The $161,000 bull in question is Tangihau U418, purchased at auction by Wairarapa farmer Keith Higgins during last year’s East Coast Angus bull week.
McDonald said the sales will run for the next six weeks, and PGG Wrightson would be busy inspecting bulls and keeping a watchful eye on any standouts.
“If that bull is out there, we’ll find him,” he said.
Positive feed conditions, buoyant calf sales, and strong beef prices were reasons to be optimistic, but McDonald said genetics had a big part to play in breeding the perfect bull.
“With genetics – they’ve got to be the right ones, and they’ve got to be fit for purpose," he said.
“A lot of work’s been put in behind the scenes in the last six, seven weeks to make sure that happens and is built into those sales.”
While it was a “hectic” time, it was also “pretty exciting”, he said.
“I think it’s good to see sheep and beef farmers having their day in the sun, and it’s all positive, which is really nice to see.”
It wasn’t all about the Angus breed either.
“In genetics, we’re always looking for that top bull, regardless of what breed it is,” McDonald said.
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“Those top bulls of any breed are always sought after to take that individual breed forward.
“All of those breeders are always looking for that next bull, regardless of where the market is.”
He said it always helped if there was “a bit more money being thrown around the industry”.
Even so, McDonald said top-end bulls didn’t come around that often.
“When they do, it’s pretty cool, and they add a bit of value to the beef industry for years to come.”
