Do bulls sell?

Joey Baker Cresswell · Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:32 pm

I was hoping someone may be able to advise on selling bulls. I have an 8 year old non-short bull who I have had for 4 years. I can't use him after this year as he is related to many of my heifers now and wondered whether bulls sell or whether it is easier to send them for meat and possibly get more for them. I have never sold a bull as my other bull is 16 and will have to go straight to the incinerator eventually.

Saffy · Post by **Saffy** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 4:23 pm

I have never sold a bull myself but a friend recently put her non short bull up for sale on this site and he was snapped up within a few days. So my guess is if your bull is of good conformation and pedigree, you supply a decent photograph and don't ask too much a bull is a very saleable item.

Stephanie

monica waltho · Post by **monica waltho** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:18 pm

Good non-short bulls usually sell well and as the bull I assume you are refering to is Hollycroft Sam* he passed the stage one inspection by the society so that should help.
Compared to your other bull he's still a baby but someone could expect to get at least 3-4 years work out of him. If you send Mark a good photo and his details to put on the for sale site as Saffy suggests it doesnt cost you anything and if he doesnt sell you still have the other option.
Is your old boy still working ?

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:59 pm

It's easy to sell bulls but not at the right price! I stopped bothering some years ago and beef mine. I sent two pure Dexters in during 2008/2009, one a large 8 year old, and we got £700 for him, and the other was about 3 years, much smaller, and we got £600. No test or anything required, just straight to the abattoir after making sure they were in a reasonable finished condition.

I think the price has gone down since then. To do this with our local OTM abattoir (ABP), you have to be Farm Assured. That won't always apply but best to check. If you are farm assured and your bull has been off farm, he needs to be back with you for 90 days (usually), otherwise you may be farm assured but he won't be.

There can be reductions in price for undersize (usually less than 260/270 kg) but a lot of people will be amazed at the weight of bulls dead. I guessed the one would produce a carcass of 260kg and he came in at 320kg deadweight. Bulls produce a lot more beef for their size.

Edited By Broomcroft on 1288890165

Post by **Mark Bowles** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:16 pm

Good non-short bulls sell well, but beware, people will not buy rubbish. If you have a stage 1 bull with a good pedigree then it should be selling for around the £1000 mark, possibly a lot more. At 8 years old it still has plenty of life in it yet.
Send me a decent photo for an advert and we will see how it goes.
As a general comment, there are top breeders out there looking for good non-short bulls and are willing to pay good money.The underlying prices for non-short bulls has increased considerably in the last few years, Knightsway Paddy setting the pace.
Don't forget, your stock bull is half your herd.

domsmith · Post by **domsmith** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:21 pm

People might be suprised, but i am a sentimentalist. if your bull has served you well, i would give him a chance and advertise him see what happens. some one else might appreciate him yet.

wise old bulls have a certain regal manner, its sad to see them in the abattoir waiting for there turn. i can almost believe they know their fate. but they always have that dignity and calmness.

like i said i am far too soft for this game.

d

Joey Baker Cresswell · Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:12 am

Thank you for all your replies. Yes the bull is Hollycroft Sam* who passed the stage 1 inspection. He is a good bull who is very sound and very fertile and quiet to handle. I would much rather find him a good home as I am very soft too but just wondered if there was much of a market. We are also in TB free area in North Northumberland which I think is also worth alot. I will photograph him and do an advert as almost finished with him. How much should I ask do you think? My old bull is still working at 16 with friend's cattle as can't bear to put him down. He is still very sound and fertile. He is Migh Razeem who I bought from Hazel Clarke about 9 years ago and was one of the best £500 ever spent!

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 2:25 pm

8 years old....£1,500?