The Cowley family's Roseleigh Angus sale, held on Tuesday at the Gommers family's Eight Mile Sale Complex near Keith, achieved a remarkable full clearance of all 28 bulls, with the top price reaching an impressive $28,000. This figure was a significant jump from last year's highest bid of $13,000, showcasing the growing demand and quality of the bulls offered. The sale's average price also saw a positive shift, climbing to $9,607, a $703 increase from the previous year's average of $8,904.
Weather Doesn't Dampen Spirits
Despite the rain that fell just before the auction, which delivered 20 to 25 millimeters of moisture to the area, bidders remained undeterred. The wet conditions could have dissuaded potential buyers, but instead, they contributed to a vibrant atmosphere. Mat Cowley, the principal of Roseleigh, expressed his satisfaction with the auction outcome, stating, "I'm more than happy with how the sale went. The bulls presented well, and it was great to sell to Mandayen, they breed very good cattle." This enthusiasm was reflected in the lively bidding activity throughout the day.
Top Bull Fetches Record Price
The standout bull of the sale was the opening lot, Roseleigh V5, which fetched the top price of $28,000. Weighing in at 1,025 kilograms and just 20 months old, V5 was lauded for its impressive eye muscle area of 116 square centimeters and a scrotal measurement of 45 centimeters. Its birth weight of 41 kilograms was another point of interest for potential buyers. Damian Gommers, principal of the Mandayen Angus and Limousin stud, was the successful bidder, marking his first purchase from Roseleigh. Gommers expressed his admiration for V5's physical attributes, stating, "It's a very balanced bull with a lot of volume and softness. The figures also stacked up, so it had the data to go with it."
New Buyers Join the Roseleigh Roster
Among the new buyers at the sale were Hugh and Prue McEachern from Injemira, Grassmere, Victoria. They run a commercial operation with between 400 to 500 cows and were drawn to Roseleigh in search of bulls with strong structure and shape. The couple successfully purchased four bulls, with prices reaching up to $11,000. Mr. McEachern emphasized the importance of quality in their operation, noting, "We came to Roseleigh chasing structure and shape, and we were pleased with our selections." This influx of new buyers indicates a positive trend in the cattle market, highlighting Roseleigh Angus's growing reputation.
A Solid Auction Performance
The auction, conducted by Spence Dix & Co and led by auctioneer Luke Schreiber, was characterized as a solid performance overall. Schreiber commented on the strength of the bidding, particularly noting the excitement surrounding the sale of lot one for $28,000. He pointed out that most purchasers were repeat buyers, which speaks to the reliability and quality of the bulls offered at Roseleigh. "Some clients produce weaners, others grain-fed yearlings, they do it very well and keep coming back to Roseleigh because they know they're consistent and reliable," Schreiber remarked.
The current market conditions in the cattle industry are notably favorable, with strong job opportunities in the United States contributing to heightened interest in cattle sales in Australia. This positive outlook has cultivated a vibrant environment for both sellers and buyers, making it an exciting time to be involved in the cattle business.
As the Roseleigh Angus sale demonstrates, the commitment to quality breeding and customer satisfaction is paying off, fostering trust and loyalty among buyers. With new participants entering the market and established buyers returning for more, the future looks promising for the Cowley family and the broader Angus cattle sector.