UPDATE: The 38th annual Willandra Simmental, Red Angus, and Angus bull sale in Williams has just concluded, delivering remarkable results that will be remembered. The Cowcher family reported a staggering 94% clearance rate, selling 67 bulls at auction and achieving an impressive average price of $8,545.
The sale, which took place earlier today, featured a slightly larger catalog of 71 quality rising two-year-old bulls and drew buyers from across the state and beyond. Despite the marginal increase in catalog size, significant improvements in sale value indicators were recorded, marking this as one of the strongest results in their nearly four-decade history.
Buyers traveled from regions as far as Esperance and the South Coast, eager to inspect the bulls. The atmosphere was buoyed by mild weather and the Cowcher family’s renowned hospitality. The auction was also streamed online via AuctionsPlus, attracting 2,864 views and 34 registered bidders.
In a remarkable turnaround, the team of 28 Red Angus bulls achieved a clearance rate of 96%, with the top bull, Willandra Villain V79, selling for a record $18,000. This bull stood out with its impressive growth figures and will be heading to Kent Muir’s Wyndarra Red Angus stud for stud duties.
The Simmental bulls also performed admirably, with a top price of $15,000 for Willandra Vasse V028, purchased by Greg Templeton from Templeton Simmental stud in Victoria. This bull’s performance data was exceptional, ranking in the top 1% for various weight traits.
The overall sale saw an increase of $1,175 in average prices compared to last year, with a total of 34 more bulls sold. Last year, 54 of 68 bulls (79%) sold for an average of $7,370. The strong buyer interest reflects rising confidence in the cattle market, showcasing the resilience of the Red Angus and Simmental breeds.
The Angus team also made headlines, achieving a complete clearance of their 12 bulls, with a top price of $9,000 paid on three occasions. Their average price significantly improved, up $1,819 from last year’s sale.
Following the auction, Chris Waddingham, the Nutrien Livestock auctioneer, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting that the sale’s success demonstrates the strength of the Australian cattle industry.
As the dust settles on this remarkable event, industry experts and buyers alike will be watching closely to see how this year’s strong results impact future sales and breeding strategies.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the developments in the cattle market.
