Charters Towers organic operation pays top price at Jarrah Genetics sale
The Becker family's Jarrah Genetics sale at Banana on Monday, September 1, was underpinned by strong commercial demand, with a number of large-scale, progressive operations securing sizable orders.
The sale saw 73 of 76 bulls sold in the ring to a top of $21,000 for an overall average of $9617, with a further two bulls changing hands immediately after the auction.
In 2024, the sale saw 60 out of 63 bulls sell, to a top of $23,000, to average $8584.
A healthy mix of new and repeat buyers was evident throughout the catalogue.
In the Hereford draft, 37 of 38 bulls sold to average $10,648.
A top price of $21,000 was paid for Jarrah Medcalfe U035, by repeat buyers Strathmore Exports, Charters Towers, who took home three bulls in total for an $18,667 average for their organic beef operation.
Hereford bulls sold across Queensland, from the Atherton Tablelands to Charters Towers, west into the Channel Country and along the coast at Calliope and Bundaberg, with one heading south to Injemira, Holbrook, NSW, for stud duties.
In the Jarrah Reds and Redfords, long-standing supporters Penna & Sons, Mt Fox, paid the $18,000 top price for Jarrah Redford U515.
They were also volume buyers for the day, securing 10 bulls to average $9700, continuing their unbroken support since Jarrah's live auction format began six years ago.
The Redford draft was offered for the first time and achieved a 100 per cent clearance to four operations looking to introduce a higher-content breeding option.
Jarrah principal Sam Becker said the demand for the Herefords reinforced the direction of the program.
"Our breeding consistently focuses on Hereford cattle that are acclimatised to northern Australia, that have fertility and can handle the ticks," he said.
"The calibre of operations stepping into the breed, and then returning after bulls have worked successfully in their programs, is very encouraging. It was also pleasing to see new clients who hadn't previously used the breed take bulls home today."
Mr Becker said fertility and performance remained key drivers of the Jarrah program.
"It was very evident today the value our clients place on fertility and the pressures we apply within our herd," he said.
"We also noticed a trend toward the stronger performance bulls, highlighting the importance of continuing to emphasise these profit drivers in our program."
