Outstanding depth of quality in 2025 Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale draft

Buyers can once again look forward to a uniformly solid draft of bulls being offered for the 48^th Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale (RBWS).

For this year's sale, 191 vendors will offer 857 bulls, of which 576 lots are polled or scurred.

This year's sale will take place at CQLX Gracemere on Monday, October 6, through Wednesday, October 8, from 8am daily.

The first day will see a portion of the 468 grey bulls selected have their time in the ring, with the balance to be offered on the second day. The first run of the 389 reds will follow on after the last grey goes under the hammer, while the third day will be an all-red affair.

Australian Brahman Breeders' Association president Reade Radel believes the RBWS is regarded as the premier sale for the breed.

"Most of the leading studs deliberately hold their very best bulls back for this event. That means we consistently see depth of quality right through the catalogue, with genetics to suit a wide range of commercial and stud buyers," Mr Radel said.

"The enduring appeal of Brahman Week really comes down to two things. Firstly, buyers know they're getting access to the very best bulls from the leading studs. Secondly, the sheer numbers on offer make it unique.

"With 857 bulls catalogued this year, there's tremendous depth of quality. If buyers are prepared to be patient and disciplined, there's always value to be found right through the catalogue."

The national appeal of the RBWS was highlighted last year with bulls sold to buyers across NSW, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

"I'd expect we might see even stronger demand from the Territory this year, with the live export market running well and a strong preference for high-grade Brahman cattle in that job," Mr Radel said.

"It really underlines the confidence producers have in the breed and its ability to perform across northern Australia."

Mr Radel said the 2024 sale was one of the toughest seen in a while, which was "naturally, disappointing for vendors".

Overall, 310 of the 356 red bulls offered sold to achieve an 87 per cent clearance with an average price of $10,477 and a total gross of $3,248,000, with a top price of $90,000, while 375 out of 396 grey bulls sold, to achieve a 94pc clearance, to average $9717, gross $3,644,000, and top at $70,000. In total, 685 of 752 bulls offered sold for a 91 per cent clearance for a total gross of $6,892,000 at an average of $10,061 per bull.

"The flip side was that buyers walked away with real value for money," he said.

"Those who bought last year know the strength of the cattle they secured, and I'd expect to see them back again this year."

Climatic conditions are also creating a sense of optimism for this year's sale.

"Season-wise, things are about as good as we've ever seen. Much of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia had a phenomenal wet season, backed up by excellent late summer and autumn rain.

"Even parts of Queensland that benefit from winter rain have had good falls. With the season in such good shape, and cattle prices holding strong, it really bodes well for this year's sale."

Those who're unable to make the journey to Gracemere for the sale can bid from home online through the Stocklive platform.

All bulls will be ready for inspection at CQLX from Sunday, October 5.

After prospective buyers have carried out their inspections, they're invited to attend the Vytelle RBWS Gathering to be held at CQLX from 5pm on the Sunday, for a barbecue and refreshments.

The catalogue can be viewed on the ABBA and Stocklive websites.

For enquiries, please call your preferred Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale agent at Nutrien, Elders or GDL.