DIVERSE lines of good grade cattle underpinned a "rock solid" result for producers at a special weaner and feeder sale at Central Queensland Livestock Exchange, Gracemere, on Wednesday.
While final numbers were down on the expected listing of 4000 head, buyers still kept auctioneers busy selling more than 3600 steers and heifers.
One couple who made the decision to offload 180 head of cattle was Peter and Desiree Hindmarsh, Milton Station, Boyne Valley, Calliope, who said they were more than happy to offer lines of Droughtmaster-cross weaners. The weaners sold to a high of 288c/kg for an average 274c/kg.
"This is a good sale and it attracts dealers from all over who come to buy for different reasons," Mr Hindmarsh said.
"They purchase here and they keep them for a couple of years and sell them on.
"We were very happy with our returns. Obviously it is all dependent on the market but there was strong support and we're going home happy."
Mr Hindmarsh said they'd been fortunate with the weather over the past few months following a dry Christmas.
"Since February the rain has come and we have a good cover of grass, which should tide us over through winter," he said.
"But we will be back for this sale again next year. We were here in 2018 and it was a good result then, too."
Woodbine Partnership, Wowan, sold Droughtmaster steers up to 285c/kg, while Moorvale Pastoral, Daluna Station via Nebo, sold 244 head, including Brangus and Charbray steers to 270-272c/kg.
Vendors travelled from as far away as Theodore, Biloela, Middlemount, Wowan, Baralaba and Moura, offering lines of Brahman, Brahman-cross, Brangus, Charbray, Charolais/Angus, Charolais/Droughtmaster, Droughtmaster, Droughtmaster-cross, Euro-cross and Simmental cattle.
Agent Julian Laver, Landmark, said buyers were happy to secure good quality lots and most vendors were similarly satisfied.
"This was a big sale," Mr Laver said.
"It's the second time we have conducted this special weaner sale and there was a lot to like about the day. There were good quality animals and they brought good prices as they always do.
"The numbers we had represented a slight increase on those compared with compared to last year and the market was firmer.
"In my opinion this was the largest number of high grade weaners offered at the one time at Gracemere and it is a credit to the producers, who supported the sale."