DROUGHTMASTER
Page Sale
2023 DROUGHTMASTER SALES SNAPSHOT Offered
Sold
Gross
Top
Average
Clearance
2
All Breeds Sale
79
69
$647,500
$42,500
$9,384
87%
2
National Female Sale
184
172
$1,020,500
$37,000
$5,933
93%
2
Highlands Droughtmaster Sale
60
57
$679,000
$26,000
$11,912
95%
3
Cloncurry Bull Sale
115
115
$1,088,000
$46,000
$9,460
100%
3
Fieldhouse Bull Sale
93
93
$621,500
$42,000
$6,683
100%
3
Munda Reds Bull Sale
116
116
$1,418,500
$42,500
$12,228
100%
5
Fitzroy Crossing Invitational Bos Indicus Bull Sale
62
62
$350,250
$8,000
$5,649
100%
5
High Country Bull Sale
45
36
$305,000
$50,000
$8,471
80%
5
High Country Female Sale
26
26
$111,000
$10,000
$4,269
100%
6
Bunya Bull Sale
81
46
$366,000
$44,000
$7,957
56%
6
Droughtmaster National Bull Sale
442
346
$3,798,000
$140,000
$10,977
78%
7
Glenlands Future Proof Female Sale
28
28
$449,000
$70,000
$16,035
100%
7
Glenlands Bull Sale
196
196
$4,402,000
$320,000
$22,459
100%
7
Carnarvon Classic Droughtmaster Sale
61
54
$521,000
$24,000
$9,648
88%
8
Clonlara Sale
54
32
$221,000
$16,000
$6,906
59%
8
Cap Droughtmaster Bull Sale
67
43
$270,000
$14,000
$6,279
64%
9
Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale
94
52
$235,000
$12,000
$4,519
55%
9
Central Reds Bull Sale
60
34
$211,000
$12,000
$6,205
57%
11
Valera Vale Sale
107
107
$706,000
$26,000
$6,598
100%
11
Donaldson Family Sale
73
70
$727,510
$37,500
$10,393
96%
12
Piggot Droughtmaster Bull Sale
55
49
$470,250
$20,000
$8,550
89%
12
Artesian Sale
88
80
$563,000
$22,000
$7,037
91%
13
BullZeye Droughtmaster Bull Sale
64
55
$375,000
$13,000
$6,818
86%
13
CQ Invitational Sale
61
36
$281,000
$24,000
$7,806
59%
15
Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale
104
50
$394,000
$28,000
$7,880
48%
15
Monty Atkinson Genetics Sale
110
88
$799,040
$37,500
$9,080
80%
16
Cream of the Crop Female Sale
64
55
$212,000
$11,500
$3,855
86%
2167 $21,242,050
$320,000
$9,803
88%
Total
2474
Front cover image: Glenlands D Everest. Photo by Kent Ward
• Back cover image: Glenlands D English Rose. Photo by Kent Ward
2023 BULL SALES REVIEW THE 2023 SELLING SEASON provided mixed results for many of our breeders. In contrast to last year, we went into this selling season with drier conditions, lower cattle prices and higher interest rates. These are all key drivers that affect the market and unfortunately, they lie outside of the control for many of our producers. While the majority of sales were down on all performance metrics compared to the previous year, we thank all the buyers and agents for their ongoing support of the Droughtmaster breed. On a positive note, the investment that Droughtmaster breeders have made over the past few years in genetic improvement did reflect the quality of bulls that breeders turned out for sale, and I would like to congratulate all breeders on the upgrades that they have made to their herds in recent years. Furthermore,
there has been a noticeable shift in the quality of marketing and promotion undertaken by individual breeders which is highly commendable. In a market such as the one we have just experienced, it is more important than ever to continually raise the bar in order to compete with other breeds in this competitive landscape. While there were some excellent prices across the breed and across the many sales around the country, two in particular stood out. This year saw Glenlands achieve two record sales for the breed by fetching $320,000 for a bull and $70,000 for a heifer. The bull, Glenlands D Everest sold to a partnership of international interests, Considerata South Africa and Samari stud and the female, Glenlands D English Rose sold to the Carrington family of Rondel Droughtmasters, Winton. Interestingly, Glenlands D
Everest and Glenlands D English Rose were both sired by Rondel Whiskey who was offered by Rondel Droughtmasters and was a sale topper ($160k) at the 2020 Droughtmaster National Bull Sale. As I write this report, there are forecasts of good rainfall across the country in the lead up to Christmas and I hope that you are all beneficiaries of this rainfall and that it can give you some much needed relief over the festive season. We look forward to working with you all again next selling season and we also hope that market and seasonal conditions are more favourable to allow you to capitalise on the genetic improvements that you have all made. I wish you and your families a happy and safe Christmas and look forward to seeing you in 2024. - Simon Gleeson, CEO
Simon Gleeson | Chief Executive Officer | Droughtmaster Australia 2023 SALES WRAP
• droughtmaster.com.au
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FEB ALL BREEDS By KENT WARD A NEW breed event record of $42,500 was posted at the Annual February All Breeds Bull and Female Sale, CQLX, Gracemere. Droughtmaster bulls saw an 87 per cent clearance at auction, setting a bottom-line average of $9384 for the 69 lots sold. Averages slipped by $1685 a head over the previous year, while clearance levels dipped by 10 per cent over the same period. Counterbalancing these figures was the fact that an extra 33 bulls sold through the ring as compared to the 2022 sale. The breed recorded the second highest price overall at the sale with Bryvonlea Wallace (PP) offered by Brian and Yvonne Heck and family, Bryvonlea Stud, Glastonbury. Top selling $42,500, Bryvonlea Wallace (PP) with Josh and Brian Heck, Bryvonlea Stud, Glastonbury with Alison Atkinson, who represented buyers, Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Stud, Clermont.
