Results - 2025 Yulgilbar Sale, Yulgilbar NSW

Central Western Queensland stud breeders Ian and Kerry Walker, Strathmore Santa Gertrudis Stud, Blackall, Qld have paid the highest money yet for a Santa Gertrudis bull in 2025, investing $94,000 in lot 29, Yulgilbar United Kingdom U318 (P), at today’s annual Yulgilbar Bull Sale, Baryulgil, NSW.

The top-selling 22-mo, who entered the ring first to open the sale, was one of 11 Darr Creek Serengeti S100 (P) sons making their debut in the draft, which all sold at an average of $25,409.

With Tom and Anna Dunlop of Munnabah Santa Gertrudis, Coolah, NSW, narrowly missing out as underbidders on the opening lot, the sale kicked off with fierce competition for top-quality sires.

The intensity carried through the catalogue, driving the average of the first 10 lots to an exceptional $32,950, before settling at a final sale average of $13,818 with all 58 bulls offered successfully sold.

The final tally produced the highest sale top in Yulgilbar’s 71-year history, surpassing the $80,000 achieved in 2023, and a record average, up $1568 on 2024.

The second top price bull, Yulgilbar Underbelly U116 (PP) was bought by Bill and Gretchen Speed, Brigodoon, Wandoan at lot 3 for $57,500.

Like his higher priced paternal half-brother, Underbelly was also a Serengeti son and out of a Yulgilbar cow sired by Cardona Patterson.

Volume buyers included Tony Schutt, who purchased 7 head for Arrabury Pastoral Co, the enterprise he oversees in Queensland’s Channel Country where Santa Gertrudis play a key role in breeding and fattening operations.

Commercial breeder John Smith, Woodenbong, who produces a highly sought Santa/Hereford cross for the Casino weaner sales early in the calendar year, purchased 5 head.

Tim Kirkwood Family Trust, Disney, Clermont, Qld assembled a draft of 3 hd, as did Corrective Services NSW at Tabulam.

While commercial buyers were out in force, stud breeders were also paying good money for quality sires with Craig Ross, Kemmis Creek – Santa Gertrudis & Quarter Horses, Nebo, Qld paying $28,000 for lot 1, the Franz family, Darr Creek, Jandowae paying $50,000 for lot 5 and Scott and Therese Humphreys, Welbatch, Mummulgum, NSW paying $20,000 for lot 6.

Norm Black, Ayredale, Federal, NSW and Ben Adams, Dangarfield Cattle Co. – Santa Gertrudis Breeders, Taroom, Qld were also among the stud buyers endorsing the breeding program of managers Brett and Lucy Ellem and Yulgilbar’s directors, the Myer and Bailleu families.

Agents: George & Fuhrmann Livestock Casino & Tweed with guest auctioneer Innes Fahey, Copmanhurst, NSW calling the bids.