IT'S an old cliché - quality always sells - which again rang true after heifers realised their full value at the annual Gympie Brahman Female Sale, Gympie Saleyards on Saturday selling to $20,500.
Considering the seasonal outlook and market uncertainty, the result was strong particularly on the better end of the catalogue and almost mirrored last year's sale.
Overall, 80 females averaged $4281 ($4202) for a clearance rate of 89 percent (88pc), which comprised 53 greys for a $4570 average and 27 reds for a $3712 average to return vendors $342,500.
Local vendors Stuart and Lynda Vollmerhausen, Rockstar Brahmans, Theebine attracted the $20,500 top money with their 20-month-old, outstanding grey heifer Rockstar Miss Sunshine (IVF).
The unjoined daughter of Willtony Stetson (P) was bought by Robert Murray, Elders, Rockhampton on behalf of his clients Paul and Catherine MacKenzie, Arizona Brahmans, Dingo.
"She was a standout and her bloodlines were also attractive being by the poll bull Stetson," Mrs MacKenzie said.
"She will be joined to Glengarry D Max (P) and possibly into our IVF program later."
It was a memorable day for the Vollmerhausen family who also led the averages after their five unjoined grey heifers averaged $7300.
The MacKenzies also outlaid $9000 for Brahrock Platinum Empres 6168 (IVF), a quality 13-month Three D Platinum (P) daughter from Royce and Beryl Sommerfeld, Brahrock Brahmans, Maryborough.
The Sommerfeld family also sold the $19,000 second top priced grey heifer, Brahrock MS Locke Power 5791 (IVF) which was PTIC to Brahrock Mastermind 5277 to Scott and Leah Angel, Glengarry Brahmans, Kunwarara.
"Her thickness and rare genetics were key factors in our decision to buy this quality daughter of JDH Sir Locke Manso 413/2 (Imp US) - of which there is very limited semen available," Mr Angel said.
Her unjoined, polled stablemate, Brahrock MS Massai Power 6135 (IVF) attracted the $17,000 next best grey money from Josh and Matt Bishop, Garglen M and J Brahmans, Moura.
Central Queensland vendors, Adam and Tracy Gunthorpe, Tarramba Brahmans, Banana backed up their impressive debut last year by again topping the red section with Tarramba Miss Bohemian 3913 (IVF).
The unjoined, 13-month-old stylish daughter of NCC Bohemian from their exceptional Eagle female line was bought by James Saunders, Landmark Stud Stock, Rockhampton on behalf of his client, Gary Johns, Colgara Brahman stud, Victoria Plains, Mackay.
The Gunthorpes recorded yet another excellent Gympie result after selling five females for $7,250 average.
One of the biggest orders came through Mark Duthie, GDL Stud Stock, Dalby who secured seven females for a $4607 average for the Tennant Creek High School, Northern Territory and paid up to $9000 for Brahrock MS Jene Empress 5841 (IVF) from the Sommerfeld family.
Australian Brahman Breeders Association general manager Anastasia Fanning said buyers recognised there were excellent opportunities for new females in their herds, and that was confirmed in the overall average.
"Sire of the top price grey heifer Wiltony Stetson continues to be a popular choice of breeding to be brought into herds," she said.
"The top price grey and red heifers showed beautiful femininity with a strong top line and depth of flank."
Agents: Elders, Landmark and Sullivan Livestock & Rural Services
