Seedstock producers exchange more than $60M in bulls at Qld sales in September

More than $60 million in bulls have changed hands in Queensland in the month of September.

A sample of bull sales covered by Queensland Country Life journalists in September 2024 and the same month this year found both the average, clearance and gross values overall increased.

In total, 4755 bulls were sold in September 2025, down from 4985 bulls sold during the same period in 2024.

However, total gross revenue increased from $57.68 million in 2024 to $63.52 million in 2025, marking a 10.1pc rise in overall sales.

The growth is attributed to stronger sale averages, with the average price per bull increasing from $10,657.67 in 2024 to $12,129 in 2025, a lift of 13.8pc.

Meanwhile, 5063 bulls were offered at auction this September, compared to 5443 bulls offered in 2024.

This year's clearance rate was 93pc, an improvement from last year's 91pc.

The best sale by average for the month of September was once again Palgrove.

All up 179 bulls cleared and averaged $19,492 in 2025, compared with 179 averaging $19,765 in September 2024.

Next best was Glenlands with 187 bulls averaging $19,316, up 15pc on last year, and Moongool averaging $19,042 for 119 bulls, up 27pc for Charolais and 48pc for Simbrahs.

The top five September sales were rounded out by Dunlop with a $18,562 average for 114 head, up by 50.6pc, and Rosevale with a $17,160 average for 153 bulls, which was a lift of more than 50pc.

Six-figure price tags were common in September, too, for Santa Gertrudis, Droughtmaster and Charolais breeds

Santa Gertrudis Australia general manager Brad Cooper attributed the "outstanding prices" paid for Santa Gertrudis cattle this September to quality genetics and improved seasonal conditions.

"We've seen abundant grass availability, strong cattle prices across the board, and most importantly, the proven performance of Santa Gertrudis cattle, which thrive on both grass and grain," Mr Cooper said.

"The quality of bulls presented to buyers this year has been exceptional.

"These animals are producing commercially relevant progeny, cattle that grow efficiently on low inputs and meet market specifications.

"Buyers are telling us they want do-ability, growth, and animals that clean up quickly and present well for sale. On all these fronts, Santa Gertrudis consistently delivers."

Droughtmasters dominated in volume with 373 bulls offered at the National Droughtmaster Bull Sale, of which 326 were sold, averaging $16,315.

This represented a 12per cent increase over September 2024, when the average price was $14,595 on 326 bulls sold.

Droughtmaster Australia CEO Simon Gleeson said the result was a reflection of the breed's commercial strength.

"It was one of those sales that you just walk away and just can't believe how good it was," Mr Gleeson said.

"It's a real credit to our breeders who invested heavily in genetics three years ago.

"We saw them spending up a lot more than they normally would, and that's now a reflection of where we're at.

"The strong demand for quality bulls proves they're delivering commercial stock that feedlots and processors want.

"It's a clear signal that the breed isn't just on the right track, it's charging ahead. And if this sale is anything to go by, the best is yet to come."

Charolais Australia general manager Colin Rex said the positive trends in Charolais bull averages and numbers sold were being driven by the "astute commercial operators that recognise the value of incorporating heterosis in their programs".

"The success of crossing Charolais on Bos indicus females is well documented and validated by market reports across the state," he said.

"It's the system that allows you to keep your breeders in sync with your country's capability, but increase kilograms weaned with the Charolais influence; it just works."

In the Brahman world, the Clermont Beef Bull Sale showed strong growth from 2024 to 2025.

In 2024, 59 bulls were sold at an average price of $8200, while in 2025, 52 bulls sold for an average of $11,586.50, an increase of 41.3pc in average price per bull.

The 2025 Karragarra Simmental Bull Sale resulted in 105 bulls selling for an average of $15,505, a 33.4pc increase in average price and a significant rise in numbers from 78 bulls sold in 2024.

The average price of bulls at the Central Brangus Sale increased by 24.37pc compared to last year, rising from $10,008 to $12,446.

Records have also fallen with the Braford and black Simmental breed highs rewritten, while the Droughtmaster National Sale's top price record was beaten.

ACM Agri will be doing an overall national analysis of the top sales for the year in December.