Successful last hurrah for Rayleigh

AFTER 69 magnificent years, it was the end of an era for the Holcombe family on Friday 10 July, when the final Rayleigh Poll Hereford bull sale was held at ‘Kombali’, Narrabri.

“Enormous result in the final sale and great to go out with a bang,” said agent Bruce Evans of Nutrien Ag Solutions, Narrabri.

Competitive bidding pushed the top-selling bull to an impressive $26,000 price tag, but beyond the financial figure, the homozygous polled Rayleigh Valedictorian (Lot 7) was a particularly meaningful sale; the sire heading home with loyal Rayleigh clients Gisela and Wilfred Steiner of Coonamble, who purchased three bulls on the day.

The Holcombe family presented loyal and long-time buyers with gifts. Wilfred Steiner, Robyn Holcombe, Anna (nee Holcombe) and Rosie Davidson, Jeff Holcombe, Gisela Steiner and Angus Moore, representing Nowley Pastoral Company. BELOW LEFT: Ally Stanfield and Daniel Schmidt. BELOW RIGHT: Cathy and Caitlin Evans.

Valedictorian was the youngest bull offered at the sale, structurally very good with a little more frame, a great topline and smoothness through his shoulders.

He’s the son of Rayleigh Terrance, the sire that sold for $30,000 at the stud’s dispersal sale in September.

Valedictorian was described as having ‘length of body and neck, with plenty of depth of body. A smooth skinned heifer’s first calf’.

Cathy and Caitlin Evans.

It was a day of mixed emotions for the Holcombe family, who said they were ‘humbled’ to receive such incredible support at the 17th and final Rayleigh sale, clearing all 23 bulls on offer and achieving an average price of $13,174.

It was also a triple treat for the Carberry family of Narrabri and the Sykes from Moree, who each purchased three bulls at the sale.

“We would like to sincerely thank everyone for being here to support us today,” Jeff Holcombe told attendees before the sale kicked off.

Kath Rabone, Harry Davidson and Rob Rabone. BELOW LEFT: After 69 magnificent years, it was the end of an era for the Holcombe family on Friday 10 July, when the final Rayleigh Poll Hereford bull sale was held at ‘Kombali’, Narrabri. Pictured with the top-selling bull Rayleigh Valedictorian (Lot 7), sold for $26,000, are Nutrien stud stock manager John Settree, Robyn Holcombe, Gisela Steiner, Jeff Holcombe and Wilfred Steiner. The Steiners, of Coonamble, bought three bulls at the sale. Photos: Ali Smith. BELOW RIGHT: Jenny Mapstone and Annette Cruickshank.

“Today marks the end of our family’s lifelong passion of breeding Poll Hereford cattle and we wish to thank each and every one of you who has been a part of the Rayleigh journey over the last 69 years.

“Your support, trust and friendship mean everything to us.

“As this chapter closes for us, we feel sad that all good things eventually have to end, but we are also excited for the road ahead and spending more time with family and friends.

“We are proud to be able to present this final draft of bulls and we would like to wish everyone the best of luck with the sale today.”

Emily Nott, Michael Nott, Isabelle Wall and Ed Wall. RIGHT: Georgia Bailey, Damon Murphy, Scotty Hann and Tony Bennett.

The sale attracted buyers from across regional NSW and Queensland, eager to make the most of their final chance to buy from Rayleigh, a stud renowned for its industry-leading genetics and quality bulls, from their good temperament to confirmation, muscle and growth.

“Rayleigh Poll Herefords began in 1957 with a vision to breed functional, efficient, and reliable cattle that could perform in real-world conditions,” said the Holcombe family.

“It’s been a privilege to see those genetics working across so many different herds and environments over the decades, delivering results where it counts: in the paddock, in the weaner pen, and in the bank account.

Ally Stanfield and Daniel Schmidt.

“We’re proud of the legacy we’ve created, not just in the bulls we’ve sold, but in the trust and relationships we’ve built along the way.

“Your support, whether recent or long-standing, has meant the world to us.

“Our operation has never just been about cattle; it’s been about people and doing things the right way, year in and year out.

“We truly feel that this year’s draft of bulls, the very last to be offered by Rayleigh, is as strong as ever.

“As always, these bulls are ready to work, with the predictability, soundness, and performance you’ve come to know and trust.”

Georgia Bailey, Damon Murphy, Scotty Hann and Tony Bennett.

The Holcombes thanked everyone for making Rayleigh’s last hurrah both a successful sale and a memorable day, with friends and family raising a glass of bubbles afterwards to celebrate decades of hard work by the Holcombe family as well as the stud’s mighty achievements.

Robyn and Anna Holcombe presented gifts to long-time clients, the Steiners and Nowley Pastoral Company, in attendance at the sale.

“We can’t say how much we appreciate everyone’s support, and there are many people who have been with us for a very long time,” said Robyn Holcombe.

Jenny Mapstone and Annette Cruickshank.

“It’s bittersweet, but we’re looking forward to the future.”

The Rayleigh stud was established in 1957 by Margaret and Allan Holcombe at ‘Rayleigh’, Cryon and successfully continued and consolidated by Jeff and Robyn Holcombe with their daughters Sarah and Anna.

In 2020, the Rayleigh on-farm sales moved to ‘Kombali’ on Kaputar Road, Narrabri.

Reflecting on Rayleigh’s long, almost seven-decade history involving three generations, the Holcombe family said breeding Poll Hereford cattle that stand the test of time has been ‘one of our greatest lifelong joys’.

After 69 magnificent years, it was the end of an era for the Holcombe family on Friday, 10 July, when the final Rayleigh Poll Hereford bull sale was held at ‘Kombali’, Narrabri. Pictured with the top-selling bull Rayleigh Valedictorian (Lot 7), sold for $26,000, Nutrien stud stock manager John Settree, Robyn Holcombe, Gisela Steiner, Jeff Holcombe and Wilfred Steiner. The Steiners, of Coonamble, bought three bulls at the sale. Photos: Ali Smith.

“As we close the door on Rayleigh Poll Herefords, we look back with enormous pride,” the family said.

“Whilst our complete dispersal last September marked the end of one chapter, we are incredibly proud to see the females continue on in herds across the country, beginning a new chapter of breeding in their new homes.

“We sincerely thank you for the role you’ve played in our journey.”

“As one chapter ends and another begins, we look forward to what lies ahead.”

The sale was conducted by Nutrien Narrabri and Nutrien Studstock and also offered an online option via AuctionsPlus.