THE Alpine Angus complex in Rosewhite was filled with bidders and onlookers as 108 prize bulls went under the hammer on March 15 for the 2023 Alpine Angus Bull Sale.
Alpine manager Chris Oswin said the auction was successful, with interest from locals and buyers from Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales.
"We had a big crowd, everyone enjoyed themselves, we got a lot of positive feedback on the bulls," he said.
"It was a really nice day and we're very grateful for the support we got."
He said the top bull, Alpine Quarterback S431, went for $32,000 to a Tasmanian buyer, while the average auction price was $11,300.
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According to Mr Oswin, in order to develop good genetics Alpine Angus first concentrate on feet and temperament, ensuring they move well and aren't aggressive.
They then select for other parameters, such as healthy, low birth–weight calves and the capacity to grow well once put on feed.
Rosewhite cattle farmers Jane and Peter Carney purchased a quarterback bull for around $16,000 at the sale, which they have used in their artificial insemination program before.
Ms Carney said she was happy with that bull due to their calving ease – meaning it's relatively easy for calves to be birthed – and their high intra–muscular fat (IMF), which is associated with better meat flavour.
She said the sale had an excellent lineup of well–presented cattle with strong genetics and a good number of sires to select from.
According to Ms Carney, the top 10–20 per cent of bulls commanded strong prices due to their good genetics, but for cattle below that, prices dropped off a little.
"That's probably in line with what's happening with the commercial cattle market right now," she said.
