The Keswick Poll Hereford dispersal saw the culmination of a 40-year breeding program conducted by Bill Shugg and his managers, the latest being Peter and Deidre Gosper.
In a telling finale, the commercial cows with calves sold to a top of $1650 a unit.
The stud cattle were bred to produce high-quality bulls for use in the extensive commercial operation, but all cattle are classed annually and females must wean a top calf every year.
Bulls have been purchased for in excess of $60,000 over the years, and the quality was quickly recognised at the dispersal of the commercial herd where just on 1000 head were sold under the hammer in a little over one hour to buyers from southern NSW and Victoria, as well as northern slopes and plains and the northern rivers region of NSW.
Many buyers said it was very rare for cattle of such quality to be offered for sale and the prices recorded reflected the buyers appreciation of the cow herd.
* More details will appear in The Land, NSW, November 20 edition.
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