2022 Bull Sale Wrap

With more than 150 people in attendance, the second annual Gold Creek Simmentals on-farm bull sale went off without a hitch last month, achieving full clearance and great results overall.

29 of 29 bulls sold for an average price of $9111, a pleasing increase from last year’s average of $6700.

The pick of the line-up, lot 1, went for a top price of $20,000. This rising two-year-old sold to Simon McCrae of Overland Simmentals in Waimate.

The next highest price of $18,000 was achieved twice. Lot 2 sold to new stud breeder, Stephen Pallet, of Jubalani Station, whilst Lot 10 sold to Everad Strauss of Leafland Stud in Mosgeil.

The feature lot (pick of the 2021 drop) went to Aaron Gubb based in Northland for $5,500. He picked a beautiful quiet heifer sire by Woonallee Phar Lap who has some very exciting bulls lined up for next year.

An impressive total of seven stud transfers were made, and overall there was a good number of new buyers in the mix, including both stud and commercial operators.

Tom said the team was extremely proud of this year’s catalogue.

“We knew this year’s lineup was undoubtedly the best yet for Gold Creek, so it was great to see that recognised by the buyers on the day.”

He said he has always strived to breed cattle that challenge the status quo; bulls that tick all the boxes of thriving under the challenges of commercial East Coast hill country conditions, whilst offering a unique make up, both genetically and phenotypically.

Consistency of type shone right throughout this year’s catalogue and, as always, structure and docility were at the forefront of breeding decisions and a big part of selection criteria for sale bulls.

“We had a large number of ET bulls on offer this year which is something we have been investing heavily in the last few years, and plan to continue to do so moving forward.

“Not only has this helped increase our overall herd numbers, but a focus on targeted mating’s has seen a notable increase in consistency and quality of the cattle.”

The Woonallee influence is continuing to strengthen in the Gold Creek herd.

“With some fantastic Los Angeles sons at the top of the order once again in this year’s line-up, he is proving to be real power bull with 600 day weights now in the top 5% of the breed.”

Gold Creek continues to push towards a fully polled herd and this year’s line-up featured a large number of homo polled bulls and only three horned, due to them being simply too good to leave out.

With another successful sale under their belts, the team at Gold Creek are confident they are on the right path and will continue to build on what they have.

“Ultimately, we breed cattle to help enhance your bottom-line, and everything we do to further our herd has that goal at the forefront.”