Of the 56 bulls on offer, 52 sold, reaching a top price of $10,000 twice and an average of $5587.

The average price was up $492 on last year’s average, with 10 more bulls selling this year than last.

Lot 9 and Lot 12 were the two top-priced bulls.

David and Chris Sondhu, Mullagh Pastoral, Harrow, purchased Lot 9, a 19 month-old bull who was in the top 10 per cent for Angus Breeding and Heavy Grain Fed index values.

The bull recorded estimated breeding values (EBVs) of +3.5 kilograms birth weight and growth figures of +42kg for 200-day, +84kg 400-day, and +110kg 600-day.

Mr Sondhu said the bull was chosen for its size and growth.

“We just liked his overall size, he is nice and smooth, stands up tall, and is just a consistent package,” he said.

Mr Sondhu said the family first bought a cow from Barwidgee in the early 1990s, and had bought bulls ever since.

“We sell steers at Casterton during weaner sales, and we get good weight in our calves,” he said.

“We made good prices earlier this year, topping $1500 a head, and averaging $1200.

“We like their temperament, and doing ability,” he said.

The other buyer to pay $10,000 was first time buyer Andrew Marriot, Benalla, who paid out the money for Lot 12. Mr Marriott also bought four others for an overall average of $5700.

Mr Marriot said he was impressed by Lot 12’s figures.

“I liked him for his overall thickness; he is a good, mobile bull,” Mr Marriot said.

It recorded EBVs of +48kg 200-day weight, +91kg 400-day, and +116kg 600-day, and was in the top five per cent for scrotal size and intramuscular fat.

“I came to buy heifer bulls, but will use the bigger ones over our cows,” he said.

Barwidgee stud principal Wendy Kelly said she was very pleased with the result.

“It was a good clearance, there were lots of return buyers, and a few new faces,” Ms Kelly said.

“We’ve had a fantastic season, and prices have been fantastic,” she said.

Ms Kelly said a lot of work had gone into the breeding and genetics of the herd.