Wallace (Redskin Kalahari) (27-months) (785kg) (12/8mm) (144 EMA) (5.1 IMF) sold to Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Stud, Clermont.
• Agents: Elders, Nutrien Ag Solutions and Stocklive. • 2024 Sale Date: 12-13 February
42ND DROUGHTMASTER NATIONAL FEMALE SALE
SALE HIGHLIGHTS AT A GLANCE
A NATIONAL FEMALE SALE record top price of $37,000 was paid on March 11 at the Gympie Saleyards for Oasis A Miss Icon.
SOLD 172
The 14-month-old daughter of Glenlands D Arbor, out of Oasis A Miss Lace, sold to Troy Mitchell, THEG Droughtmasters Emerald Beach, NSW.
AVERAGE $5933
GROSS $1,020,500 TOP $37,000
CLEARANCE 93%
The sale’s second top-price honour went to a first-time vendor as Tomawill Giggles Top priced female, Lot 83 Oasis A Miss Icon. was knocked down to Simon Kinbacher, Garthowen Droughtmasters, Biggenden for $35,000, on behalf of Tomawill Droughtmasters, Templin. A full post sale report is available on the Droughtmaster website www.droughtmaster.com.au
Joined Heifer Average:
$5500
Cow & Calf Unit Average:
$9000
Unjoined Heifer Average:
$5902
All buyers, under-bidders and vendors are thanked for contributing to a successful sale. Next year’s 43rd National Female Sale is scheduled for March 9.
HIGHLANDS DROUGHTMASTER SALE By CLARE ADCOCK HIGHLANDS DROUGHTMASTER GROUP set record sale average at 2023 sale AT THE FALL of the hammer of the 32nd annual Highlands Droughtmaster bull sale in Clermont, 57 of the 60 bulls on offer sold to a clearance of 95 per cent at an average of $11,912, surpassing last year’s average by $1128 and equalling the top price of $26,000. Ten vendors achieved a record overall sale average. Top price honours once again went to the Geddes family of Oasis Droughtmasters, Rockhampton, selling Oasis Sovereign to the Carter family, Jemcar Droughtmasters, Widgee for $26,000. The top priced Oasis Sovereign, with vendor Adam Geddes, Oasis stud, and buyer Maddy Carter, Jemcar Droughtmasters. Picture: Clare Adcock
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• Courtesy of Queensland Country Life. • 2024 Sale Date: 15 March droughtmaster.com.au
• 2023 SALES WRAP
CLONCURRY BULL SALE By KENT WARD A DROUGHTMASTER herd bull has set a new breed record top price of $46,000 at the Cloncurry Bull Sale in March. Setting the new benchmark was Glenlands D 363 (P) selling to Len and Sue Bode, Percol Plains, McKinlay. Staged at the Cloncurry Bull Selling Complex, the sale involved 115 poll or ‘PP’ bulls from two prefixes, Glenlands D and Eddington Droughtmaster Studs. Resulting in another complete clearance, a sale top of $46,000 and a bottom-line average of $9460, vendors recorded a sale gross of $1.088 million. In a breakdown of the catalogue, 44 registered bulls sold to $12,000 on four occasions to average $8800 while 71 herd bulls made to $46,000 to set a $9873 average. Record breaker and top seller at the 2023 CBS Sale, the $46,000, Glenlands D 363 (P). The 776-kilogram lot aged between 19 to 21 months sold to Len and Sue Bode, Percol Plains, McKinlay.
conducting the sale were Hourn & Bishop Qld Pty Ltd., • Agents TopX with the simulcast on Elite Livestock Auctions. • 2024 Sale Date: 27 March
FIELDHOUSE DROUGHTIES SKYROCKET TO $42,000 RECORD A TOTAL CLEARANCE of 93 bulls offered at the Fieldhouse Droughtmaster sale, Jurien Bay, WA posted a top-price record of $42,000 and a solid average of $6683 across the catalogue. Local and pastoral buyers, both new and returning, were among the sale’s attendees to support and purchase the quality catalogue from the Mutton family. Last year’s inaugural sale saw prices reached a top of $15,000 and averaged $6586 for the same number of bulls and a 100 per cent clearance to match. Fieldhouse BC7#127 (PP) (by Glenlands J Voltage) fetched a new stud record high of $42,000 at the second annual Fieldhouse Droughtmaster on-property bull sale at Jurien Bay with Nutrien agents Richard Keach (left), auctioneer Dane Pearce, and Shane Flemming with buyers Tim D’Arcy and Scott Keilor, Lyndon Station, Minilya and Regans Ford/Cataby and Fieldhouse stud co-principals Ben, Kerryn and Ken Mutton.
