Fairview Black Simmentals defy drought with a full clearance of 43 bulls and a $21,500 top at Mungallala
Summary
The Fairview Black Simmentals annual bull sale at Mungallala on August 19 defied spreading drought conditions to post a strong result, with all 43 bulls offered finding new homes. Eight of the first 10 bulls sold for more than $15,000, and although the absence of some regular customers pushed the average slightly lower than the prior year - $8756 compared with $9146 in 2025 - the top price rose to $21,500, up from $19,500. The sale-topping bull, a homozygous polled and black 25-month-old, was bought by a repeat Augathella buyer for use over a 1000-cow crossbred herd. He weighed 810 kilograms, carried P8 and rib fat of 7 and 5 millimetres, an eye muscle area of 131 square centimetres and intramuscular fat of 5.8 per cent. His 43-centimetre scrotal circumference was the largest of the draft, with semen morphology of 85 per cent. The second-top bull made $18,500, ranking in the top 10 per cent for birth weight and top 1 per cent for maternal calving ease. The stud principal highlighted balanced genetics, a slicker coat suited to the Queensland environment, and growth that matched other young bulls. Four new buyers, including some from Taroom and Kingaroy, helped offset absent clients, and a returning Yuleba operation took four bulls at a $16,750 average, citing longevity and value. The leading volume buyer secured six bulls at a $5916 average, while another operation bought five at $8600. Elders conducted the sale, interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Top price | $21,500 |
| Previous year top price | $19,500 |
| Bulls sold / clearance | 43 of 43 (full clearance) |
| Average price | $8756 |
| 2025 average price | $9146 |
| Top bull weight | 810 kg |
| Top bull scrotal circumference | 43 cm |
| Top bull eye muscle area | 131 sq cm |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the top price at the 2026 Fairview Black Simmentals sale?
The sale topped at $21,500, up from $19,500 the previous year. The buyer was a repeat Augathella client purchasing for a 1000-cow crossbred herd.
Did the sale achieve a full clearance?
Yes, all 43 bulls offered were sold despite spreading drought conditions. Eight of the first 10 bulls sold for more than $15,000.
How did the average compare with last year?
The average was $8756, slightly below the $9146 recorded in 2025. The dip was linked to the absence of some regular customers from south of the Warrego Highway.
What were the top bull's measurements?
The 25-month-old bull weighed 810 kilograms and had P8 and rib fat of 7 and 5 millimetres. His eye muscle area was 131 square centimetres and intramuscular fat 5.8 per cent.
What made the top bull stand out?
He was homozygous polled and black, with a 43-centimetre scrotal circumference - the largest of the draft - and 85 per cent semen morphology. He was described as one of the most balanced bulls the stud had bred, with a slicker coat suited to the Queensland environment.
What did the second-top bull sell for?
The second-highest bull made $18,500 as its buyer's sole purchase. He ranked in the top 10 per cent for birth weight and top 1 per cent for maternal calving ease.
Were there new buyers at the sale?
Yes, four new buyers took part, some local and some from Taroom and Kingaroy. A returning Yuleba operation bought four bulls at a $16,750 average.
Who were the volume buyers?
The top volume buyer secured six bulls at a $5916 average, while another operation bought five bulls at an $8600 average. Elders conducted the sale, interfaced with AuctionsPlus.
