle changes so it’s difficult to forecast how things will go,” she said.
“As my husband Rod said before the sale, it has been an exciting year and we’re very proud of the bulls so we are confident they’ll go out and do the job for their new owners.”