Queensland's best bull auctions of the year revealed
A renewed sense of confidence in the beef industry led to improved clearances at most Queensland bull sales this season.
While some studs experienced a dip in their average prices, stud stock agents predicted clearance rates improved by at least 10 to 15 per cent compared to the previous year.
GDL Rockhampton branch manager Joshua Heck said overall there was a greater sense of positivity around most of the sales this season.
"People are talking about next year with a real sense of optimism about the beef industry, and I believe that certainly flowed into the results we saw at the sales," he said.
"I haven't worked out the numbers as a whole, but I'd imagine the clearances are probably 10 or 15 percent better than last year.
"For many vendors, the key to a successful sale isn't just achieving high averages; it's about ensuring that their bulls find a new home."
Mr Heck said at the start of the year, people saw a tougher market on the horizon and estimated there were about 20 per cent fewer bulls in some sales compared to previous years, which likely helped improve clearance rates.
"We saw that in some of the national sales where numbers dropped, and vendors were more diligent in culling bulls from their teams," he said.
"Certainly, the numbers corrected, and that probably helped with the overall appearance and outcome of the sales."
Looking ahead, Mr Heck believed there could be another increase of 20 to 30 per cent on averages next year.
"The strengthening commercial market always has a direct reflection on what people have to spend on their bulls and their genetics moving forward.
"I honestly think we'll see a significantly stronger bull selling season next year."
Elders' stud stock representative Anthony Ball said it had largely been a solid year for the industry, with some variation in breed-specific results.
While some may have expected more bulls to break the $100,000 mark, Mr Ball stressed that this wasn't necessarily an indication of lower quality.
"The fact that a lot of bulls didn't get over $100,000 doesn't mean there weren't bulls there that were worth that or more," he said.
"Everything's market-specific, and it's important to remember that the commercial buyer isn't getting $3,000 for a bullock right now; he's getting $1,500. So, he has less to spend.
"The cattle are as good as they've ever been, but the economic environment is influencing what people are able to spend."
As Queensland's stud bull selling season nears its close, Queensland Country Life has ranked the auctions with no more than four vendors that averaged $12,000 or more and achieved a clearance rate of at least 90 per cent.
Major multi-vendor bull sales were not included.
The top 21
1. Palgrove annual Bull Sale
In its second year being held at Glen Wilga, Chinchilla, the Palgrove Annual Bull Sale received massive support, clearing a total of 179 bulls to a packed out sales arena on Friday, September 13.
The complete clearance was complimented by a very impressive overall average price of $19,765, and sale gross of $3,538,000.
In a breakdown of the sale, 93 Charolais bulls sold to average $20,312 per head, while 82 Ultrablack bulls recorded an average of $19,256, and four Brangus bulls averaged $17,500.
The Charolais draft ensured things were off to a flying start, with five of the first 10 lots selling for $40,000 or more, but the sale's top price was uncovered 72 lots in, when the homozygous polled, Palgrove Trout, was reeled in for $60,000.
Topping the Ultrablack draft was lot 118, Palgrove Tall Timber, who is also headed back to stud duties, this time in central Queensland, after being knocked down for $52,500 to the McKenzie family of Tannyfoil Brangus, Blackwater.
Finishing the sale on a strong note was the final lot of the day, Palgrove Tailor-Made, who sold for $34,000 to top the Brangus draft.
In 2023, all 186 lots sold for a 100 per cent clearance, sale average of $17,102 and gross of $3,181,000.
2. The Carinya Garglen Brahman Sale
In its second year, the Carinya Garglen Sale set a new benchmark for this stud season's top priced bull in Queensland with its first offering on October 29.
The eagerness of buyers in a packed out sales arena resulted in a total clearance of 77 grey Brahman bulls presented by the Kirk and Bishop families of Carinya and Garglen respectively.
Up from last year's sale, the 2024 draft recorded an impressive average of $18,201 with a gross of $1,401,500.
The first bull to enter the ring raised the bar to $170,000, knocking down to Kelvin and Margaret Maloney, Kenilworth Brahmans, Mt Coolon at the Glenlands Sale Complex at Bouldercombe.
Topping the Carinya draft of bulls was lot 11, Carinya Marshall 2419/3, attaining the third highest price of the day at $80,000 to Ruan Grazing.
In 2023 the sale saw 94 of 101 bulls sell to average $11,164, culminating in a $1.164 million gross and topping at $65,000 to achieve a 93 per cent clearance.
