Highlands Droughtmaster sale returns to Clermont with increased offering
The 35th annual Highlands Droughtmaster Bull Sale saw an even mix of registered and herd bulls sell at the Clermont Saleyards on Friday, March 6.
Out of 88 catalogued lots this year, 63 bulls were presented to the ring with 43 selling to record a 68 per cent clearance rate with the sale averaging $9930 and grossing $427,000.
Topping the sale at $30,000 was lot 14, Vale View Hot Shot 2 (PP), a 24-month-old registered bull by Oasis A Sir Mortlock (PP) and out of Vale View Collie 2 (P) (IVF), purchased by Luke Canty, Fortrus Pastoral, Gympie.
The bull tipped the scales at 810 kilograms, scanned 130 square centimetres for eye muscle area, recorded 12 and 9 millimetres for p8 and rib fat, and measured 40 centimetres for scrotal circumference.
Mr Canty said the bull would be used as a mop-up sire following the stud's artificial insemination program.
"We went and viewed him in the paddock beforehand and just really liked his style," he said.
"We're doing an AI program again this year and he'll be used as our mop-up bull with the heifers."
Mr Canty said the family had returned to Droughtmasters after previously dispersing their herd in 2015.
"We went to Brangus for a while but came back to Droughtmasters because we love the breed," he said.
"They handle the flies, they've got great temperament and they've always done well for us."
Currently running about 200 breeders, the operation plans to expand to around 300 cows over the coming years.
"We're really focused on building our engine room and growing our female base," he said.
Vendor Colleen Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters, Manumbar, said the bull had always stood out within the program.
"He's always been a standout calf and he's backed by strong genetics," she said.
"His half-brother Vale View You Ripper has done a lot of good for the breed and the female line behind [Hot Shot] is very special."
Ms Smith said the market delivered mixed results across the catalogue.
"Good bulls made their money, which was pleasing, but it was probably a tougher day for some," she said.
The second top price of $24,000 was paid for lot 18, Oasis Trinidad, a registered horned bull purchased online via StockLive by Andrew Clarke, Thangool.
The 26-month-old bull was sired by Oasis Rooster (P) and out of Oasis 645 (H).
He weighed 820 kilograms, scanned an EMA of 140sq cm, recorded fat depths of 9mm and 6mm respectively for p8 and rib, and measured 37cm for scrotal circumference.
Bulk buying honours were shared by Lundrain Pty Ltd, Wondabah, and Jellinbah Pastoral, Dysart, each securing six bulls.
Dane and Nicole Lund purchased six bulls to average $9833 for a total outlay of $59,000.
Mr Lund said the selection included a range of types suited to their commercial herd.
"We tried to buy a mix of bulls with a bit more content and some more solid-set types," he said.
"They'll go back into our commercial Droughtmaster herd running on coastal hill country further north."
Jellinbah Pastoral secured six bulls to average $10,500, spending $63,000.
Dale Sibson, Dysart, said the operation had been long-time supporters of the sale.
"We've been coming here for about 26 years and usually pick up a few bulls," he said.
"We breed bullocks so we're looking for bulls with good flesh and plenty of bone that will suit our market."
Mr Sibson said the consistency of the offering remained a strength of the annual fixture.
"If they're good bulls they'll sell well, and this sale always seems to present a good line-up," he said.
Vendor Averages
- Kenlogan, Clermont: 1/4 bulls sold, $11,000 average.
- Vale View, Manumbar: 4/6 bulls sold, $13,250 average.
- Oasis, Rockhampton: 5/5 bulls sold, $11,000 average.
- Lagoon, Dululu: 4/5 bulls sold, $5750 average.
- Redskin, Morinish: 4/4 bulls sold, $11,250 average.
- Cairo, Clermont: 1/8 bulls sold, $5000 average.
- Karragarra, Emerald: 9/9 bulls sold, $8500 average.
- Huntley, Comet: 6/11 bulls sold, $7666 average.
- Medway, Bogantungan: 9/9 bulls sold, $11,555 average.
Selling agents: Elders, StockLive
