Bulk buyers contribute over $1.1 million to National Braford Sale offering

Bulk buyers were responsible for a significant portion of this year's National Braford Sale turnover, with the sale's volume buyers collectively spending over $1.1 million to secure their lots.

Despite an increased starting price of $6000, bulk and commercial buyers didn't soften their spending during the sale that grossed $2,116,000.

Among the bulk buyers operating on the day were returning supporters Rodney and Katie Riethmuller, with Jailyn Turvey and her daughter Matilda, 1, from Allambee Cattle Company and K and R Cattle Co Pty Ltd, Allambee, Rolleston.

Mr Reithmuller said they were on the hunt for herd bulls to support their commercial breeding and fattening operation, which incorporated both Braford and Shorthorn genetics.

They finished with 11 bulls at an average of $6818, with a top price of $10,000 for lot 44, Neimen Omar.

Recently, Allambee Cattle Company sent a load of bullocks to the meatworks, with their Braford cross returning an average carcase weight of 550 kilograms and a top price of $2400.

"We've been running Brafords in our operation for a number of years now," Mr Reithmuller said.

"We find this national sale offers a greater range of genetics to choose from because very few studs have large numbers available. Here, you've got over 180 bulls to pick from."

While they weren't specifically chasing polled genetics, the focus was on finding a sire with less hump.

"The aim was to find a sire with more Hereford appeal than Brahman," he said.

At this sale, the Reithmullers prioritised reliable genetics with good temperament.

"We've bought from some of these vendors before, like Galloways and Ascot Neimen studs, and we'll continue to do so," Mr Reithmuller said.

"They've proven to be very good in the past."

Their new sires will join their 3000-head breeder herd at Allambee.

Reflecting on the market, Mr Reithmuller said there were some good bargains in parts of the sale.

"We always want it cheaper, but we're happy with the prices we got for our bulls," he said.

"To be honest, I was expecting to pay more heading into the sale, but there were definitely bargains on the day."

As the sale progressed, Mr Reithmuller said stud buyers pushed prices higher.

"Towards the end, the bulls got dearer. But if you're looking to buy 10 bulls and hold back at the beginning, you might end up paying more at the end and having to meet the market, potentially buying bulls you might not have considered earlier," he said.

Overall, the largest volume buyer of Monday's sale was Tennyson Holdings of Taroom, who invested $204,000 to secure 15 bulls at an average price of $13,600.

In total, Tennyson Holdings' purchases accounted for 11.6 per cent of the bulls offered.

They paid a top price of $26,000 twice for lot 129, Carinya Dunlop, and lot 141, Harriett Valley Winchester.

Following closely behind was return buyer ACM Grazing of Richmond, which purchased 12 bulls at an average price of $8250.

Brackloon Grazing, Blackwater, outlaid $188,500 to acquire eight bulls and one heifer, averaging $20,944.

Their highest payment was $40,000 for lot 36, Carinya Denver 3559, and they also purchased the top price heifer, lot 206, Chadwick Downs Abby U202, for $11,000.

Galloway Grazing, also from Blackwater, purchased eight bulls at an average price of $6125.

Miegunyah Grazing of Dirranbandi secured seven bulls at an average of $14,142, with a top price of $24,000 for lot 118, Little Valley Payne.

LC and JK Muller of Rolleston purchased six bulls at an average price of $10,833, paying a top price of $16,000 for lot 163, Neimen Omega 731.

Three buyers each secured five bulls.

Narrien Cattle Co, Clermont, bought five bulls averaging $15,800, with a top price of $36,000 for lot 63, Linlora Pedro 647.

DE and JM Robson of Morven spent $130,000 for five, averaging $26,000, and paid a $40,000 high for lot 123, Little Valley Professor.

The Meek family, representing Cargara Cattle Co of Augathella, paid $120,000, averaging $28,000, and secured lot 177, Eldon Court Brigalow 1141, for $40,000.