A TOP price of $54,000 emerged after two hectic days of selling at the Droughtmaster National sale held at the CQLX, Gracemere.
In all, 401 bulls sold to average $6817, representing an 86 per cent clearance.
And for first time vendor Anna Hicks, Calaanah Droughtmasters, Moura, it was a dream come true.
The moment Calaanah Abraham entered the sale ring, all the astute judges in the cattle game had their eyes peeled to him.
With buying syndicates scattered throughout the selling centre, the bull was bought by Libby Ingram, Skye Droughtmasters, Alpha, fending off the losing bidders Wayne and Grant Vievers, Rewan Cattle Company, Talgai, Rolleston.
Great attendance at the Droughtmaster National Sale. @droughtmasterAU @HelenQCL pic.twitter.com/XP5b0YXhC9
Next to sell at $38,000 was the interstate-bred Heitike Indigo, offered by the Lloyd family, Delungra, NSW.
He was bought by Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont.
Volume buyers included Muirhead Pastoral Co, Weetalaba, Collinsville, Jan Clarke, Clarke and Tait, Hobartville, Alpha, and Aleisha Finga, Inga Downs, Dingo.
According to Droughtmaster Australia's chief executive officer, Neil Donaldson, the breed's traditional heartland was noticeably absent.
"There really was some selective buying due to the lack of the volume buyers, due to some areas being in the grip of drought," Mr Donaldson said.
"The buying panel present bought well, and most bulls stayed within about 400 kilometres of the 'beef capital'."
Queensland Country Life will publish a full report in the September 24 edition.
Helen Walker
Journalist for Queensland Country Life at Rockhampton.
Journalist for Queensland Country Life at Rockhampton.