3. Murgona Santa Gertrudis Sale
Fresh off the back of their Beef 2024 success, the Phillips family of Wandoan delivered another stand out result at their third annual Murgona Santa Gertrudis Sale at Taroom on September 14.
Murgona Cattle Co's Daniel and Kasey Phillips and their children Taylor and Brian Phillips, sold all 29 purebred Santa Gertrudis bulls for 100 per cent clearance, strong average of $17,586, doubling their 2023 sale average of $8193, and top price of $50,000.
It wasn't until lot 8, Murgona Rambo, entered the ring, when the top price of $50,000 was achieved.
The polled son of $55,000 Yarrawonga Quake Q990, and out of show heifer, Murgona Licorice L12, is bound for stud duties in Taroom, having been secured by Jason and Kylie Bruggemann, Triple S Santas stud, Taroom.
Murgona Santa Gertrudis stud co-principal, Kasey Phillips was blown away by the result at the time.
"We had a great lead into the sale with our success at Beef 2024," Ms Phillips said.
4. Ascot Angus and Charolais Bull Sale
A packed house exceeding 300 attendees, and more than 390 online bidders, combined to produce a brilliant result for Jim and Jackie Wedge of Ascot Charolais and Angus at their annual bull and heifer sale at North Toolburra, Warwick, on September 20.
A total of 138 bulls sold to an average of $17,123.
In the breakdown; all 73 Angus bulls sold to an average of $17,329 while all 65 Charolais bulls sold to average $16,892.
It was the Charolais bull, Ascot The Man T207E, who took top price honours, selling to the Millner family of Rosedale Charolais, Blayney, for $60,000.
In a first for the Ascot stud, the top-priced Angus bull, Ascot Universe U302, was heading to Western Australia, after he was secured by the Metcalfe family of Koojan Hills Angus at Manypeaks, for $40,000.
5. Glenlands Droughtmaster Bull Sale
In a display of confidence and buyer acceptance a complete clearance was achieved at the annual Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe, on September 19.
The result produced a $2.775 million gross with a bottom-line average of $16,744 for the 166 males on offer.
The first section of the catalogue saw 19 feature bulls sell to a top of $95,000 to average $28,842.
Glenlands D Fort-Knox, the calf champion Droughtmaster bull from Beef 2024, topped proceedings selling to a partnership involving Considerata South Africa and the Samari stud, Hughenden.
6. Santahat Bull Sale
The demand to spend more for Santa Gertrudis was seen early when $85,000 was paid for the best bull at the Santahat Santa Gertrudis Sale, Rawbelle Station, Monto, on September 20.
Conducted by the Hatton families, the result saw bottom line averages climb by $7010 a head and a total clearance as compared to the 94 per cent result recorded in 2023.
In a breakdown of the offering, 40 Santa bulls topped at $85,000 to average $16,575 (in 2023, 37 bulls averaged $9378 to sell to a top of $19,000), while 20 Angus bulls topped at $17,000 on two occasions to average $12,650 (last year 23 Angus bulls sold to $12,000 to set a $6695 average).
The sale topper was the 21-month, Santahat U445.
Representing the first season sire, the $130,000 Waco Red Bull R32, the youngster weighed 860 kilograms and delivered an EMA measurement of 145 sq cm and rib and rump measurements of 10 and 8mm respectively.
Taking home the event record breaker were the Hatton family, Diamond H stud, Chinchilla.
7. Elite Cattle Company Bull Sale
In a strong display of confidence in both the breed and the bulls on offer, the seventh annual Elite Cattle Co bull sale held on September 5, at Meandarra achieved a full clearance, with average prices up by $4283 on last year's sale result.
A total of 42 registered bidders gathered at the Meandarra property of stud principals Glen Waldron and Kim Groner, Elite Cattle Co, with many more participating online via Stocklive to vie for the 48 bulls presented by Elite Cattle Co and guest vendor Bill and Susan Cornell of St Pauls Genetics, Henty, NSW.
The enthusiastic participation from new and repeat buyers across Queensland and NSW ensured a 100 per cent clearance rate, with each of the 48 bulls selling for an average price of $15,750, an increase of $4283 on the 2023 sale.
It was lot 37, Elite Under Wraps, who sold for a top price of $36,000 to new clients, the Hatton family of Rawbelle, Monto, with semen retained for in-herd use.
Auctioneer Josh Heck attributed the success to buyers' confidence in the genetics offered.
Last year's sale saw a top price of $30,000, an average of $11,467, and a 92pc clearance rate of 49 bulls.
8. Moongool Charolais & Simbrah Bull Sale
It took 17 lots to go through the auction ring at Moongool Charolais' annual sale at Yuleba on September 23 before the top price was set, and that came about when a keen commercial operator and a stud breeder went head to head.
