In all 49 of the 51 R2 bulls were sold for an average of $9512.
Starter went to Okawa Poll Herefords. The second-highest price was $31,000 paid for Limehills Gallant by North Island Poll Hereford studs Mahuta and Craigmore.
Gray Pannett, who has run the stud with Robyn Pannett, said “I’ve been in the ring for all but one sale in the last 39 years and this year was a ripper.
“The gallery was full of active bidders and it was standing room only.
“We run a commercially focused operation.
“It’s about identifying a bull that will add value to our client’s farming system as each bull will suit different operations,” he said.
PGG Wrightson Livestock genetic specialist Callum McDonald said “Again this year there was strong interest in Limehills bulls due to the high-quality bloodlines, along with Gray and Robyn’s well-respected breeding programme.
“There was plenty of competition for the bulls on offer with buyers, largely from throughout the South Island, seeking beef bulls for their commercial farming operations.
“The sale attracts the same buyers year after year.
“Some buyers, across a number of farming generations, have been to all 39 sales. We saw a few new faces in the gallery this year and that’s good to see.
“About 90% of bulls headed to commercial farming operations in Otago and Southland and the balance to Canterbury.
As always a few, including the top two bulls sold, were stud transfers.
“All around the country commercial buyers are seeking out quality beef genetics to suit their individual commercial operation.
“I’ve seen it this year at bull sales in both the North and South Islands. Commercial farmers are doing their homework and buying a quality bull as they see it as a long-term investment in their commercial beef operation,” McDonald said.
