High demand expected for bulls to be offered at the 48th Charbray National

Evidence shows Charbrays are gathering momentum.

Certified Breeders are confident in further developing and recording their genetics, which has accelerated herd book growth.

This is evident in the breeds' 131 per cent increase in pedigree recordings over the past three years alone.

Buyer and breeder interest is at a high, which has set the table for a memorable 48th Charbray National Bull Sale on Monday, September 29, from 10am, at CQLX.

Sale committee chairman, Trevor Ford, said this breed growth and interest is exemplified in the 83 registered bulls to be offered by 15 Charbray seedstock producers, two of which are making their debut, at the National this year.

"These Certified Charbray Breeders are offering bulls with depth of breeding that will produce predictability and consistency, those must-have ingredients for a profitable operation," Mr Ford said.

"This sale presents the perfect opportunity to secure genetics to successfully produce all-round paddock performers.

"They will step up and improve your bottom line, producing easy doing cattle that finish quickly and withstand a harsher environment."

This year's sale vendors will aim to gain the attention of astute buyers such as the Symonds family, Mt Flora Cattle Co, Nebo, who'll be returning to the National for their fourth time.

Alan 'Griff' Symonds runs the breeding operation across Mt Flora and nearby Oxford Downs with several staff, his wife Janet, and their son Brett.

Griff and Brett represent the third and fourth generations of the family on Mt Flora, which was purchased in 1954.

"We began utilising Charbray genetics seven years ago, initially over Brahman, then later Droughtmasters cows, for improved finishing results to then sell and trade these crossbred weaners to repeat commission buyers and regular clients," Griff Symonds said.

The Charbray-cross article they're producing has received acclaim at the Sarina Battle of the Breeds sale, which they began entering steers and heifers in three years ago.

"We've won the Charbray weaner steers and heifers section three years straight, and last year we also won grand champion pen."

The Symonds have noticed that they're receiving 30-40c/kg more for their Charbray-cross weaners than for the pure Droughtmasters.

"We sold 156 Charbray-cross cattle on August 7, through CQLX. The top pen made 496c/kg."

To continue bolstering their Charbray genetics, the Symonds bought a Wattlebray bull for $18,000 and a Cedar Park bull for $13,000 at the 2024 National, which Mr Symonds said are "standing up well and doing a great job" in the herd.

"The bulls presented at the National are exceptional."

"Since we started attending the National, the sale has gone from strength to strength as the cattle have consistently gotten better in quality each year."

This year, the Symonds will be looking for homozygous polled bulls as PP genetics have been a focus of their breeding program.

"Red Factor is another important trait for us, as is eye muscle area, and the estimated breeding value figures," Mr Symonds said.

"We balance this all up when making our bull buying decisions."

All bulls catalogued for this year's National have an Australian Registered Cattle Vets Bull Breeding Soundness evaluation certificate. They are all pre-treated for tick clearance.

A pre-sale meet and greet will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 3pm, at CQLX.

At this event, the sixth annual Elite Heifer Lucky Number Draw will be held, with the winner to take home a heifer bred by Certified Charbray Breeders, Trifecta Charbrays.

Tickets are $40 each, or you can buy three for $100. Numbers are limited to 150.

All proceeds raised from this draw will go towards organisation of the fourth annual Young Beef Breeders Bash to be held in the Western Downs from April 9-12, 2026.

A semen auction will also be held at the meet and greet, with all proceeds raised from the auction to be sent to Dolly's Dream.

Those who're unable to attend the sale in person can bid online through Stocklive Elite.

The catalogue is available to read on the Charbray Society of Australia website or on Stocklive Elite.

Eye muscle area, fat scan, and weight scan sheets will be available on sale day.

For enquiries, please contact your preferred sale agent at Elders or GDL.