The Big S Group will be returning to its roots as a Santa Gertrudis only affair, when the 44th annual sale takes place at the Toowoomba Showgrounds on Thursday, September 6 from 12pm.
Sale committee group member Glenn Holt said he believes reverting to a strictly Santa sale will be for the best.
“We believe it’s a wise decision going into the future as it will give the group total control over the sale again,” Mr Holt said.
A breed classifier inspected draft of 40 quality bulls and 10 stud females will be offered by Big S Group members Celamba, Hallcraig, Linlands, Lockvale Park, Nioa, Rosehill, Gyranda, Santalands, Valleyview and Warenna.
“Numbers have been reduced this year compared to previous sales due to the prevailing weather conditions, but this has ensured that only the very best cattle from each vendor are being offered,” he said.
“With ten stud vendors offering drafts, the genetic diversity of the lots selected for the catalogue is always appealing at the Big S Sale, and this year 70 per cent of the sale draft are polled.”
Mr Holt said the sale has enjoyed a reputation of one of the best ‘value for money’ sales on the Santa Gertrudis circuit.
“This was demonstrated again last year with many repeat buyers selecting quality bulls on a budget.”
In all 34 bulls sold to gross $156,000 for an average of $4588, with a top price of $13,000 reached at the 2017 sale.
The Big S Group sale was held for the first time in 1974 and was initally held at Argyle, Kingsthorpe owned by foundation members Robin and Dell Hart.
“The sale was later moved to the Toowoomba Showgrounds as part of Ag Show where many successful sales have been held over the years, more recently in the excellent undercover facilities of the equestrian arena.”
The sale draft will be available for inspection at the showgrounds from Wednesday, September 5, from 4pm or from 9am on sale day.
All proceeds from the sale of Lot 1 Santalands Paula P17, from Glen and Fran Holt, Santalands Santa Gertrudis, will be donated to LifeFlight Queensland.
Following the sale Performance Feeds Anipro will be providing refreshments and savories for all in attendance.
All lots will be vet inspected, and all bulls will be semen tested and blooded for entry to tick areas prior to the sale, a breed classifier will also inspect all lots at the sale to further ensure soundness and breed standards are met.
For enquiries please contact sale agents Andrew Meara, Elders Toowoomba, on 0427 210 634, and Colby Ede, Landmark Toowoomba, on 0417 265 980, and visit santagertrudis.com.au to view the 2018 sale catalogue online.