Breed character tops $10,000 twice for Balgree

Road closures and a pre-sale day of bucketing rain did not deter Balgree Santa Gertrudis' Stud's Russ and Chris Smyth from pulling off a solid result for their fifth on farm sale last Wednesday, where a large crowd came along to make their bid.

They said they were very happy with the resulting clearance of 53 out of 55 bulls, which topped twice at $10,000 and averaged at $4020.

The Smyth's achieved a double-top price of $10,000 on the day.

The first $10,000 bull, Balgree Gunslinger (PS) E93, a 2 year old bull, was sold to Trevor Mason, from Woodstock Santa Gertrudis Stud, Victoria. (He is pictured with partner Carolyn Clark and children Jack and Rebecca).

Mr Mason, returning for his second year to the Bingara stud, said that he most likes the Balgree bull's bone and breed character, and also it's docile temperament.

"We will use him over heifers that are by the bull we purchased from Balgree at last year's sale," he said.

The second equal top bull, also at $10,000, was Lot 21's Balgree Madiba (PS) E15, successfully purchased by Buster and Pat Pirie, from Aberdeen Santa Gertrudis Stud at Harden.

Mr Smyth said that Madiba's sire (Mandela) was actually a bull he purchased originally from the Pirie's; and that they'd come back to look at their bull's progeny.

Clearly happy with the bloodlines, the Pirie's will be taking Madiba back into their herd.

Lot 1, Balgree Emperor (P) E101 reached the day's second top of $7500 for Ben Adams of Dangarfield Cattle Company at Taroom; who was also a volume buyer - taking a second bull, Balgree Eclipse (P) E45, for $6000. Both will be going back into Mr Adams' stud operation.

The Smyth's said it had been interesting to observe that of the 53 bulls sold, 11 will be going into studs, and the rest, into commercial herd situations.

Mr Smyth said that this was a good validation that commercial buyers were chasing evenness, muscle, and temperament - something he's been working constantly to improve in his Balgree stud herd.

"The highest price we got for the bulls going into commercial herds were three lots of $6000, which indicated to us that these operators are prepared to invest the money for the right animal."

Despite travel distances, support for Balgree came from as far south as Victoria, and South Australia, and north to Biloela and Blackall, with bulls going into western districts including  Roma, Taroom, Walgett with strong local support adding to the result.

Chris Smyth described it as a "really strong and positive sale" that she and husband Russ were more than happy with.

"We've had great feedback from the clients who've received the bulls on farm," she said.

Mr Smyth agreed, saying that there were encouraging comments across the board from return customers, who've noted the rapid improvement in the Balgree herd, even since last year's sale.

Ray White Tenterfield were selling agents and auctioneers - with staff including Bruce Birch and Prue Birch.

Bruce Birch added that "it was a pleasure to offer a draft of bulls that from start to finish showed the carcass qualities and maturity pattern that is required for today's commercial cattleman.  The Smyth's have a concept in mind of what cattle they want to breed and have had the strength of conviction to stick with it and it is that strength that is now starting to pay dividends.