Youth and beauty took the fancy of bidders during the Gympie Brahman Female Sale on Saturday, rocketing the sale to a $32,000 high.
Of the 60 red and grey heifers on offer, 51 sold for a clearance rate of 85 per cent and average of $7784 - up from $4281 in 2019.
Stuart and Lynda Vollmerhausen, Rockstar Brahmans, Theebine, claimed top money for a second year in a row, courtesy of a four-way bidding war for Rockstar Fancy Rocket 113 (IVF) (PS).
One of the youngest lots in the catalogue, the 10-month-old unjoined heifer by JDH Sir Hudson Manso 596/7 and out of Rockstar Pocket Rocket 54 was purchased by Nev and Megan Hansen, Oaklands Brahmans, Kalapa.
Mr Vollmerhausen said Fancy Rocket had always been a "standout", making her an easy heifer to present.
"She is such a beautiful, soft, feminine heifer, with plenty of length, thickness and great balance of flesh and bone," he said.
"Add to that a strong poll head, hooded eye and unquestionable temperament, she was perfect in our eyes.
"It was a bit of a last minute thought to put her in the sale; she's just developed into a beautiful calf and I am a bit sad to see her go.
"She's one that some people probably wouldn't sell, but I'm happy for her to go out there and perform for Oaklands."
With a focus on breeding stud cattle that meet commercial market demands, Mr Vollmerhausen said Fancy Rocket was the perfect example of what they aim for.
Despite not being able to fault Fancy Rocket, Mr Vollmerhausen said he was surprised to make top money given her age.
"I was a bit nervous because she's only 10-months-old and still sucking on mum, but she was just a little showoff and she just wins people over."
The Vollmerhausens sold five heifers for an average of $15,600.
The strong demand for grey females early in the catalogue saw the Sommerfeld family, Brahrock Brahmans, Maryborough, achieve the second-top price of $25,000 for Brahrock Massai Empress 6090 (IVF) (H).
Purchased by Matt and Josh Bishop, Garglen M&J Brahmans, the 30-month-old grey female, sired by JDH Massai Manso 608/6 and out of Brahrock Miss Elmo Bos Empress, was described as "a beautiful boned, growthy heifer" and joined to JDH Navasota Manso 55/1.
Hayden Sommerfeld's Brahrock HJ Ruby Faith (IVF) attracted top money for the red section of the catalogue, knocked down for $17,000.
Sired by Kenrol Mr HJ Ray 0366 and out of Brahrock HJ Miss Ruby, the 24-month-old joined heifer was bought by Drewe and Kristy Curtis, Blue Blood Brahmans, Mooloo.
- Agents: Nutrien, Elders, Sullivan Livestock, and Elite Livestock Auctions.