The western Queensland bull sale season has kicked off with the Riverglen Charolais Bull Sale topping $7500 at the Roma Saleyards today.
Fresh from placing fourth overall in the RNA Paddock to Palate competition at the Ekka, Riverglen principals, the Sullivan family, were on hand to see 81 per cent of the bulls sell under the hammer for an average of $4243.
David Sullivan said the family were pleased with the result given the extremely tough seasonal conditions facing their clients.
"The result is comparable to some of the Charolais sales we've already seen this year closer to the coast," he said.
"We have some clients who have had to lighten off their breeder numbers and others who have said they'll wait until it rains to buy bulls.
"We're happy for those who were able to come and make a purchase today."
Topping the sale was the Red Factor bull, Riverglen N2517. At 27-months he was among the heaviest bulls in the draft at 901kg and boasted an EMA of 138sq.cm and a scrotal measurement of 41cm.
The bull was purcahsed by Roma's Antonette Anderson, East Sunrise, who said he'd caught her eye during inspections the day prior.
"He is a Red Factor which I was after but he's also very soft but well muscled," she said.
"I had picked him out as the best bull in the draft."
The volume buyers included Leon Perrett and family, Tunis, Injune, who purchased five bulls averaging $3900 while Rick Whitton, Myrtleville, Injune, bought five bulls for an average of $4100.
Other major buyers included the Golden family, Potters Flat, Yuleba, who bought four averaging $4125 while the Jansen family bought four at $3500 each.
First time Riverglen buyers, Ben and Carly Evans, Canberra, Roma, chased quality throughout the sale, selecting four bulls for an average of $5250 including two at $6000 each.
*Selling agents: TopX and Elders