The $42,000 stud record top-priced bull, Fieldhouse BC7#127 (PP), catalogued in lot 78, dominated the sale ring from start to finish, with the bidding war won by returning top-price buyers Tim D’Arcy, Lyndon station, Minilya and manager Scott Keilor, Regans Ford/ Cataby.
• Report courtesy of Farm Weekly • 2024 Sale Date: 10 April
MUNDA REDS DROUGHTMASTER BULL SALE BUYERS HAVE CLEARED the entire sale catalogue of 116 well measured and tested Munda Reds stud bulls and Mundabullangana commercial herd Droughtmaster bulls in Gingin, WA, to gross more than $1.4 million at an outstanding average of $12,228, with values reaching $42,500. This improved last year’s overall average by $1181 where all 129 bulls sold at auction for an average of $11,047. Munda Reds Glencoe manager Ben Wright holds the $42,500 top-priced bull Munda Reds Golden Boy 4779 (PP) (by Oasis A Hudson) at the Munda Reds Droughtmaster second annual on-property bull sale at Gingin, WA.
2023 SALES WRAP
Described by Munda Reds stud principal Mike Thompson as a “celebration of the Droughtmaster breed in WA”, the huge result hinged on the back of positive widespread buying support from throughout WA and Queensland studs.
• Story courtesy of Farm Weekly
• droughtmaster.com.au
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Jack Poplawski, Whirlybird Photography
BRED FOR AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS. SUITABLE FOR ALL MARKETS.
droughtmaster.com.au
FITZROY CROSSING INVITATION BOS INDICUS BULL SALE 62 OUT OF 62 Droughtmaster bulls sold for a 100% clearance to average $5,649. The top priced Droughtmaster bull, Lot 46, SC 226066, offered by SC Droughtmasters, was sold for $8,000 to Napier Corporation, Napier Downs Station, Derby. Congratulations to all Droughtmaster breeders for positively representing and promoting the breed in Western Australia. Credit to anyone who travelled interstate to get bulls to the sale safely.
Lot 46, SC 226066, by SC Droughtmasters, Claire and Steven Farmer.
HIGH COUNTRY DROUGHTMASTERS BULL & FEMALE SALE HIGH COUNTRY DROUGHTMASTERS achieved a new on-property record of $50,000, in August of this year for the 10th Annual High Country Bull Sale. Repeat buyers, Michael Thompson, Kim Goad and Ben and Olivia Wright from Munda Reds, Western Australia, purchased
the top priced bull, High Country Legend, a son of the $160,000 Rondel Whiskey. 36 out of 45 bulls were sold with an 80% clearance and average of $8,471 while 26 out of 26 Droughtmaster females were sold for a 100% clearance. A great result with animals selling
High Country Legend with Steph Laycock (High Country), Ben Wright (Munda) and Max Wallis (High Country).
2023 SALES WRAP
• droughtmaster.com.au
to WA, NSW and as far as Quilpie and Winton in QLD. The females reached a top of $10,000 averaging $4,269 with the top price female selling to Amy and Scott Davenport of Kenview Stud, Laidley.
• 2024 Sale Date: 24 August
High Country Lucia with Amy Davenport (Kenview) and Steph Laycock (High Country).
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BUNYA BULL SALE By MELANIE BROWN. Quality Bulls at affordable prices!!! THE 10th ANNUAL Bunya Bull Sale was held on Saturday 2nd September at the Coolabunia Selling Complex, Kingaroy. 46 bulls found new homes in what was largely a buyers’ market. In the final washup, the sale averaged $7957 with 83% of bulls selling in the $5,000 to $8,000 range reinforcing this fixture as the best value for money sale on the Droughtmaster calendar. Topping the sale and setting a new sale record price of $44,000 was Lot 82 - Major Edge (PP) offered by Matt and Bec Brooks, Major Droughtmasters. Edge was purchased by the GJ Gold Family Trust. Major finished the day with their 2 bulls averaging a hefty $30,000 after Lot 83 - Major Tarmac (PP) fetched $16,000 to Lynsey Park & Sevenell Droughtmasters, Bell. The sale 2nd Top price was achieved by Lot 38 - Vale View M Komatsu offered by Mac Smith Vale View M Droughtmasters, Manumbar. Komatsu sold for $24,000 and will be heading to Kalbar Droughtmasters, Alpha.
Top Price Bull, Major Edge pictured with vendors Matt & Bec Brooks and Sale Agents, Simon Kinbacher, GDL and Midge Thompson. 3rd Top price at $20,000 was Lot 32 - Diamond Hill Achillies when he was knocked down to Dave McCabe, Breffni Droughtmasters. Achilles was offered by Peter & Darren Enniss, Rosedale. Diamond Hill finished with their pair averaging $12,500.
