Carrick 1-2-3rd May

Tasmanian Simmental Breeders were active again this year at the annual Agfest Field days at Carrick. The Beef expo site was manned for three days handing out brochures and information on Sim-Genetics with a constant flow of patrons is was an outstanding success. Three bulls were taken as exhibits and were offered for sale through a helmsman type auction held over the three days with other breed Bulls.

For those unfamiliar with the helmsman system it is an auction with cattle identified on a central display board with their reserve price attached. Buyers are given a number when making a bid, their number is written beside the bull of their choice so that the first bid is the reserve price. At the Agfest sale all bull reserves are at least $2000 but can be more if requested. Buyers that bid on bulls leave their phone numbers with the stockagent in control of the sale and are contacted if their bids are exceeded so they have the opportunity to bid again. Bids are increased by at least $250 and because the sale is held over three days it is exposed to a large number of potential buyers. The sale is finalized at 12 noon on the final day with often a flurry of bids close to closing time. If a bid is received in the last few minutes the sale is extended for 10 minutes to allow for a return bid and so on till no more bids are received. Eight bulls from three breeds were offered with only one bull remaining unsold. A feature of the helmsman system is that you can bid on more than one bull and change to a different bull at any-time. It has a tendency of lower top prices but better clearance and averages.

The aims of the Agfest site are to promote and market the breed in all aspects. It is also a good chance to meet with clients both existing and future. Positive comments were made by cattle breeders on the Simmental Associations acceptance and promotion of a wide range of Simmental Genetics i.e., Traditional Simmentals, Simangus, Black Sim, Red Sim, and Simbra. It was a hectic three days but vital to maintain a good level of promotion for the breed.

Sale Results

3 Simmental and Simangus Bulls sold to a top of $3250 to average $2916

3 Limousin Bulls sold to a top of $3500 to average $2500

1 Saler Bull sold at $2000