New look sale event to precede Droughtmaster National Bull Sale

Droughtmaster Australia has announced a new sale to take place before the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale this year.

The first-ever Queen of the Ring sale on Monday, September 15, will see 15 Droughtmaster females auctioned at the Drinks with Droughties function the night before the two-day bull sale.

It comes after last year's King of the Ring competition debuted, which saw nine bulls average $23,388.

The Donaldson family of Medway Droughtmasters, purchased the inaugural King of the Ring champion, Rondel Domino, for $32,500 at the 2024 Droughtmaster National Sale.

Prize money and a pick of the sale draw were among the incentives on offer for the vendors who paid to enter that competition.

Droughtmaster Australia chief executive officer Simon Gleeson said the event would provide breeders with valuable benchmarking opportunities while showcasing the breed's genetic advancement.

"This showcase focusing on female excellence represents our shared commitment to comprehensive genetic improvement," Mr Gleeson said.

"Showcasing elite female genetics is crucial for the continued advancement of the Droughtmaster breed.

"The Queens selected for this event will represent the foundation of future herds, embodying the traits that make Droughtmasters Australia's natural wonder breed - adaptability to harsh conditions, excellent maternal characteristics, and commercial productivity."