Agents – GDL and • Selling Aussie Land and Livestock. • 2024 Sale Date: 7 September
DROUGHTMASTER NATIONAL BULL SALE THE DROUGHTMASTER National Bull Sale sold 346 bulls out of 442 for a 78% clearance. The top price for Day One was Waringle Turbo, by Waringle Droughtmaster Stud, Elaman Creek, selling for $60,000 to Waylanbar Droughtmaster Stud, Emerald. Seymour Navasota by Seymour Droughtmasters topped the sale overall on Day Two for $140,000 and was sold to a syndicate of Needmor Droughtmasters, Gogango, and Yaralla Droughtmasters, Blackwater. Overall, the sale averaged $10,977 with a gross of $3,798,000. The bulk buyers were Bingcliff who secured the most bulls of the sale, 21 in total, averaging $5,000. The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Redfield Pastoral, Malcolm Andison, JS Cattle Co, SG Hock and Lund Grain Pty Ltd were also volume buyers on the day.
Top price bull, Seymour Navasota. Photo by Sasha Mylrea.
The Droughtmaster National Bull Sale highlighted that there were bulls for all markets. Both the average and clearance were solid despite market and seasonal conditions. We look forward to welcoming you all to the 2024 sale on the 17th and 18th September.
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Matt & Libby Hampson from Kurrawong Droughtmasters.
The Droughtmaster National Bull Sale Bull Walk
droughtmaster.com.au
• 2023 SALES WRAP
NEW BREED RECORDS $320,000 FOR BULLS AND $70,000 FOR HEIFERS AT GLENLANDS By KENT WARD. NEW BREED BENCHMARKS were set at the Annual Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe, in September. First to fall was a $70,000 heifer, Glenlands D English Rose (P) (IVF) (AI) (21-months) at the Glenlands ‘Future Proof ’ Female Sale. English Rose (Rondel Whiskey) sold to the Carrington family, Rondel Stud, Winton. The previous record was $47,500 set in 2007 for Glenlands Kineesha selling to the Vitwood Stud, Dundowran Beach. Twenty eight heifers averaged $16,035 for a total clearance. Glenlands D Empire State (P) (IVF) (AI) was the first of the two bulls to smash male records at the Annual Sale. Empire State (21-months) sold for $240,000 eclipsing the previous mark of $230,000 set at the 2022 Glenlands Sale. The bull sold in a three-quarter share full possession arrangement sold to Gray and Liz O’Neill, Nyanda, Rolleston. Just minutes later records were rewritten when Glenlands D Everest (P) (IVF) (AI) sold for $320,000. Everest (21-months) sold to a syndicate partnership involving overseas breeder,
Glenlands D Empire State, second top price bull. Photo by Kent Ward. Glenlands D Everest (top price bull) and Glenlands D English Rose (top price female) photos are displayed on the front and back cover. Johan Dannhauser, Considerata South Africa and the Samari Stud, Hughenden, Queensland. In a historic start to proceedings, 19 Feature Bulls sold to average a phenomenal $70,605. The end result saw a total clearance of 196 bulls to average $22,459 for a gross of
$4.402M culminating in an overall gross of $4.851M for the two sales. Hourn and Bishop • Agents: Qld, Grant Daniel and Long, Hoch and Wilkinson and Elite Livestock Auctions.
• 2024 Sale Date: 19 September
CARNARVON CLASSIC DROUGHTMASTER SALE THE ANNUAL CARNARVON CLASSIC DROUGHTMASTER SALE was held on 19th September at the Rolleston Saleyards. The top price of $24,000, was achieved twice by the Barton Family, Huntly Droughtmasters and the Geddes family, Oasis Droughtmasters.
First was Huntly Decide, purchased by Dane and Nikki Lund, Wondabah, Lund Grain Pty Ltd, Clermont. Decide was son of Clonlara 16126 and Huntly 1071. Second, was Oasis Bones, also purchased by Lund Grain Pty Ltd. Bones was son of Oasis A Silky Oak and Oasis A Lilly. The sale offered 61 bulls and sold 54 averaging $9,648 with a clearance of 88%. The Bloxsom Family Trust at Planet Downs, Rolleston, outlaid $77,000 to secure 11 bulls at an average of $7,000. The Hodgkinson family of Cairo Grazing, Clermont, were repeat buyers purchasing six bulls at an average of $7,667.
• 2024 Sale Date: 5 September
Equal top price bull, lot 52 Oasis A Bones, with Elders Studstocks’ Mitch Jackson, Murgon, buyer representative Jake Kennedy, on behalf of Lund Grain Pty Ltd, and vendor Adam Geddes, Oasis A Droughtmasters, Dingo. Picture: Ben Harden.
2023 SALES WRAP
• droughtmaster.com.au
2023 vendors of the Carnarvon Classic Droughtmaster Sale
Equal top price bull, lot 7, Huntly Decide, with buyer representative Jake Kennedy, Kennedy Livestock, Clermont, on behalf of Lund Grain Pty Ltd, and vendor Sam Barton, Huntly Droughtmasters, Clermont. Picture: Ben Harden.
