The 30th anniversary of the Highlands Droughtmaster Sale will provide a showcase for the exemplary draft of 83 bulls entering the show ring at the Clermont Saleyards on Friday, March 5, from 10am.
In total 38 registered, and 45 herd bulls will be offered by 10 returning vendors, who're this year joined by sale debutants Cairo Droughtmasters.
Sale committee member Jane Barton said every year, the Highlands vendors bring a draft of high quality stud and herd bulls to the sale.
"Our vendors have forged a solid reputation for breeding exceptionally good bullocks, which always provide good value for money," she said.
"We primarily choose our bulls with a focus firmly on doability and conformation. These bulls are bred with the cattle producer in mind who need great weight for age as well as excellent fertility."
Mrs Barton said the 2020 sale undertaking was quite a challenge.
"The initial Covid-19 restrictions came into effect the weekend of the sale so we were unsure as if it was able to go ahead until the last minute.
"This unfortunately affected the ability of buyers making it to the sale, so the average was down from the previous years. This year, with the cattle market booming, we're looking forward to a much improved result."
Clermont and its surrounds have had some significant falls in the last few months, further buoying prospects for the sale.
"The recent rain has certainly improved the spirits of many property owners. We hope that there is quite a bit more in the coming weeks."
Reflecting on the approaching 30 year milestone, Mrs Barton said the sale has always had the reliability of good bulls, a wonderful vendor group and the steadfast support of the Clermont community and its surrounds.
"We've had the pleasure of introducing new studs into the sale, especially over the last five years. These studs have kept up the high quality of bulls offered every year.
"We've been able to purchase a roof for the grandstand at the saleyards and we've been able to host auctions to support some great charities. This year we'll be sending $50 from each bull sold to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
"Thanks to our three Platinum sponsors, (Phoenix Powersports, All Wells Drilling and Bravus) we've also been able to advertise the sale on a larger scale as well as host a local band for the meet and greet this year."
Pre-sale inspections of the sale draft can be made from Thursday, March 4. View the catalogue on the sale website.
- For pre-sale enquiries please call Elders' sale agents Brian Wedemeyer, 0409 694 696, Jake Kennedy, 0408 816 463 or Fiona Hall, 0429 033 828