An 834kg bull dubbed a “herd improver” that sold for a record $420,000 has been insured under an Achmea stud stock policy.

Premium cattle breeder Gundungarra Angus – based in the NSW Southern Highlands –needed cover after winning an auction in Bathurst so it could move stud sire Millah Murrah Wyatt W50 interstate.

Big business: Millah Murrah Wyatt

Wyatt is now in Victoria with animal genetics specialist ABS Global, with semen collected through Total Livestock Genetics.

“This bull is going to make a mark on the industry,” Gundungarra Angus manager David Croker said.

“The interest right now is phenomenal, not just here in Australia but across the world. There is demand and the straws are currently selling for $300 each ... We hope to breed a few good sons ourselves we can use as well.”

Mr Croker says securing insurance was a priority after the auction.

“Anything can happen, from a snakebite through to transport, so it was important to have cover arranged before moving him from the sale location to his new home in Victoria.”

Wyatt made headlines in the agricultural industry as the most expensive bull sold in Australia, after his phenotype and temperament made him a standout.

Mr Croker watched bloodlines for many years and says Wyatt’s value comes from how he could be used across a wide range of females.

“That is why he is so sought after. He was just perfect. His temperament was amazing, and his skin and structure were very good. That was the bull we needed to have,” he said.

“I think he is a herd improver. He has the potential to improve quality and, as stud breeders, that is what we are always trying to do. We sort of fell in love with this Wyatt bull.”

Achmea farm insurance specialist Gerard Bennett says it was a memorable phone call from Gundungarra Angus, and “within an hour or so, we were on the back of a ute with David, working through what was needed to make sure Wyatt was insured.

“It’s not every day you get a call about a $420,000 Angus bull. This has been a career highlight. To be able to support David and Gundungarra Angus and help get cover in place for Wyatt was something pretty special.”