Starting at $10,000, it was quickly apparent that the well-balanced 22-month-old poll bull, Moongool Mr T539, was the centre of bidding attention, escalating quickly to the finishing price of $75,000.
That was paid by a partnership of Gympie's Elridge Charolais stud, owned by Ross and Paula Warren, who have previously bought a Moongool sire, as well as females, and the Goodland family of Clare Charolais, Theodore.
As well as being an outcross sire for Elridge, Mr Warren said he suited what they were looking for this year and so it was fortunate they were able to buy him.
Despite not being successful on Mr T539, Lloyd and Wendy Hick's Bezuma Pastoral Co made two purchases, paying $28,000 and $24,000 respectively.
They helped the overall sale average reach $15,154, well up on last year's average of $13,654.
A similar clearance rate to last year, 96pc, was recorded with 110 of 115 bulls sold this year, compared to 125 of 130 sold last year. The 2023 sale reached a $60,000 top.
Breaking the sale results down, all 78 Charolais bulls were sold for a 100pc clearance rate and an average of $16,360. Thirty-two of the 37 Simbrah bulls offered were sold (86pc), resulting in a $10,450 average and a top price of $20,000, paid twice.
Last year the Charolais average was $15,335 and the Simbrah average was $8860.
9. Bauhinia Park Angus & Charolais Bull Sale
Bauhinia Park held its 20th annual sale in style on August 21 at Emerald.
In all, 41 Charolais bulls set the pace early, topping the sale at $41,000 and average $19,268 for a total clearance, while all 40 Angus bulls sold, reaching a high of $20,000 and averaging $10,750.
Overall, 81 bulls sold to average $15,061.
In 2023, 82 Charolais and Angus bulls sold to average $13,195, with the top price being $28,000.
Ryan and Rachel Holzwart, Bauhinia Park Charolais, described the sale results as very special.
"We didn't see it coming and we are overwhelmed by the support; it was very special for our 20 years," Ryan said.
10. Cardona Santa Gertrudis Bull Sale
The Atkinson family, Cardona stud, Blackwater, celebrated their 50th anniversary year in style on October 1, with a six-figure price for one of their 21-month-old bulls.
At the annual sale, Santa Gertrudis bulls sold to a seasonal breed high of $115,000 to average $15,034 in a sale that grossed $1.2M.
Buyers from across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory supported the Atkinson family and their invited vendors, the Wolff family, Canowindra stud, Emerald with a 97 per cent clearance at auction for the male section of the catalogue.
Top seller was the 21-month-old homozygous polled Canowindra X 87, offered by Jason and Joanne Wolff and family.
The 894 kilogram son of Glenn Oaks Quinalow Q70 was the subject of a protracted bidding duel with the Walker family, Strathmore stud, Blackall securing the bull in a three quarter share full possession arrangement.
11. Talbalba Herefords Sale
Support from commercial buyers delivered another strong result at the Reid family's annual Talbalba Hereford Sale on August 29.
Steve, Debbie, Kate, Meg, and Brooke Reid sold 63 of the 66 bulls offered, achieving a clearance rate of 95 percent and an impressive average price of $14,666.
The sale's top-priced bull, lot 16, Talbalba Laptop T050, sold for $34,000 to repeat client, Nowley Pastoral Co. of Burren Junction.
"It was one of our strongest sales to date, driven by commercial buyers rather than stud support," said Mr. Reid.
"We are humbled by the confidence buyers have in our program, with 100 percent of bulls sold to commercial operations."
In 2023, the Reid family sold 55 of 62 bulls for a clearance of 89pc and overall average price of $14,655, with their top priced bull, lot 21, Talbalba Kingswood T011, being knocked down for $102,000.
12. Waco Santa Gertrudis Bull Sale
Fellow Santa Gertrudis studs have long been among the top clients for the bulls offered by Mungallala breeders David and Suzanne Bassingthwaighte at their annual Waco sale but it was a relatively unknown stud from northern NSW that surprised all with its purchase of the top priced bull at September 26's sale.
The Ayredale Pastoral Company, owned by businessman Norm Black and based on the NSW far north coast, outlasted Queensland stud interest to buy Waco Umpire U172 for $110,000 when he entered the ring at the stud's Mitchell bull depot as lot 4.
Georgia Perkins, at the sale on behalf of her agent father Darren Perkins, George and Fuhrmann, Casino, NSW, and Mr Black, said it was the first time they'd purchased a Waco bull for the stud but they knew the bulls to be of high quality.
