FOR Brian and Glenda Kirkwood, seeing red on the second day of action at the Brahman Week Sale in Gracemere, outside Rockhampton, wasn't such a bad thing.
The Kirkwoods, who run Somerview Red Brahmans near Charters Towers, established the benchmark for the particular section of the sale dedicated to "the reds", their bid of $50,000 standing unmatched by the close of business.
The next highest price for a red Brahman was the $45,000 and eight other bulls fetched prices of at least $20,000, helping lift the aggregate to $827,500 for 75 head, representing an average of $11,033. Just as importantly, the sale session was completed with 100 per cent clearance.
The Kirkwoods were happy to have bought the 22-month-old Palmvale Navara (P) from the draft presented by Beth and Remy Streeter, Mt Slopeaway Marlborough, adding they saw plenty of potential in the young bull.
"He's a very young bull but I can see potential in him. He's very well grown, good bones," Mr Kirkwood said.
"I think he blends in with our herd and will suit our cows. We've had good success with Palmvale bulls. He's going to develop into a good bull."
"Navara" had plenty on his resume.
In the catalogue he was promoted as a "standout" polled bull quite likely to be a future sire because of his "length, bombproof nature, extremely tidy sheath and broad top line."
The numbers for "Navara" also made for interesting reading. He tipped the scales at 712kg, has a scrotal circumference of 33cm, motility of 65pc, respective P8 and rib feat measurements of 11mm and 8mm and an eye muscle area of 128sq cm.
Mrs Streeter believed "Navara" was special and considered keeping him, though she is thrilled he is bound for Somerview.
"He's special because he's so correct," she said.
The Streeter consignment can also claim honours for the second highest priced bull after Palmvale Nebo (P) sold to Joe and Felicity Streeter, Fairy Springs, Theodore.
At only 20-months, "Nebo" was an impressive 730kg and possesses an EMA of 133sq cm and P8 of 11mm and rib fat of 7mm.
Hills Grazing, Amaroo, Theodore, also dug deep to secure Samari S Goliath (P) from the draft of Sally and Ben Sweetland, Samari Plains, Roma.
The 33 month-old was popular with bidders but Hills Grazing stopped all challengers when the money reached $26,000.
A son of Wattaview Galaxy 165 (P) and Alma Itchy's daughter Samari Plains Mikki (P), "Goliath" proved the worth in his name, sending the scales soaring to 1045kg to complement an EMA of 138sq cm, scrotal circumference 42.5cm, motility of 80pc, rib fat of 14mm and P8 of 15mm and IMF percentage of 4.9.
Agents: Landmark, Elders, GDL, SSB