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CLONLARA SALE THE CLONLARA SALE achieved the top price of $16,000 twice at their annual on-property sale at Glenmorgan in September.
who purchased Clonlara 22289, sired by Yaralla Arthur, going to stud duties.
To kick off the sale, Ben Hutton from Clermont, was bidding online to secure Lot 1, Clonlara 2235.
Bingcliff Pty Ltd, Wambo Feedlot, Dalby was a prominent buyer at the sale, purchasing seven bulls for an average of $5,142.
The equal top buyers were Darren and Helen Childs, Glenlands D,
The Anscombes at Charleville bought five bulls between
Lot 1 Clonlara 2235, equal top price bull, purchased by Ben Hutton, Clermont.
them for $5,000 each, and five other bulls went to Cameron Hudson, Maranoa Downs, Roma for an average of $7,400. 32 out of 54 Droughtmaster bulls were sold for a clearance of 59%.
• 2024 Sale Date: 25 September
Lot 4 Clonlara 22289, equal top price bull, purchased by Glenlands D Droughtmasters, Theodore.
CAP DROUGHTMASTER BULL SALE THE CAP DROUGHTMASTER Bull Sale saw the top price of $14,000 achieved twice by Atkinson & Co, Glenavon, Yaamba. The Atkinson family, Glenavon Droughtmasters, Yaamba and Geddes families, CMC stud, Springsure offered bulls at the CAP sale.
43 out of 67 bulls sold for a clearance of 64% and average of $6,279. First to the top spot was Lot 20, Glenavon Zambo, purchased by John and Denice Clark of Basalt Creek, Arcadia Valley, Rolleston. Lot 20 was son of Garthowen Wrangler and out of Glenavon 3236.
Lot 20 Glenavon Zambo pictured with John Atkinson and John Clarke sold to John and Denice Clark at Basalt Creek, Rolleston. Photo courtesy of Queensland Country Life.
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Second, was Glenavon Zilch, selling 23 lots later, to Parker Investments, Westwood also for $14,000. Zilch is a son of Glenavon Vinnie and out of Glenavon 3833. Despite the current market, there was a large amount of support from repeat buyers.
• 2024 Sale Date: 26 September
Lot 43 Glenavon Zilch pictured with John Atkinson and sold to Parker Investments, Westwood. Photo courtesy of Queensland Country Life.
droughtmaster.com.au
• 2023 SALES WRAP
DROUGHTMASTER DIAMOND GENETICS SALE
Top price of the sale Lot 108 Lake Moogerah Idaho with Sue Gutzke, Ella O’Neil (Emmaus College), Billy O’Neil (former student Emmaus College) By JENNY UNDERWOOD. A LARGE CROWD predominantly drawn from the local area as well as from the Darling Downs, the Burnett and northern NSW attended the inaugural Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Bull & Female Sale held at Hayes & Co, Silverdale on Saturday 23rd September. 54 bulls, 40 registered females and 10 commercial females were presented by 31 vendors drawn from a number of areas across the State.
Top price bull vendors Michael Hawkins and Bronwyn Betts (Nindethana Stud) with buyers Kiara Hughes and Matthew Krenske and baby daughter, Lainey. Top price bull honours went to Lot 40 Nindethana Nikko purchased by Kihayla Droughtmasters for $9,500. The registered females proved to be the highlight of the sale with spirited bidding via Elite Livestock Auctions and from the floor. A 13-month-old unjoined heifer, Lot 108 Lake Moogerah Idaho, topped the sale at $12,000 selling to High Country Droughtmasters. A number of females sold to Droughtmaster studs in NSW, the Western Downs, Gympie and as far west as Rolleston.
Lot 40 Nindethana Nikko top price bull of sale (photo credit Bronwyn Betts)
Commercial cow/calf units made $2,250 with unjoined females selling to $1,250/hd. Volume buyers, Dalmally Grazing, bid online to secure 6 registered females. The Diamond Genetics Sale was the first auction sale for a number of vendors who all agreed they gained valuable experience from the sale, enjoyed networking with fellow Droughtmaster breeders and are keen to return in 2024.
• 2024 Sale Date: 28 September
CENTRAL REDS BULL SALE THE GARSIDE FAMILY of Wetheron Droughtmasters, took out the top price bull with Wetheron
Foxtrot at the Central Reds Bull Sale. The clearance was 57% with an average of $6,205.
60 bulls were offered by Strathfield Droughtmasters, Clermont, Kenlogan Droughtmasters, Clermont, Wetheron Droughtmasters, Capella, Vale View Droughtmasters, Manumbar, Hillside Droughtmasters, Charters Towers, Mostyndale Droughtmasters, Springsure, Konjuli Droughtmasters, Woolooga, Red River, Nebo, Molan Droughtmasters, Thangool, and Seymour Droughtmasters, Gunalda. Lot 19 Wetheron Foxtrot was knocked down for the top price of $12,000 to the Sullivan family of Talagai Grazing Co, Capella. Foxtrot was sired by Wajatryn Muscle 2799 and out of a Wetheron Droughtmaster cow 9/4314. The 23-month-old-bull weighed 870 kilograms and was polled horned. The Sullivans run a Droughtmaster breeding and fattening operation, and plan to put Foxtrot with their quality breeder cows.
