Cracking Droughtmaster draft's ready for Roma

Sale committee chair Sharon Harms said 124 first-rate bulls have been selected by 32 Queensland and New South Wales-based vendors for the 24^th annual sale.

"The 2020 sale draft is packed full of pedigree and consists of a wide pool of genetics that make these bulls suitable for buyers, across a wide geographical area, who're wishing to strengthen their commercial and or stud herds," Ms Harms said.

"We're all excited to be offering drafts for the first time this year in a Droughtmaster Australia sponsored sale in this fantastic facility at one of the best and largest selling centers in the Southern Hemisphere," she said.

Ms Harms with many producers in the west of the state enjoying a good wet season there are "positive vibes in the air" ahead of this year's sale.

"Due to the predominantly improved rainfall totals across much of the region, in combination with the phenomenal results for stud and commercial sale, across all breeds, for the year to date, we're looking forward to the Roma sale becoming yet another success story.

"The central location of Roma also provides ease of transport in any direction to and from the sale, further enhancing buying and selling opportunities."

The 2019 sale saw 79 bulls sell to average $6379, and reach a high of $18,000.

The top money was paid by the Farquhar family, Katrina Station, Rolleston, for Karragarra Pistol (P) offered by the York family, Karragarra, Emerald. Sired by Fernleigh Grande (P), the bull weighed 902kg and measured 45cm for scrotal circumference. The 23-month-old boasted an EMA of 147 square centimetres, intramuscular fat of 3.1 per cent, and P8 and rib fat depths of 11mm and 7mm respectively.

Ms Harms said she's pleased that the six vendors from New South Wales have been allowed to enter Queensland to conduct their business at the sale.

"It's a relief that these studs were able to get their paperwork in place and that border restrictions were eased so that they can offer their drafts this year."

She said the sale committee are following all Covid-19 plans put in place by the Queensland Government, and the Maranoa Regional Council, which run the Roma Saleyards.

"We'll adhere to any protocols that are required to be in place to ensure the 2020 sale can be run safely."

Those unable to attend the sale in person can livestream and bid on the sale lots by utilising the Elite Livestock Auctions online bidding platform.

"The new arena features state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities making the sale proceedings even easier to follow on-site or from the homestead."

All bulls selected for the 2020 sale catalogue will be scanned, vet checked, penned and ready for inspection on the afternoon of Thursday, October 22.

"Following inspections, a meet and greet - sponsored by Royal on Ninety-Nine and Asahi Droughtmaster Lager - will be held at the saleyards from 5pm with all buyers invited to join the sale vendors for refreshments. This event will be held in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines."

The sale catalogue, including photos and videos of the bulls, is now available to view online on the Droughtmaster Australia website and hard copy catalogues can be obtained from the Droughtmaster Australia office or by calling your sale agent.