The Stoney family celebrated a successful bull auction at their Quanden Springs property in Redmond on March 4, 2024. With the motto “quality and quiet,” they showcased an impressive lineup of bulls that attracted significant local interest. The sale featured a selection of two-year-old sires, highlighting the family’s commitment to breeding excellence through careful consideration of structure, phenotype, and Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs).
This year, the Stoney family presented a catalogue of 25 Angus sires, each selected for their desirable traits. The bulls were bred from fertile, easy-birthing cows, resulting in calves noted for their growth and carcase characteristics. The auction saw strong participation, with 17 of the 25 bulls sold for an average price of $6,618, a notable increase of $671 compared to last year’s average of $5,947.
Record-Breaking Sales and High Demand
The auction attracted keen bidders, with prices reaching an impressive high of $17,500 for lot 10, the sire Quanden Springs Samson V39. This bull, a son of Coonamble Samson S54, was purchased by Nutrien Livestock agent Harry Carroll on behalf of Lancelin Nominees, Albany. Weighing in at 774 kilograms and born in February 2024, Samson V39 boasts exceptional EBVs, including +5.5 direct calving ease and a remarkable +74 carcase weight.
According to James Culleton, Nutrien Livestock auctioneer and East Albany Livestock accounts manager, the bulls were well presented and demonstrated outstanding temperament. “It was a good, even lineup that represented the breed well,” Mr. Culleton stated. He also highlighted the growing demand for the Samson pedigree within the industry.
The auction’s strong performance was underscored by the sale of additional bulls at notable prices. The second top price of $8,000 was achieved by two bulls, including Quanden Springs Tonkin V24, which is a February 2024-drop weighing 782 kg and ranks in the top 1% for net feed intake. The other bull sold for the same price was Quanden Springs Vic V56, purchased by the Marshall family, who expressed satisfaction with their selections based on low birthweights and high milk figures.
Client Satisfaction and Future Prospects
The auction concluded with a positive response from buyers, many of whom are long-time clients of the Stoney family. Bruce Marshall, who purchased three bulls, noted their consistent performance in the past. “The calves always sell well too,” he remarked, reflecting the quality associated with the Quanden Springs brand.
The Stoney family expressed gratitude towards their clients and the Nutrien Livestock team for their support. “A big thank you to our clients for their support and the Nutrien Livestock team,” said Noel Stoney, co-principal of Quanden Springs.
This auction not only highlights the Stoney family’s commitment to quality breeding but also signals a robust market for Angus genetics. As demand continues to grow, the Quanden Springs stud is poised for future success, supported by a loyal client base and a strong pedigree of sires.
