Dust didn't deter buyers at Daraabah Simmental 'Diamonds in the Dust' sale
Young females sold to a top of $4250 at the inaugural Daraabah Simmental 'Diamonds in the Dust' female sale, held online on Tuesday, April 28.
Established in 2011, the Dubbo-based Daraabah Simmental stud is a family operation run by Bruce and Melinda McColl.
Utilising the Helmsman auction system, Mr McColl was realistic about the current market conditions, including rising freight costs and the dry season prevailing across most of NSW and into southern Queensland.
Queensland buyers, Gareth and Emily Laycock and family of Biarra Valley Simmentals, Nanango, paid the top money for Lot 1, Daraabah Violet V424, an unjoined 19-month-old polled heifer by Seven Brooks Top Gun, out of Daraabah Poppy P829.
Mr Laycock said they bought a Daraabah bull last year and were very happy with his performance over their females.
"This heifer has a bit of different genetics to what we have and when we were going through the videos she caught our eye," he said.
Violet was described in the catalogue as a "stylish, polled, high capacity female who carries strong maternal traits. She combines eye appeal and femininity with a good temperament".
"We use about ten different stud sires, so we see which bull suits her the most and she will be joined in the spring," Mr Laycock said.
Other Queensland buyers, Megan and Jack Fogg, Koonaworra Simmental and Simbrah stud, Monsildale, purchased two females to a top of $3500, while Gundagai buyer, Kurt Fifield, Elfield Park Simmentals, took home three quality heifers for a top of $2500.
In his draft of two, Matthew Pittman, Wahnica Partnership, Loomberah, NSW, outlaid $3250 for an impressive 11-month-old heifer, Lot 14, Daraabah Willow W515. As the youngest heifer in the catalogue, she was described as having "plenty of softness with class. She is deep bodied with good length and moderate frame".
Dane and Casey Woodward, Woura Park, Torrens Creek, Queensland, paid a top of $3000 for three young polled heifers.
Ray White Richardson and Sinclair agent, Justin Sanderson, said all of the females sold went to other studs, which was a pleasing result.
"They sold to a wide area, including as far north as Torrens Creek, south west of Charters Towers, and down to Gundagai," he said.
Mr McColl said he was greatly appreciative of the support of their repeat clients and welcomed first time buyers of the Daraabah genetics.
