With demand for quality sires on the rise and renewed momentum in the cattle market, Riddellvue Angus will bring 30 well-structured, paddock-ready bulls to market at its upcoming spring sale on Thursday 11 September.
The sale will be held on-property at Markwood in north-east Victoria, with online bidding available via AuctionsPlus.
Stud principal Ian Bates said the signs are positive heading into the season.
“It’s been a tough couple of years, dry conditions, high input costs; but the tide is turning,” he said.
“We’re seeing a lift in cattle prices and a stronger sense of confidence returning across the board.”
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This year’s sale includes an exciting introduction of outcross genetics sourced from the US, a move Bates said has been in the works for some time.
“We’ve always bred for what works on the ground, good feet, good fertility, bulls that hold their condition.
"These new sires fit that mould and bring something fresh to our program.”
This year’s draft introduces a fresh line of outcross US genetics, selected specifically for their adaptability, structure and commercial relevance.
Bates has incorporated sires like Yon Saluda, Virginia Tech Statesman and Sterling Pacific, with bulls not commonly seen in Australian catalogues but carefully chosen for what they bring to the paddock.
“These are bulls I’ve studied for a while.
"They’re not household names here, but they’re the right type; strong on feet, structurally correct, with balance across growth, fertility, and maternal traits,” Bates said.
He was particularly impressed by the performance and progeny style of Yon Saluda, describing them as “born with real presence, deep-bodied, wide-topped and calves that get up and grow”.
With the added bonus of excellent udder and foot structure in the daughters, Bates said he’s confident they’ll leave a lasting impact.
Virginia Tech Statesman brings length, muscle and flexibility into the program.
Known for his strong foot health, maternal strength and high carcass merit, his sons have fetched standout prices in US sales.
“He just does so much right.
"Calving ease, growth, longevity, you can pair him with a wide range of cows and get consistency,” Bates said.
The spring team also includes another strong draft of Reiland Ricochet sons, a sire that continues to prove himself year after year at Riddellvue.
“We like everything about him,” Bates said.
“His calves are consistent, easy to work with, and they’ve got the frame and doing ability we want in a commercial setting.
"They just get the job done.”
With many commercial producers having held off on bull purchases in recent years, Bates believes this sale offers an ideal opportunity to reset.
“A lot of people have kept old bulls longer than they normally would, and there are plenty of heifers ready to be joined,” he said.
“These bulls are ready to go to work.”
All clients and visitors are warmly invited to attend the auction with pre-sale inspections by appointment welcome if buyers and agents are unable to make it to the stud open day on Friday 29 August.
Gates will be open from 10am at the Markwood property on sale day with the auction kicking off at 1pm on Thursday, 11 September, on-site at 153 Markwood-Tarrawingee Road and online via AuctionsPlus.
For more information, including sale catalogue and videos, visit www.riddellvue.com.au or follow Riddellvue Angus on Facebook and Instagram.
