A STALWART of the Brahman stud circuit is hanging up his hat after 66 years of involvement in the industry.
Bon Wall, Wallton Downs, Clermont, bid farewell to the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale this year, after decades selling in the region.
Mr Wall's father Norman was the first to introduce the Brahman breed to the central Queensland highlands in 1948 and Mr Wall said he'd had an association with the breed since he was 12-years-old.
"I took over 40 cows and a bull when I was 12-years-old," Mr Wall said.
"I've enjoyed 66 years breeding Brahman cattle and I've loved every minute of it."
He registered the stud in 1962 and was one of the original vendors from the early days of what is now known as Brahman Week, when Australian Estates under auctioneer Dave Watkins started the sale.
Mr Wall presented two bulls at the second sale they had in the early 60s.
He said he had seen changes in the breed over the decades.
"They've changed the shape for a start, and made them more of flat backs.
"They've gone away from the slopey rumps, which were very fertile cattle.
"I love the cattle; my cattle at the end the last 10 years have been extremely quiet."
Mr Wall said the highest price he'd paid for a bull was $30,000 for Tartus King Ferdinand, in 1988.
"It was big money back in those days, he had a fantastic head; people would remember Tartus, they were good bulls."
Mr Wall said he was grateful for the support over the years.
"One particular person bought my bulls for 36 years straight.
"They were a return buyer and I was very happy to have such great support.
"I'm very happy to have done it and left a small mark along the way."
The Walls sold three red bulls at their final Brahman Week to average $13,667 with a top price of $24,000.
For those interested in getting their hands on Wallton Downs bulls, Mr Wall will be sending nine sires to the Gold City bull sale in Charters Towers next month.
"We've got pretty good bulls going to Charters Towers, nine bulls and three are pollies; there are some good bulls going there."
After that, he will be enjoying a well-earned retirement, and celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with wife Lorraine next year.
"I'll be walking with people and their dogs in Paddington; it'll be a bit different, an absolute change of pace.
"I'll be trying to keep fit and keeping an eye on the cattle industry, especially the Brahmans."
