Droughtmaster bulls top $40,000 at Roma for a $9672 average
Summary
An overnight shower may have bogged down the laneways at the Roma saleyards, but it did not dampen the bidding at the 2026 Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale on Friday, October 16.
In the ring, 61 of the 75 bulls offered sold for an 82 per cent clearance, a $9672 average and a $590,000 gross. Four lots sold post-sale to bring the clearance to 87 per cent for a $9354 average and a $608,000 gross. That was a significant improvement on the 2025 clearance, when 74 of 108 bulls sold for 68 per cent, although the average was back on last year's $10,831.
The top-priced bull, Karragarra Wyesby, offered by Karragarra Droughtmasters, Emerald, sold for $40,000 to Glenlands J Droughtmasters, Alkira, Dingo. The 20-month-old, 852 kilogram bull, sired by Glenlands D To The Wire and out of Karragarra T 1520, recorded 11 millimetres of rib fat, 8 millimetres of rump fat, an eye muscle area of 146 square centimetres, 5.4 per cent intramuscular fat and a scrotal circumference of 45 centimetres.
The buyers said the bull caught their eye in the catalogue and was better in the flesh than in the photos.
Key Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Bulls offered, sold in the ring | 75 offered, 61 sold |
| Clearance rate | 82 per cent |
| Sale average | $9672 |
| Sale gross | $590,000 |
| Post-sale clearance, average, gross | 87 per cent, $9354, $608,000 |
| Top price | $40,000 |
| 2025 comparison | 74 of 108, 68 per cent, $10,831 |
| Leading vendor average | 11 of 12 at $13,091 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What did the Roma Droughtmaster sale top at?
The sale topped at $40,000 for Karragarra Wyesby. In the ring, 61 of 75 bulls sold for an 82 per cent clearance at a $9672 average, grossing $590,000. Four lots sold post-sale, lifting the clearance to 87 per cent at a $9354 average and a $608,000 gross.
How did the result compare with 2025?
The clearance improved significantly, from 68 per cent in 2025 when 74 of 108 bulls sold. The average was back on last year's $10,831, and the gross on the 2025 figure of $801,500 from a much larger catalogue. The 2025 sale topped at $50,000.
What figures did the top-priced bull record?
The 20-month-old weighed 852 kilograms with 11 millimetres of rib fat and 8 millimetres of rump fat. He recorded an eye muscle area of 146 square centimetres, 5.4 per cent intramuscular fat and a scrotal circumference of 45 centimetres. He is sired by Glenlands D To The Wire out of Karragarra T 1520.
Who bought the top-priced bull?
Glenlands J Droughtmasters, Alkira, Dingo, secured him. The buyers said he caught their eye the first time they saw him in the catalogue, but they always confirm in person, and he was better in the flesh than in the photos. He will be sent out for stud duties, with a plan already in mind for the females he will be mated to.
Why did that bull appeal?
The buyers cited his bone and strength while still being smooth throughout, plus his thickness and softness. They also pointed to his sirey head and the fact that at only 20 months he looks likely to develop further. They had bought from the vendor before and said those bulls performed well in their herd.
What did the vendor say about the result?
The vendor said he was very happy, calling $40,000 definitely up there and nothing to sneeze at, and that the stud was ecstatic. He said he had faith the bull would breed on and throw a huge, square top with plenty of growth and weight for age. He had identified the bull as a standout going in, noting that at 20 months with a 146 eye muscle area he was still soft and carried volume.
Is the leading vendor returning next year?
No. After 12 years as a regular vendor at the Roma Droughtmaster Sale, the stud said 2026 marked its last appearance, as it will host its own on-property sale from next year. The vendor said Roma had always been good and the stud well supported there.
Which vendors led the averages?
Sommer topped the vendor averages, clearing all five bulls at $14,400, ahead of the leading vendor on 11 of 12 at $13,091 and Mount Grant on two at $12,500. Sevenangle averaged $11,000 from one of two and Marylands S $10,000 from a single lot. Selling agents said it was a solid result with bulls heading to a large spread of buyers across Queensland.
