THE future of the Droughtmaster breed is in good hands with junior members playing a leading role after securing both high-priced animals at the National Female Sale at Gympie.
Andrew, Kerri and Riley McKenzie, Hamadra Droughtmasters, Bluff made it a back-to-back sale topping performance when Hamadra Innosent (P), a 15-month-old unjoined daughter of Minlacowie Salvador 8081 (P), attracted the $8000 top money from 14-year-old stud master Clancy Thomas, Wazcom Systems, Kenilworth.
The youngster, together with parents Warwick and Anne, is building up numbers and selected Innosent for her structural correctness, big frame and tidy underline.
“She was a real eye catcher and we have a preference for higher content females,” Clancy said.
They bought four quality females for a $4438 average.
The McKenzie family celebrated 25 years of successful breeding in fine style after their 10 unjoined heifers averaged $4375.
First-time buyer and nine-year-old junior member Celestino Pozzebon, Conclare Droughtmasters, Thulimbah together with parents Tony and Rachael bid the $6750 top cow and calf money for Oakmore Queenie (P) with heifer calf at foot offered by Greg and Sharon Harms, Oakmore Park stud, Greenmount.
“She is a great all round unit with a wonderful temperament,” said Celestino.
Five females were knocked down to the Conclare stud for a $3950 average.
The Harms family also sold five unjoined heifers for a $3000 average.
Bronwyn Betts and Michael Hawkins, Nindethana Pastoral Pty Ltd, Camp Mountain topped the joined section with their outstanding heifer, Nindethana Isabelle (P), a 27-month-old daughter of RSVP Jackpot (P), bought by Justin Bartlett of Morganville. The six Nindethana heifers averaged $3458.
Overall 134 females averaged $2890 which represented a clearance rate of 89 percent for a gross of $387,200.
Six cows and calves averaged $3708, 10 joined heifers averaged $3350 and 118 unjoined maidens averaged $2809.
Mac Smith, Vale View M stud, Manumbar sold his 14-month-old unjoined heifer Vale View M Giggles (P) to Brian and Lyn Thompson, Topline Droughtmasters, Mt Urah for $2500 with all the proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.
Sale committee chairman Brian Heck said given the poor season the result was much better than expected.
“It was a very solid sale result backed by a good clearance with the most widespread buyer interest to date,” Mr Heck said.
Two semen packages for the Droughtmaster Foundation sold for a top of $2850 to average $2538 and were bought by Shadyland Pty Ltd, Moura.