A South Island bull sold for a national record price of $168,000 on Monday at Taimate Angus near Ward, in Marlborough. The bull, listed as Lot 3, was bought by Dean McHardy, owner of Tangihau Stud in Gisborne. The sale beat the previous record of $161,000, which was set last year.
The bull weighed 850 kilograms and was praised for its size, calm nature and strong breeding background. Taimate Angus owner and breeder Paul Hickman said the animal was “outstandingly good” in every way. He said the bull performed well both on paper and in the paddock.
About 300 people attended the sale, and some could not fit inside the room because there was so much interest. McHardy said the bull had excellent data and would fit well into his breeding programme. He also joked that he had hoped the bidding would stop before the price passed his own record from last year.
More big bull sales are coming soon on the East Coast, where McHardy will also be selling animals from his own stud. He said another record could be set if buyers decide the bulls are good enough. High prices often happen when more than one stud strongly wants the same animal.
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