Brahman heifers top $16,000 at Airlie Beach for a $9666 average
Summary
Two of Queensland's well-known Brahman studs joined forces to secure the top-priced heifer at the Great Northern Brahman Heifer and Genetics sale at Airlie Beach on the evening of Thursday, October 22.
Vella Macey 6976 was one of 13 heifers offered and sold for a top of $16,000. A partnership between Burdekin Brahmans, Charters Towers, and Yacamunda Investments, Collinsville, outbid the competition. She was offered by Vella Brahmans, Breadalbane Plains, Proserpine.
The vendor said the heifer came from fully imported, exceptional bloodlines, describing them as a consistent line of big, strong cattle. It was mainly the polled genetics that led to the decision to offer her, as a showcase of the polled genetics to come in the future. The 22-month-old grey heifer was sired by Mr SNS Mighty Mouse 295/6 out of LMC LF Polled Spirit 185/7.
This year's heifer gross was $116,000 at a $9666 average for a 92 per cent clearance, while the semen offering grossed $28,200 at an average of $1484 a straw with a 100 per cent clearance.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Heifers offered | 13 |
| Heifer clearance rate | 92 per cent |
| Heifer gross, average | $116,000 at $9666 |
| Top-priced heifer | $16,000 |
| Semen gross, average | $28,200 at $1484 a straw |
| Semen clearance | 100 per cent |
| Top semen rate | $1700 a straw |
| Leading vendor average | 4 of 4 at $14,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Great Northern Brahman heifer sale top at?
The sale topped at $16,000 for Vella Macey 6976. Thirteen heifers were offered for a 92 per cent clearance, grossing $116,000 at a $9666 average. The semen offering cleared fully.
Who bought the top-priced heifer?
A partnership between Burdekin Brahmans, Charters Towers, and Yacamunda Investments, Collinsville, outbid the competition. The two operations have bid against each other for many years chasing the same kind of article, and in the past couple of years have combined to buy a few heifers together. On the night they bought lots 2 and 3 in partnership.
Why did they want that heifer?
One buyer said his operation was chasing polled genetics to move forward within its commercial herd. He described her as a very long and correct heifer, overall very balanced with good feet.
What is the top heifer's breeding?
The 22-month-old grey heifer was sired by Mr SNS Mighty Mouse 295/6, with LMC LF Polled Spirit 185/7 as her dam. The vendor said she came from fully imported, exceptional bloodlines, a consistent line of big, strong cattle. She was offered mainly as a showcase of the stud's polled genetics to come.
What did the semen packages make?
The semen offering grossed $28,200 at an average of $1484 a straw with a 100 per cent clearance. The top-priced package was five straws and five registrations from the well-known Brahman sire Nicneil Sugar Daddy, secured at $1700 a straw by a Jambin buyer operating through StockLive.
How did the sale compare with 2025?
Last year the heifers grossed $105,000 at a $10,500 average, so this year's gross rose while the average eased. The semen gross fell from $35,550 at a $1692 average a straw. The top price last year was $26,000, also for a heifer offered by the same vendor.
How strong was the online bidding?
Strong bidding came via StockLive, with 171 viewers and 46 registered bidders. Five lots were purchased online for a total of $33,700.
Which vendors led the averages?
Vella Brahmans topped the vendor averages, clearing all four heifers at $14,000. Kent Brahmans averaged $13,000 from a single lot, Ooline Brahmans $7000 from three and Cambil Brahmans $6500 from four of five. The selling agent said people were investing in Brahmans at the moment and that the heifers offered were very consistent.