Top price bull, Lot 19 Wetheron Foxtrot, with RBV Rural agent Matt Beard, vendor Drew Garside, Wetheron Droughtmasters, Capella, and buyer Kurt Sullivan, Talagai, Capella. Picture: Ben Harden.
2023 SALES WRAP
• droughtmaster.com.au
The bulk buyers from the Central Reds Bull Sale were Larissa Black and the Daniel’s Family.
• 2024 Sale Date: 24 September 9
DROUGHTMASTER FEMALES
Great mothering ability, low-touch, adaptability Stacey Ford Photography
VALERA VALE SALE
THE VALERA VALE SALE was the first Droughtmaster auction to supply performance data for reproductive and other commercial traits based on Genomic Analysis as well as phenotypic records. It was attended by Professor Ben Hayes, the co-inventor of Genomic Analysis in cattle and his team Geoffry Fordyce and Elsie Dodd. The Valera Vale Sale sold 107 out of 107 bulls offered for a 100% clearance. The sale averaged $6,598 with a gross of $706,000. Steve Burnett of The Burnett Group Co, Monteagle, Clermont purchased the top priced bull, 22492M, for $26,000. The top priced bull went to a cross breeding program for the Burnett’s commercial heard. The volume buyers were the Smoothy family of Rachlan Holdings, Marble Bar, WA, who bought 22 bulls for their Pilbara operation, to go with the two decks of paddock bulls already purchased.
Valera Vale 22492M, top price bull, sold to Steve Burnett.
• 2024 Sale Date: 12 September
DONALDSON FAMILY SALE THERE WAS STRONG demand from commercial and seedstock operations from across Queensland and the Northern Territory at the inaugural Donaldson Family Sale. Held at the family’s brand-new sale complex at Bogantungan, 70 out of 73 Droughtmaster bulls were sold for a 96% clearance. The Sale grossed $727,510 for an average of $10,393.
Lot 7 Medway Fire and Ice, top price bull, sold to Waylanbar Droughtmasters, Emerald.
The top priced bull, Lot 7 Medway Fire and Ice, was knocked down for $37,500 to Wayne and Lanna Barnes and family of Waylanbar Droughtmasters, Emerald. Fire and Ice is a 23-month-old son of Medway Boston and Medway Wonnitta. The second top price was Medway Farky sold for $36,000 to Chris and Vicki Dmitrieff, Kurrajong Pastoral Co, Alpha. Sam and Lizzie Bradford of Arcturus Downs, Springsure, were the top volume buyers on the day, securing 11 bulls for an average price of $7,182.
• 2024 Sale Date: 27 September 2023 SALES WRAP
Lot 24 Medway Farky, second top price bull, sold to Kurrajong Pastoral, Alpha.
• droughtmaster.com.au
11
PIGGOT DROUGHTMASTER BULL SALE THE PIGGOT Droughtmaster Bull Sale sold 49 bulls for a clearance of 89% and average of $8,550 at the Springsure Showgrounds. The sale was topped by the Jonsson family of Laurelvale Station, Praire who paid $20,000 for Aldinga Necessary 65, a son of Aldinga His Nibs who is by influential sire Aldinga Davy Jones, with Truvalle breeding on his dam’s side. Phillip Carr and his daughter, Olivia, Glastonbury were volume buyers on the day purchasing 10 lots to average $5,500. The Berry Family Trust, Dysart, took home nine bulls for an average of $8,220, while Fred Noffke, Kooringal Pastoral Co, Springsure purchased seven bulls to average $12,000. Aldinga Necessary 65, top price bull, purchased by Laurelvale Station, Praire.
• 2024 Sale Date: 11 September
ARTESIAN SALE THE ARTESIAN SALE boasted a 91% clearance selling 80 out of 88 bulls. The top price bull was Yaralla Damien by Yaralla Droughtmasters selling for $22,000 to Darren and Helen Childs from Glenland D Droughtmasters. The 24-monthold was described by Mr Childs as, ”beautifully correct structurally, and has a bombproof temperament.”
Western Red, run by Dean and Julie Allen sold the second and third top price bulls for $16,000 and $15,000. Western Red Regal was the first and was purchased by Medway Droughtmasters, while Western Red Quandong was second going to Olwin Pty Ltd, Winchester Downs. Georgina Range Pastoral P/L, was the volume buyer of the
sale, purchasing 20 bulls. The next highest volume buyer was the Scholes family’s Braemar Investments, with seven bulls, followed by Jason and Ann Sprague, Neverfail Cattle Co, securing six bulls.
• 2024 Sale Date: 14 October
Lot 16 Yaralla Damien sold for $22,000 to Glenlands D Droughtmasters. Pictured L to R: Dane Pearce (Nutrien), Helen Childs (Glenlands D Droughtmasters) & vendors Darcy & Thomas McKenzie (Yaralla Droughtmasters).
