Growth and carcase on buyer’s list as producers push prices to $26,000 at Reiland Angus sale

Commercial producers chasing superior growth and carcase traits combined with moderate birthweight pushed prices to $26,000 at the 2026 Reiland Angus autumn bull sale.

Interfaced with AuctionsPlus, the sale was hosted by the Lucas family at Killimicat Station, Tumut, on April 22 and drew 33 registered buyers.

A total of 61 bulls were sold under the hammer from the 71 offered to a top of $26,000 and average of $9229. Four bulls were sold immediately afterwards.

Repeat clients Graham and Judy Houston, Houston Pastoral, Burrowye, Vic, secured the top price bull, Lot 17 Reiland V-Successor V173, an August 2024 drop son of Reiland Successor S564.

Weighing 740kg and with a 46cm scrotal circumference, the young curve bending sire had a birthweight estimated breeding value of +2.9kg and 600-day weight of +130kg. He also ranked in the top 15 per cent of the breed for mature body condition. 

Reiland Angus retained a 50 per cent semen and marketing rights on the bull.

Mr Houston was impressed with the young sire’s muscle, body length, frame size and moderate birthweight combined with superior growth and carcase traits. 

He said the Reiland genetics had always performed well in the feedlot and on the hooks for their commercial operation, which marks 3000 calves. 

The family presently have 20 B-double loads of cattle with drovers on northern stock routes while their Burrowye Station recovers from the loss of pastures and fencing in devastating fires and floods earlier this year. 

The second top price of $22,000 was paid by repeat client Christine Hughes, Bannister Station, Goulburn, for Reiland V-Elevation V2934, a 756kg son of US sire Montana Elevation 7108 and ranking top 4 per cent for days to calving and top 9 per cent for birthweight at +1.3kg.

Represented by manager Mark Boileau, Bannister Station also paid $6000 for Reiland V-Mainland V1241 and said he was looking for bulls suitable for cow joinings. 

Repeat clients Edward and Peta Proudford, Proudford Agricultural, Narrawa, purchased six bulls to a top of $20,000 for Reiland V-Rissington V2946.

Weighing 712kg, the bull ranked top 2 per cent for intramuscular fat at +6.3 per cent, top 4 per cent for calving ease and top 2 per cent for the Angus low feed cost index at $460.

Matt Reynolds, Mount Hugel, Grahamstown, outlaid $16,000 for Reiland V-Transcendent V2945 and $12,000 for Reiland V-Successor V 1761. He was the lucky buyer drawn out of the hat for a seven-day trip to visit seven Angus stud sales in New Zealand with the team from Reiland Angus in June. 

Reiland Angus principal Mark Lucas was pleased with the sale outcome under such challenging seasonal and economic conditions, while onboarding seven new clients. 

“Seasonal conditions and concerns around future stocking rates are impacting buyer confidence with empty dams, overseas tensions and breeder numbers back by 20 per cent,” Mr Lucas said. 

“As food producers, we are in a favorable position as we will always have a great product to sell. We are in a low carbon production system, and the future is positive once we get through the current dry period.

“It was great to see the bloodlines we have been developing within our own herd have excelled today, with the top price lot by a home bred bull, Reiland Successor S564.”

Among the volume buyers was Dougal Kelly, Wallah Pastoral, Rugby, with five bulls to $12,000; Connen Hill, Goulburn, three bulls to $12,000; Scott and Maria Anderson, Anderson Agri Services, Tumbarumba, three bulls to $13,000; Gavin Peaty, Peaty Pastoral, Breadalbane, two bulls to $8000; and Cabot Farms, Forest Hill, with three bulls to $7000. 

Ryan Bajada, Elders Stud Stock, filled an order for five bulls to Orbost, Victoria. 

Ken Miall, Nutrien Ag Solutions Wagga Wagga, said the sale presented value for money with strong competition in the sale barn and online. 

“It was pleasing to see a good field of return buyers plus fresh faces in the crowd,” Mr Miall said. 

“Locally, our season looks good, but it could go either way so people are a little cautious. Anyone who bought a bull today would be happy with what they purchased as the presentation was excellent.

“Reiland clients love a balanced bull and that’s what they get. Reiland cattle are known for their doing ability and make great feeder cattle with marbling and carcase traits right up there.”

Guest auctioneer was Peter Godbolt while duty agents were Elders Riverina Hills Livestock and Tumut/Adelong and Nutrien Ag Solutions Wagga Wagga.