Convict breaks shackles to top $36,000

Overall, 207 bulls sold under the hammer to average $5920, representing a 79 per cent clearance.

While the result was back on last year's 93pc clearance, many vendors were left smiling.

Taking the top-price honours was Oasis Convict (P), a 27-month-old son of Lamont Inmate from an Oasis female, selling on account of Noel, Robyn and Adam Geddes, Oasis Droughtmasters, near Rockhampton.

In all, the Geddes family sold 12 bulls to average $11,666.

"We are over the moon with the sale result," Adam Geddes said.

"We thought they were a good line of bulls and are very happy with the money they made, particularly in light of the seasonal outlook."

Oasis Convict sold to Rolleston district breeders Wayne and Grant Veivers, Talgai Droughtmasters, Rewan. Mr Veivers described his purchase as the most complete bull he had been able to find in the past 20 years.

"And he's got muscle - plenty of it, in fact - and will be joined over stud females," Mr Veivers said.

"We have been looking for a bull from a proven sire, and he fits the bill with his sire Lamont Inmate.

Lamont Inmate was represented by seven sons in the

catalogue, which sold to average $13,786.

Ken and Debbie Rutherford, Redskin Droughtmasters, Morinish, sold the 22-month-old Redskin Fitzroy to Sam Barton, Huntly Droughtmasters, Clermont, for $28,000, while stable-mate Redskin Farmhand sold for $25,000 to commercial producers Cameron and Judy Hicks, Keilambete Station, Rubyvale.

In all, the Rutherfords sold 12 bulls to average $10,200.

Droughtmasters Australia CEO Neil Donaldson said day one was a "solid outcome".

"We would have liked a higher clearance for everyone's benefit, but under the seasonal and economic conditions, it was a fair result under the circumstances," Mr Donaldson said.