If the record prices weren't an indicator of the quality sire prospects on offer at the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale, then the vendor averages certainly were.
Several studs achieved averages well above the sale average of $12,406, with some being more than triple that figure.
Leading the charge at $54,125 was Steve and Theresa Taylor, Clukan Brahmans, Jambin, with their draft of eight bulls. And while the record-setting Clukan Baobab 365/8 (IVF) (PS) selling for $210,000 would certainly help, taking away his contribution saw their other seven bulls still average $31,857.
It was a similar story for Neil and Nicole Gibbs, Nicneil Brahmans, Coalstoun Lakes, whose draft of five bulls averaged $46,600.
They sold to a top of $180,000 for Nicneil Sugar Daddy (IVF) (H) - whose reign as the record top seller was short-lived on day one - but even without his influence, they were still above the sale average.
Four vendors averaged in the $30,000 range.
Peter Tuxworth, Halgenaes stud, sold two bulls to average $38,500 including the $60,000 Halgenaes Malbec (AI) (PS), while Jason and Rachel Leitch, JRL stud, sold four to average $35,750 including the $80,000 JRL Jeronimo (IVF) (H).
The Olsen family made an average of $34,666 for their three bulls including the $60,000 Lindley Park Ranger (IVF) (PS), and the Hurrell family averaged $33,500 for their draft of six including the $75,000 HH Park Edmondson 1052 (IVF) (H).
A further 11 studs averaged in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.
Elders selling agent Robert Murray said while the figures were a result of the quality bulls on offer, it was also indicative of the current market.
"Considering the strength of all other sales this year, we knew Brahman Week had to be strong," he said.
"It was a great result, a good yarding of bulls, and there was a terrific gallery of buyers who stuck to the end."
Mr Murray said the most pleasing thing was the young vendors coming through the industry getting strong results for their investments and giving the "other blokes a bit of a touch-up".