Limehills Polled Hereford Stud sold all of the 49 bulls it offered at its 46th annual sale in Millers Flat last week.
The rising 2-year-old bulls sold for an average of $10,300 and four were sold to studs.
Stud co-owner Gray Pannett said the strong sale result was a reflection of the confidence in the beef industry and the Hereford breed.
The average price might be the highest in the history of the sale.
Richard Hore, of Beaumont Station near Millers Flat, paid the top price of $24,000 for Limehills Supreme 230080, sired by Limehills Stardom 190168.
In the sale catalogue, Limehills Supreme 230080 was pitched as a "powerful square set bull with growth and carcass".
Farmers had more discretionary income to spend on bulls this season compared with last season and the sector was in a positive space.
Addressing more than 100 people at the end of the auction, his wife Robyn said he "lives and breathes Herefords" and the sale result was recognition of his hard work.
Southern bull sales
Foulden Hill and Bluestone, Middlemarch. Hereford: Sold 9 of 14. Average $6556. Top $9500. Santa Gertrudis and Braford: Sold 4 of 5. Average $7125. Top $10,500. Hereford heifers: Sold 6 of 6. Average $2133. Top $2800.
Peters Angus, Beaumont. Sold 20 of 22. Average $8400. Top $16,500.
Limehills Hereford, Millers Flat. Sold 49 of 49. Average $10,300. Top $24,000.
Monymusk Hereford, Te Anau. Sold 30 of 37. Average $7839. Top $17,000.
Pikoburn Angus, Western Southland. Sold 15 of 16. Average $8533. Top $19,500.
Pourakino Herefords, Western Southland. Sold 13 of 15. Average $9500. Top $20,000.
Wainuka South Devons, Western Southland. Sold 3 of 4. Average $6666. Top $10,000.
Kowai Angus, Wendon. Sold 12 of 20. Average $6541. Top $11,000.
Waikaka Herefords, Waikaka. Sold 16 of 27. Average $4875. Top $10,500.