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• 2023 SALES WRAP
BULLZEYE DROUGHTMASTER BULL SALE THE BULLZEYE Droughtmaster Bull Sale has cleared 86% which was six per cent higher than last year’s sale. Selling 55 out of the 64 bulls offered, they averaged $6,818. The nine vendors were Hamadra, Rondel, Sugerland, SC, Ramardoo, Waylanbar J, Lazy A, Kalbar, and Gunjari. Hamadra Marvin was the top price bull selling for $13,000. Marvin was offered by Hamadra Droughtmasters, who sold 16 bulls to average $7,187. The 24-month-old son of Hamadra Hunter and out of Hamadra Halsey, was purchased by the Everingham family of Gadwell Grazing Company, Alpha. The volume buyers of the day were Bayles Park P/L, Clermont, purchasing six bulls, Chesalon Grazing Co., Alpha, purchasing six bulls, and Plath Grazing, Collinsville, purchasing six bulls to average $5,000.
• 2024 Sale Date: 12 October
Lot 8 Hamadra Marvin, top price bull at the 2023 BullZeye Droughtmaster Bull Sale.
CQ INVITATIONAL DROUGHTMASTER SALE By NICOLE MILLS. TOPPING THIS YEAR’S CQ Invitational Droughtmaster Sale was lot 1, $24,000 Konjuli Pedro (PP) selling to John Atkinson, Glenavon Droughtmasters Yamba. Konjuli Droughtmasters also achieved the 2nd top priced Bull with the $19,000 Konjuli P’Diddy (IVF) (I) selling to Doug Miles, Trafalgar Droughtmasters Morinish.
The 3rd top priced bull went to lot 46 Minlacowie Admiral 9566 (PH) $14,000 selling to repeat Buyers Buljarra Droughtmasters, Euramo North Qld. Bulk Buyers at the sale this year were repeat buyers, Blue Valley Cattle Co. of Collinsville purchasing 7 bulls for the average of $5,285 and Mt Wilga Pastoral Co. taking home 3 for the average of $8,000.
There was a very good spread on with buyer support from as far away as Western Australia, up north to Tully and very good local buyer support as well. It was great to see so many repeat buyers returning again this year. The sale saw a 59% clearance and a very good average of $7,806.
• 2024 Sale Date: 21 October
Lot 3 Konjuli P’Diddy (IVF) (I) pictured left to right Randall Spann, Sean Barrett and Mark Scholes. Photo Credit: Ellouise Bailey, Queensland Country Life.
2023 SALES WRAP
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Droughtmaster cattle are Australia’s natural wonder. It’s an iconic beef breed with a reputation that is underpinned as a sustainable and a natural source of protein. The beef can be served as grassfed, or grain assisted where it boasts an earthy, hearty flavour with a tenderness that will melt in your mouth. Droughtmaster beef is prevalent across the country in households, restaurants, hotels and clubs. It is enjoyed with an array of salads or vegetables, complemented with a nice red wine or a premium lager.
IT IS TIME TO ASK FOR DROUGHTMASTER BEEF
ROMA DROUGHTMASTER BULL SALE THE ROMA Droughtmaster Bull Sale offered 104 bulls and sold 50 with an average of $7,880 which demonstrated it was a buyers’ market. Karragarra Droughtmasters achieved the top price of $28,000 for Karragarra Titanium selling online to Darren and Helen Childs, Glenlands D Droughtmasters. Pair of Bulls 1st Place: Karragarra Droughtmasters
Karragarra Droughtmasters were on fire placing first and third in the Best Pair of Bulls competition and Fernleigh Droughtmasters second. The Best Pair
of Bulls was judged by Ken Rutherford and associate judge, Emma Locke. Len Bode and Melinda Downs were repeat buyers at the Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale this year. Overall, the sale was not reflective of the quality on show, but of the season and the current market. A big thank you to the sale sponsors, buyers, underbidders and vendors. We look forward to seeing you all again on the 18th October next year.
Pair of Bulls 2nd Place: Fernleigh Droughtmasters
Pair of Bulls 3rd Place: Karragarra Droughtmasters
Wayne York, Karragarra Droughtmasters, with top price bull and Nutrien auctioneer, Dane Pearce.
MONTY ATKINSON GENETICS SALE THE MONTY ATKINSON GENETICS Sale boasted an 80% clearance for Droughtmaster bulls alone selling 88 out of the 110 offered. The sale grossed $799,040 and averaged $9,080 for Droughtmasters.
Lamont Volt also hit $37,500. Both lots were purchased by Max Kelso, Coalbrook, Richmond and offered by Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Droughtmasters, Cantaur Park, Clermont.
The top price of $37,500 was reached twice within the first 2 lots. Starting off strong when Lot 1 Lamont Vinny reached $37,500, while the second lot
The third top price bull was Lot 99 Lamont Vernon purchased by Terry and Catherine Piggott, Aldinga Pastoral Company, Rolleston, for $34,000.
Equal top price bull, Lot 1 Lamont Vinny selling for $37,500.
2023 SALES WRAP
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The volume buyer for the day was Suttor Grazing Co, Collinsville, taking home eight bulls at $10,500 per head. Overall, MAGS was a solid sale with an abundance of stud support. Bulls went to homes across the whole of Queensland.
