After more than 30 years in the stud breeding fraternity, the McGregor family made the decision to "simplify" its large-scale beef operation and run only a commercial herd.

It offered the best Angus Performance Recorded and Herd Book Recorded cows from its stud herd of more than 1000 females over a selling marathon, including many females from the high-profile The Basin herd it bought three years ago.

In a solid 74 per cent clearance, 257 of the 346 pregnancy tested in-calf females sold to $6000 twice averaging $1737, while 170 of the 228 calves averaged $875.

Instead of studs stepping up to buy some of the Angus breed's leading genetics, it was discerning commercial buyers doing much of the bidding and able to pick up many lots at the modest reserves of $1200 for PTIC females and $600 for the six-to-seven-month calves.

More than one 100 of the females were from from Willalooka's best 10 cow families, including the two $6000 sale-toppers which were proven matrons of the Willalooka herd.

* Full report in Stock Journal, December 3 issue.