As it did in 2023, the sale recorded a 100pc clearance, selling all 102 bulls on offer.
Last year they sold all 95 bulls, for an average price of $11,026 and a top price of $52,500. This year's average price was $13,661.
With lot two withdrawn, the first nine bulls averaged $31,555.
13. The Grove Shorthorns Bull Sale
A mix of stud and commercial buyers were active at The Grove Shorthorn stud's annual on-property bull sale on September 19, resulting in what stud principal Spencer Morgan described as a fantastic day for the family and for the breed.
A top price of $45,000 was reached twice for two-year-old bulls sold in the open auction section of the sale at Myall Grove, south of Condamine.
Deepwater Farming, operated by the Brownlie family at Meandarra, were the first to reach that figure, going the distance for The Grove T0466, a red bull described by auctioneer Geoff Maslen as having "a little dash of Angus" in him.
The Grove cleared all 103 bulls offered this year, as it did last year with 126 bulls, and improved on last year's sale average of $12,178, recording an average of $13,417 this year.
14. JK Cattle Company Sale
Justin and Kate Boshammer, JK Cattle Co, Condamine, sold all Angus, Brangus, UltraBlack, Waygu and UltraWag genetics on offer at their annual sale on August 12.
Overall, 73 bulls sold for an average of $13,150, topping at $36,000 for an Angus bull.
In a breakdown of breeds, 28 Angus bulls sold for an average of $15,286; 20 Brangus bulls sold to average $11,700, topping at $28,000; 12 UltraBlack bulls sold to average $14,500, topping at $30,000; 12 Wagyu bulls averaged $9500, topping at $24,000, and one UltraWag sold for $10,000.
At the time, co-principal Justin Boshammer said the result was outstanding.
"We have strived hard to improve the depth of quality in our breeding herd through improving our data, phenotype, structure and overall our temperament is outstanding," he said.
"We enjoyed a combination of new and repeat buyers, which was a good mix.
"The result was certainly above our expectations, but compared to other years, we thought this year's catalogue had a greater number of impressive bulls and the results speak for themselves."
Topping the Brangus run of the catalogue was the 24-month-old JK Cattle Co Toastmaster T495, at $28,000, a son of Triple B Quotation Q210 from Glenock JK Purdy MS 11. He tipped the scales at 812kg and has a scrotal circumference of 38cm and sold online to Dan Radel and Rebecca Burnham, Burenda, Augathella.
The top priced UltraBlack sold for $30,000 and was bought by Bill Schaefer, Pentland.
The top priced Wagyu at $24,000 was JK Cattle Co T074, a Trent Bridge Transformer Q117 son out of Academy Sakan Q59.
He was selected by Garth and Josie Christiansen, Campo Santo, Taroom.
In 2023, the Boshammers offered 29 Angus bulls to top at $28,000 and average $15,621, while 18 Brangus sold to a top of $20,00 to average $11,772.
15. Devon Court Poll Herefords Sale
The Nixon family of Devon Court Herefords had every reason to celebrate on September 3, after their on-property sale on Devon Court near Drillham.
The partnership of Robyn and her sons Tom and Alec saw all but one of 34 bulls sold, reaching a top price of $36,000 and a record best average of$13,100.
The sale topper at $36,000 was the polled 23-month-old Devon Court Top Secret T133, a son of Mawarra Top Secret and out of the Devon Court Spice female line.
Mr Nixon said the polled genetics by Marwarra Top Secret were in demand with 16 sons selling to average $14,562.
In 2023, 23 from 33 Hereford bulls sold under the hammer for a top price of $18,000, to average $7339.
16. Dangarfield Santa Bull Sale
The top-priced bull at the Adams family's 36th annual Dangarfield Cattle Co Santa Gertrudis bull sale was heading to Victoria for stud duties.
Held on September 10, on property at Kingswood, Taroom, the Adams family sold all 38 classified bulls, resulting in a sale average of $12,750, top price of $35,000 and a gross of $484,500.
The first 10 classified bulls through the ring averaged an impressive $20,000.
All 14 herd bulls sold for 100 per cent clearance, top price of $26,000, and sale average of $14,000, which was an increase of $5417 on the 2023 sale.
Overall, the Adams family sold all 52 bulls, had a sale average of $13,086, and a gross of $680,500.
17. Monty Atkinson Genetics Sale
The prices were as scorching as the temperature at the 23rd annual Monty Atkinson Genetics bull sale in Charters Towers on November 8.
