Pastoral giants pour in from the NT, shifting gears at Rocky's biggest sale

Northern Territory buyers invested more than $600,000 at the 2025 Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale, securing 67 bulls across three days, in one of the strongest NT showings in recent memory.

From corporate entities running multiple stations to family holdings, veterinary services, and even a training college, Territory buyers were consistent in the buyers' gallery and spread demand across both red and grey drafts.

At the centre of the NT presence was corporate pastoral group Rallen Australia, which, alongside sister company Amanzi Property Group, confirmed its position as one of the sale's most dominant repeat buyers.

The companies purchased 31 bulls for an average of $7871, a total of $244,000, adding to the 139 Queensland sires bought privately in May.

Together, Rallen and Amanzi operate seven properties across the NT covering 1.3 million hectares and approximately 16,000 breeders.

Operations manager Andrew Stubbs said the focus was on the quality of bulls rather than sheer volume.

"Instead of five bulls at $4000, we'd rather buy three at $10,000," Mr Stubbs said.

"We're spending more but buying less, because fertility, structure, and temperament are what really drive our herd."

He said the strategy reflected a deliberate shift to improve efficiency across their breeder base.

"We don't want bulls that are too big - we want cattle that can walk the distances and still perform," he said.

"It's about making sure the bulls we do take home really work for us and improve the overall genetic base."

Mr Stubbs said Rallen and Amanzi had been consistent investors at Rockhampton over the past three years.

"Ninety-five per cent of our bulls go over grey Brahman cows," he said.

"We've been one of the bigger buyers here, and Brahman Week gives us the depth and consistency to build herds at scale."

Unlike Hayfield Station, which focused solely on greys, Rallen and Amanzi purchased across both red and grey drafts this year.

Family-run Hayfield Station, Daly Waters, also invested in fresh sires, purchasing 13 grey Brahman bulls to average $7846 and gross $102,000.

Owned by Justin and Sally Dyer, Hayfield runs 7500 grey Brahman breeders and has been a consistent buyer at Rockhampton.

Hourn and Bishop Queensland agent Brad Passfield, who acted on their behalf, said the Dyers were targeting functional sires.

"They were chasing strong-handed bulls with plenty of muscle and length," Mr Passfield said.

"They wanted structural integrity and eye appeal to handle distance in Territory country."

Mr Passfield said Hayfield's buying program typically began at Rockhampton before continuing through other Brahman sales such as Lancefield.

Other Northern Territory buyers were also very active, such as Herrod Livestock, which bought four bulls to average $28,375 and gross $113,500.

Northern Vet Services secured four to average $13,000 and gross $52,000, while Sandover Pastoral Company took home 10 bulls for a $5700 average and $57,000 gross.

Katherine Rural College invested in two bulls to average $14,500 and gross $29,000, while Lakefield Station purchased two to average $6000 and gross $12,000.

Sturt Plains secured one bull at $4000.

Vendors said the breadth of NT support added valuable competition across the three days and confirmed Rockhampton as a fixture in northern buying programs.

Northern Territory buyers at Brahman Week 2025

• Rallen Australia - 31 head, average $7871, gross $244,000 (reds and greys across all three days)
• Hayfield Station (Justin and Sally Dyer, Daly Waters) - 13 grey bulls, average $7846, gross $102,000; running 7500 grey Brahman breeders
• Herrod Livestock - 4 head, average $28,375, gross $113,500
• Northern Vet Services - 4 head, average $13,000, gross $52,000
• Sandover Pastoral Company - 10 head, average $5700, gross $57,000
• Katherine Rural College - 2 head, average $14,500, gross $29,000
• Sturt Plains - 1 head, $4000
• Lakefield Station - 2 head, average $6000, gross $12,000