Clermont Beef Bull Sale posts 19pc lift in clearance, $3386 rise in average
Strong local and northern commercial support drove the average price up by $3386 and delivered a near total clearance at the 10th annual Clermont Beef Bull Sale on Tuesday, September 22.
The multi-vendor Brahman bull sale had 53 red and grey bulls on offer from six studs this year: Viva, Palmal, Apis Creek, 2AM, Leichhardt and Lindley Park.
A total of 52 bulls were sold to 21 successful buyers, achieving a 99 per cent clearance rate, up 19pc on last year's sale.
The sale average of $11,586.50 marked an increase of $3386 on the 2024 average, contributing to a total gross of $602,500.
In a further breakdown of results, 36 of the 37 grey Brahman bulls offered sold, averaging $11,805.55, while all 16 red Brahman bulls sold for an average of $9562.
Bulls were sold as far north as the southern Tablelands region, as far west as Alpha, and as far south as Yuleba in the Maranoa region.
It was Andrew and Anna McCamley and family of 2AM Brahmans, Dingo, who headlined the sale, with 2AM 9424 hitting the top price of $32,500 by way of a bid from long-time supporters, Allan and Jeanette Williams, Riverside Pastoral, Nebo.
Riverside is a bit under 300,000 acres (121,405 hectares), operating across several properties running 8000 to 10,000 head of cattle.
This year, the Williams family secured five bulls - three reds and two greys - to complement their single-sire breeding program for an average of $22,500.
"We purchased these sires for their quality and overall temperament," Mr Williams said.
"We've been attending this sale for the last five years. There may not have been the numbers that have been here in previous years, but quality bulls like these are always at this sale.
"We breed a lot of our own bulls instead of having to buy them all the time.
"But when we see quality like this, we're happy to pay for it. If they cost a lot of money, well, that's it, you pay for what you get."
The family has been enjoying one of their best seasons in years, although conditions are starting to dry off.
"It's dried up a bit now, but we've still got plenty of feed," Mr Williams said.
"Hopefully we'll get a bit more rain within a week or 10 days."
In early September, the Williams family sold 78 grey Brahman heifers (14-20 months) on AuctionPlus, achieving a top price of $1630 a head, which equated to 445.6c/kg live weight or 873.5c/kg dressed.
"Our heifers sold very well; it was our first AuctionPlus listing in 10 years," Mr Williams said.
Looking ahead, Riverside Pastoral is preparing to offer 250 red heifers this Friday, September 26.
"They're good heifers, future breeders," he said.
"The cattle market is fairly strong at the moment, so we're optimistic."
Not far behind at $35,000 and top price in the red draft was Palmal 2455, offered by David and Julie McCamley, Palmal Brahmans, Dingo.
Secured also by Riverside Pastoral Company, the 23-month-old entered the ring weighing 738 kg, and measured 38.50 cm in the scrotum.
He boasted an EMA of 128sq cm, and P8 and rib fats of 14mm and 11mm, respectively.
Other top sellers included 2AM 9173, sold for $26,000 to Strathmore Station, Collinsville; 2AM 9252 and 2AM 9229, both sold for $24,000 to WH Kettle & Co, Prairie, Capella; and Palmal 2470, purchased by Riverside Pastoral Co, Nebo, for $26,000.
Several volume buyers were active throughout the sale, including Strathmore Station, Collinsville, which spent $101,000 on seven bulls at an average of $14,428.
Matt McClymont, Mt Surprise Station, Mt Surprise, purchased six bulls averaging $4000, while David Jackson and Sons bought four bulls averaging $5500.
Scott McClymont, Mt Garnet, secured four bulls at an average of $10,500.
Vendor averages
Apis Creek Brahmans - 4/4 bulls average $13,250
2AM Brahmans - 21/21 average $14,166
Palmal Brahmans - 10/10 average $13,100
Viva Brahmans - 13/14 average $7461.50
Lindley Park Brahmans - 4/4 average $6000
- Agents: Hoch & Wilkinson, Nutrien, simulcast with StockLive.