• 2024 Sale Date: 8 November
Equal top price bull, Lot 2 Lamont Volt selling for $37,500.
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CREAM OF THE CROP FEMALE SALE By MELANIE BROWN.
THE 10th ANNUAL Cream of the Crop Sale was held on Saturday 25th November at the Coolabunia Selling Complex, Kingaroy. Recent rain over much of the local district and many areas of Queensland saw 55 of the 64 Lots finding new homes to achieve a final clearance of 86% and a healthy $3,855 average. The Elite Livestock platform was running ‘Red Hot’ with 43 heifers receiving bids through Elite and their buyers signing off on 32 of those. Topping the Sale was Lot 53 Wallace Vale Nadia (PP) at $11,500 for Roger and Jenny Underwood, Wallumbilla. Nadia was the only purchase for the day from Major Droughtmasters, Wivenhoe Pocket and was from a draft of 8 young Eversleigh and Wallace Vale heifers to average $5,437 for the Underwood’s. The 2nd top seller was Lot 37 Nindethana Ottabel (PP) offered by Nindethana Pastoral and snapped up by Jim & Rachael Mackenzie, Canina Valley Droughtmasters for $9,500. Canina Valley took a pair to average $6,250.
Top Priced Female Wallace Vale Nadia (PP) with Midge Thompson, Aussie Land & Livestock, Vendors Jenny & Roger Underwood, Wallace Vale & Eversleigh Droughtmasters, Buyers Bec & Matt Brooks, Major Droughtmasters and Corey Evans, GDL Studstock.
Maleny High School sold their Joined Female, Reign as Lot 1 for $7,500 and will be heading to Morrwil Droughtmasters, Cooloolabin. Sean & Evonne Barrett sold Konjuli Paloma 4 at $7,000 and heads to Roma for Damien McHugh, Longwait Droughtmasters. 4 heifers sold at $6,500 including Vale View Gema 2, Sylvan Springs Dianne 1295, Bryvonlea Fancy Sulia and Wallace Vale Natasha. Ben Bamford was the volume buyer securing 4 new additions for his Little Ed Stud at Charlwood.
Tony & Chantal Ludwig looking over the Cream of the Crop draft.
Michael & Bronwyn Hawkins, Georgie Weaver, Nindethana Droughtmasters with Matt & Bec Brooks, Major Droughtmasters.
Agents – GDL Studstock • Sale & Aussie Land and Livestock • 2024 Sale Date: 30 November
Have You Purchased a Registered Droughtmaster? Don’t forget to transfer it into your name HOW?
WHY?
WHO?
Request the Vendor or selling Agent to arrange this or submit a copy of the Invoice or receipt with the animals Ident on it to registrar@droughtmaster. com.au
• Maintain its value as a Registered Droughtmaster
Registered Droughtmaster cattle can be transferred to you whether you are a Society member or not.
• To receive its Pedigree Certificate with you as the Current Owner • Enable its future resale as a registered Droughtmaster • Proof of its Registration
DROUGHTMASTER
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2024
FEB MAR
12-13 All Breeds Sale, Gracemere TBC
Mungalla Stud Mid-Summer Droughtmaster Bull Online Sale, AuctionsPlus
1-2
Futurity Show, Toogoolawah
9
National Female Sale, Gympie
15
Highlands Droughtmaster Sale, Clermont
SEP
APR
Cloncurry Bull Sale, Cloncurry
10
Fieldhouse Bull Sale
TBC
Munda Reds Bull Sale
Carnarvon Classic Droughtmaster Sale, Rolleston
7
Bunya Bull Sale, Coolabunia
11
Piggott Droughtmaster Bull Sale, Springsure
12
Valera Vale Sale, Augathella
17-18 Droughtmaster National Bull Sale, Rockhampton
20-23 Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association Conference, Darwin 27
5
MAY 5-11 BEEF, Rockhampton
19
Glenlands Annual Sale, Bouldercombe
24
Central Reds Bull Sale, Emerald
25
Clonlara Annual Spring Bull Sale, Glenmorgan
26
Cap Droughtmaster Bull Sale, Rockhampton
27
Donaldson Family Sale, Bogantungan
28
Droughtmaster Diamond Genetics Sale, Silverdale
12
BullZeye Droughtmaster Bull Sale, Capella
14
Artesian Sale, Blackall
18
Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale, Roma
21
CQ Invitational Sale, Rockhampton
8
Monty Atkinson Genetics Sale, Charters Towers
30
Cream of the Crop Female Sale, Kingaroy
TBC
Young Beef Producers Forum, Roma
16-18 Primex Field Days
18-26 Casino Beef Week
JUN
TBC
Commercial Female Sale AuctionsPlus
4-6
Farmfest, Toowoomba
7-8
Northern Beef Producers Expo, Charters Towers
OCT
JUL TBC Gympie Carcass Classic AUG 9 Stud Cattle Judging, EKKA (TBC) 9
Droughtmaster Australia AGM, Brisbane (TBC)
20-22 Agquip, Gunnedah 24
High Country Droughtmaster Sale, Eskdale
TBC
Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos indicus Bull Sale
NOV
Stacey Ford Photography
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