Good temperament a winner for bulk buyers at Gympie Brahman Female Sale

Good temperament is about more than handling stock, according to a bulk buyer at the 2025 Gympie Brahman Female Sale, who thinks quieter cattle can help producers employ more people and generate a secondary income.

Hillview Brahmans principals Ken Schultz and Sharon Wright-Schultz were among the three bulk buyers at the Gympie saleyards on June 7 that picked up five or more lots in the ring.

The Gympie-based family bought two head from Rocky Hill, two from Barambah, and one from Little Creek for an average price of $3000.

Ms Wright-Schultz said she and Mr Schultz were looking for cattle that were solid and easy to handle.

"We are very happy with the heifers we bought; they will start at our property near Gympie, then move up to our stud herd between Rockhampton and Gladstone," Ms Wright-Schultz said.

"Temperament is becoming more important, given that more women are working with cattle, and we want more women in the industry in the future.

"Ken had an accident a few years ago and is now less mobile,... so we want cattle that won't charge him from behind or by surprise.

"We [also] have a farmstay on our property, so it helps to have cattle that tourists can cuddle."

Mr Schultz said he had seen a lot of change in Brahman breeding practices since the 1970s.

"Few people cared about temperament in the early days, and every animal had horns," Mr Schultz said.

"Now, anyone could start a herd with good genetics if they do their research and are willing to pay the right price.

"We like to support the next generation when we buy at sales, to help young people get a start or be successful."

Rocky Hill principal Alyssa Hurley, who sold two lots to the Schultz family in the ring on June 7, said the way they handled the cattle contributed to their temperament.

"We drive around our property to get from paddock to paddock," Ms Hurley said. "But we muster cattle on foot."

The buyer with the largest number of lots purchased in the ring in 2025 was Greengrass Developments from Talavera, Charters Towers, who paid an average price of $12,286 for seven heifers, including four from Rockstar, two from Brahrock and one from Brahrock Ashley.

Doonside principal Bill Geddes was the other buyer with five or more lots, picking up three head from Brahrock, one from Brahrock N and one from Rockstar for an average price of $9700.