The difference 12 months can make was evident in the bull selling ring at Lucrana Simmentals' on-property bull sale near Texas on Friday.
The average was up by $3613 and there was active bidding from the first lot that sold for $10,500 to Rod and Lis Skene, Meldon Park.
Bulls averaged $9750 with all 52 bulls sold for 100 per cent clearance.
Top price of $18,000 went to the eye-catching Lucrana Phoenix (P) by Lucrana Hunter (P), bought by Brett Kinnon, Alinya Station, Clermont, via Elite Livestock Auctions.
The 18-month-old weighed in at 846 kilograms with an eye muscle area of 141 square centimetres, 7mm rib fat, 9mm P8 fat, scrotal circumference of 40cm and 4.1pc intramuscular fat.
The second-top price of $16,500 was for Lucrana P277 (P), sold to B & D Cook at Meandarra.
Another son of Lucrana Hunter from Lucana J25 (P), the 19-month-old weighed 738kg with an EMA of 118sq cm and scrotal circumference of 40cm.
In total, 14 Hunter sons were sold to average $10,964.
Seven black Simmentals sold to reached a top of $13,500 for Lucrana Pascal (P) (ET) (AI) (B).
Sired by TNT Tanker U263 (P)(B), the 880kg bull boasted an EMA of 133sq cm, 9mm P8 and 6mm rib fat, and was bought by J & S Pollard, Wyndham Pastoral, Kyogle.
The second priced black Simmental bull by Long Valley L128 sold for $10,000 to KW Properties, Pumpembil.
Top volume buyers were Lochinvar Cattle Co at Condamine, purchasing a total of five bulls to average $10,600.
Wotonga Grazing Co, Nebo, purchased five bulls to average $9400.
Craigie Station, Glenlyon, purchase four bulls for an average of $10,250
Stud principal Andrew Moore said he was extremely pleased with the sale and it was a great relief not to be hand feeding, especially after the last couple of years.
"Cattle prices pushing into record territory on the back of an improved season was reflected in the clearance and the bull sale average," said Mr Moore.
C.L. Squires agent Robbie Bloch said it was a really strong sale from start to finish and great support from new clients from central Queensland and central west Queensland.