Elders agents and the StockLive online system pulled in calls thick and fast from those holding some of the 45 bid cards written out, helping prices approach the highs of the 2022 sale.
By the end of the day the co-vendors, Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont, and Kylie Graham, Mungalla stud, Farnham, Taroom, had recorded an overall sale average of $13,036 and 100 per cent clearance of the 82 bulls offered.
All 63 pure Droughtmaster bulls offered by the two studs sold for an average of $12,937 and a top price of $50,000, while the 19 Charmaster bulls that the Lamont stud offered were sold for an average of $13,368 and a top of $21,000.
It was a big improvement on the 2023 sale result that saw an 83pc clearance, average overall price of $8798, and a top of $37,500. "The way the market's been, it makes you nervous, and having nearly the last sale of the year means some people can't wait," Mac Shann said.
"The number of people who turned up here in person and online, plus the wonderful average and 100pc clearance are all very humbling."
18. Casa Toro Simmental Bull Sale
Strong support from both new and returning buyers was evident at the Casa Toro bull sale in Roma on September 13, where at least 74 per cent of the Simmental sires sold for $10,000 or more.
Scott and Claire York and their family sold 47 of 49 bulls for a 95pc clearance to 30 successful buyers.
The bulls averaged $12,787, well up on the $10,604 average last year, for a gross of $601,000 and top price of $35,000.
The high demand was clear as the first 10 Simmental bulls averaged an impressive $20,900.
Casa Toro stud principal Scott York said it was a pleasing result for the family, with many of the 42 bid cardholders repeat clients.
It was a one and done affair for the Taroom buyers, Joe and Felecity Streeter, Streeter Grazing, who secured the market topper, lot 1, Casa Toro Top Gear T44, for $35,000, with semen retained for York's in herd use.
In 2023, all but one of the 44 bulls were sold under the hammer for a sale average of $10,604, and top price of $20,000.
19. Bullamakinka Santa Sale
Santa Gertrudis seedstock breeders gave Bullamakinka genetics a strong tick of approval at the stud's second annual sale in Longreach on September 4, buying the top three lots offered.
It was NSW Northern Tablelands stud Glen Leigh who paid the top price of $34,000 and stud principal Ian Shaw said it was the first time they'd purchased a Bullamakinka bull.
All 70 bulls offered at the sale at the WQLX venue were sold for an average of $12,786, well up on 2023's average of $9453.
Last year's sale also had a 100pc clearance, with 86 offered and a top price of $30,000.
Bullamakinka stud principal Craig Hindle said he remained committed to bringing his bulls out to where a large portion of clients lived.
"Last year was our first selling here - now people know we're continuing," he said.
According to Longreach agent Richard Simpson, the price paid for poll bulls was $4000-$5000 higher.
20. Yarrawonga Santa Sale
The son of a now deceased $100,000 sire was the headline act at the Yarrawonga Santa Gertrudis Sale at Wallumbilla on September 25.
Yarrawonga U616 reached the sale high of $85,000 for Andrew and Fiona Bassingthwaighte and family when he sold to the team at Hardigreen Park Santa Gertrudis, Wallabadah, New South Wales.
He was one of 148 bulls that all sold under the hammer for an average of $12,723, which was up $384 on last year when 186 of 188 bulls sold for a $12,339 average.
While the 2023 high price of $130,000 may not have been reached, prices didn't fall below $10,000 until the 23rd lot of the day.
In fact, the first 19 bulls offered at the auction averaged $24,263.
Yarrawonga U616, lot nine, was out of Waco J793 and by Watasanta PT 2688M, who was purchased for $100,000 in partnership with Diamond H stud in 2021.
His seven sons catalogued in the sale went on to average $22,714.
21. Dunlop Santa Sale
The Dunlop family of Dunlop Santas witnessed consistent demand for their bulls at their 12th annual on-property bull sale held at Jingeri, Proston, on September 7.
By the end of the sale, Scott and Rebecca Dunlop had sold 120 of the 123 bulls on offer, achieving 98 per cent clearance rate, average of $12,325, gross of $1,477,000, with the top bull selling for $36,000.
All 99 classified bulls sold, resulting in a 100pc clearance, an average price of $13,010, a top price of $36,000, and a total gross of $1,288,000.
Herd bulls achieved a top price of $20,000, with 26 herd bulls sold for 95pc clearance rate, an average price of $8739, and a total gross of $201,000.
Bulls sold consistently to repeat and new clients across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory.
For comparison, last year's sale had a top price of $47,500, with an average of $12,700 for the 125 bulls sold and a 100pc clearance rate.
