A RECORD number of buyers saw a total clearance of the 44 animals on offer at Farrer Memorial Agriculture High School’s Annual Angus Bull Sale in Tamworth on Wednesday.
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The average stud bull went for $7125 to gross $315,000 for the school.
“We had a record number of buyers, with 55 registered on the day and about 18 on Auctions Plus,” organiser Marty Peeters said.
“The money goes back into the school.
“Cattle prices are very high at the moment.
“The quality of our product has increased over the years.
“Buyers are more happy and confident with the product, so we’re getting a lot of return buyers.”
This sale is organised and run by the Year 12 Certificate III Beef class.
Students rear the bulls and heifers from the previous year’s calf drop, undertake all animal husbandry practices, including the AI program.
The students are involved in the structural assessment of the animal, collect data, which is used to generate estimated breeding values, collect DNA samples, assist with the freeze branding of the bulls, and assist with calving duties and semen testing.
The bulls are sold under the helmsman auction system and is run by the students.
“The students are involved in everything,” Mr Peeters said.
“Sixteen students ran the sale and there were a number of others assisting with things like showing people around and cleaning up.
“I think the helmsman system is more relaxed than your usual bull sale.”
Farrer is the only school in Australia that conducts an on-property bull sale.
The school runs 120 HBR breeders and with offspring totals about 240 head.
Students at the school are actively involved in all aspects of its operation and management including vaccinations, selection of cattle, marking, and collection of production data.
Farrer Memorial Agricultural College’s next on-property bull sale will be held on June 27, 2018.
