BULLS sold to a top of $27,000 and females to $5250 at the Performance Plus Droughtmaster Sale at Toogoolawah on Saturday.
The impressive line up of 49 bulls sold averaged $9551 with the 30 females coming in at $3108. The combined High Country and Vale View sale hosted by Paul and Lisa Laycock and Dave and Colleen Smith, resulted in a 100 per cent clearance.
Sale topper at $27,000 was the 22 month old, 765kg High Country First Rate, which was bought by Ben Wright and Olivia Dewar on behalf of Munda Reds, Gingin, WA. The stand out homozygous poll had a 130sq cm eye muscle area, an 11mm P8, 7mm rib, a 37cm scrotal measurement, and an outstanding 90pc morphology.
"First Rate showed incredible length with the perfect underline, strong homozygous polled head, thickness and softness with a brilliant temperament," Mr Wright said.
Munda Reds principal Michael Thompson said he was targeting DNA tested PP bulls with a high morphology as part of an effort to breeding the horn off of the northern herd.
“We have to breed bulls that can walk for a living,” Mr Thompson said. “They have to be able to produce an animal with tight sheath and good feet because they need to cover up to 10km a night. And we have to get the horn off them. Every calf we have to dehorn is costing us money.
The Thompsons sell about 700 bulls a year. They run 300 stud bulls over 7000 Droughtmaster cows at 60km south of Port Hedland as well as 1500 stud cows, which are all mated by AI at Gingin. First Rate will be collected at Rocky Repro in Rockhampton before heading west.
Vale View Yorrick sold for $18,000 to Ivanhoe Droughtmasters, Wee Waa. The 906kg, 32 month old had a 138sq cm EMA and a catalogue leading 42.5cm scrotal.
The 25 month old poll High Country Finnick went to Ivanhoe Droughtmasters for $19,000. The 22 month old poll Vale View Zaim to Fernleigh Droughtmasters for $16,500.
Other highlights included the 782kg High Country Freeland, which sold to Matt and Rebecca Brooks and family from Major Droughtmasters, Wivenhoe Pocket, for $15,000. The 23 month old had a 126sq cm EMA and a 37cm scrotal.
High Country Fast and Furious went to Herb Perkins for $17,000. High Country Federation sold to Cory Kruger, Corolla Droughtmasters, for $15,000. Bradley and Kerryn Piggott, Christmas Creek Droughtmasters, Rolleston, selecting three bulls including Vale View Yarden for $15,000. He had a 130sq cm EMA and a 40.5cm scrotal.
Cow and calf units sold for $4000 and $5000 respectively. The top priced pair went to Major Droughtmasters. The 28 weaner age and joined females averaged $3044.
The top priced $5250 female went to repeat buyers sisters Kellie Williams, Kel-lee A, and Amy Williams, Baron Valley studs, Malanda. Kellie Williams said they were attracted by the length and the completeness of the future breeder. “It’s likely we will either flush her or use her in an IVF program,” Kellie said. The heifer is also a possible starter for Beef 2018 in Rockhampton.
The Farquhar family, Rolleston, bought five females for an average $3400. Hill Top View Stud, Theebine, bought four females for an average $3125.
Other High Country females sold for $5000 and $4250 to Simto Droughtmasters and Vale View females sold to $5000 to the Hauschildt Family and three for $4000. Major Droughtmasters was the bulk buyer, taking home seven lots.
Summary:
49 bulls av $9551, top $27,000
30 heifers av $3108, top $5250
Commercial heifers av $840
100pc clearance
Agent: Shepherdson & Boyd.