Benelkay Santas 15th Annual Bull sale
Thursday August 20th, 2026
35/36 bulls sold for a 98% clearance, averaging $10,393 and topping at $32,000 for Benelkay Valentine V240 (PP)
Strong demand from both commercial and stud buyers underpinned an outstanding result for Benelkay Santas – Santa Gertrudis vendors Andrew and Jules Orman’s annual bull sale held on property at Glenmore, Mullaley.
The Ormans offered 36 bulls, selling 35 head for a 98 per cent clearance rate and a highly impressive average of $10,393.
Leading the sale was Lot 17, Benelkay Valentine V240 (PP), which sold for $32,000 to Ken Sorensen, Landsborough Santas, Winton, Qld.
The 19-month-old sire prospect is a son of Bullamakinka Remington R294 (P) from a Benelkay female and attracted significant attention and competition.
A homozygous poll bull, Valentine was described by his breeders as possessing excellent length and width over the topline, strong muscle expression, a soft dark coat and a complete package of balanced EBVs.
At sale time he weighed 711kg, recorded average daily gains of 1.25kg/day, a 42cm scrotal circumference, 10mm P8 fat, 8mm rib fat, an EMA of 120sq cm, IMF of 5.1 per cent and a 90 per cent semen morphology score.
The second top-selling bull, Lot 7, Benelkay Valencia V026 (PS), realised $30,000 when purchased by John Brown, Valencia Stud, Capella, Qld.
A son of Strathmore Senator S498 (P), also from a Benelkay female, Valencia V026 was notably the first son by Strathmore Senator ever offered by the stud.
The Ormans described him as a powerful young sire prospect with excellent breed character who has stood out since weaning.
Dark-coated with a neat sheath and strong constitution, he attracted keen stud interest before selling to his new Queensland home.
The 23-month-old bull weighed 926kg, had achieved average daily gains of 1.35kg/day, measured 43cm in scrotal circumference, scanned 13mm P8 fat, 10mm rib fat, an EMA of 136sq cm and IMF of 5.5 per cent.
A notable feature of the sale was the commitment shown by top-price purchaser Ken Sorensen, who travelled from Winton to Mullaley, a road journey of about 1,450 kilometres, to secure his selections.
Mr Sorensen’s Landsborough Santas operation was also among the volume buyers, purchasing four bulls for a total of $66,000, including the $32,000 sale topper, to average $16,500.
Other major supporters included:
• Jack Atkins, Longreach, Qld who purchased five bulls to average $8,000.
• The O’Dell family, Bingara, NSW, who secured three bulls at an average of $7,700.
The sale demonstrated broad geographic demand for Benelkay genetics, with bulls heading to a wide range of destinations across both Queensland and New South Wales.
In Queensland, purchases were made by buyers from Winton, Capella, Boulia, Goondiwindi and Hannaford, while NSW buyers will take bulls back to Bingara, Boggabri, Coonamble, Tottenham, Walgett and other districts.
The strong clearance and six-figure gross result reinforced the confidence buyers continue to place in the Benelkay breeding program, with the stud’s emphasis on fertility, structural soundness, performance and commercially relevant Santa Gertrudis genetics attracting widespread support from both returning and new clients.
Auctioneer Scott Cooper, Elders Stud Stock NSW, officiated at the rostrum, while AuctionsPlus facilitated the simulcast online.
Source Santa Gertrudis Australia 2026