Cyclone Alfred forces postponement of major stud sale
The expected impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred has forced the postponement of the Droughtmaster National Female Sale, which was set for this Saturday, March 8.
It will now take place two weeks later on March 22 with the same 198 lots offered at the Gympie Saleyards.
The decision was made following consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including the sale committee, the Droughtmaster Board, and agents, with the safety of participants and livestock as the priority.
Cyclone Alfred has intensified and is forecast to make a sharp turn towards the south east Queensland coast on Tuesday afternoon.
The latest tracking maps from the Bureau of Meteorology predict the cyclone could make landfall just north of Brisbane by Thursday night, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
Droughtmaster National Female Sale coordinator Leigh Eleison said the announcement was made on Tuesday morning, following the board meeting overnight.
"The sale committee met Monday night and took recommendations to the board, which approved the postponement on Tuesday morning," Ms Eleison said.
"With some vendors already beginning their journey to Gympie, we felt it necessary to make this announcement as soon as possible."
This year's draft includes 177 unjoined heifers, nine joined lots, and 12 cow and calf units, from 39 Droughtmaster seedstock producers.
Ms Eleison said the postponement had been well-received by vendors, many of whom expressed their concerns about the cyclone's potential disruption.
"We've had messages from vendors who were supportive of the decision, and agents also felt it was the best course of action," she said.
"No one wanted to risk the uncertain conditions this weekend."
The delay also extends the validity of vet pregnancy and dentition certificates.
These certificates, which typically have a 35-day expiry, will now be valid until the new sale date on March 22.
The Droughtmaster National Female Sale is the largest event of its kind for the sale of Droughtmaster females in a multi-vendor setting, attracting buyers from as far south as northern New South Wales, as far north as North Queensland, and across to western Queensland.
