'Even better in the flesh': top-priced bull at Roma Droughtmaster Sale a standout

An overnight shower may have bogged down the laneways in the Roma saleyards, but it certainly didn't dampen the bidding at the 2026 Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale on Friday, October 16.

In the ring, 61 of 75 bulls offered sold for an 82 per cent clearance, a $9672 average, and a $590,000 gross.

Four lots sold post-sale to bring the clearance to 87pc for a $9354 average and a $608,000 gross.

It was a significant improvement from the 2025 clearance, where 74/108 bulls sold, 68pc, for an average price of $10,831, a top of $50,000, and a gross sale value of $801,500.

The top-priced bull at the 2026 sale, Karragarra Wyesby, offered by Wayne York, Karragarra Droughtmasters, Emerald, sold for $40,000 to the Childs family, Glenlands J Droughtmasters, Alkira, Dingo.

The 20-month-old, 852 kilogram bull, sired by Glenlands D To The Wire and out of Karragarra T 1520, recorded 11 millimetres of rib fat, 8mm of rump fat, an eye muscle area of 146 square centimetres, 5.4pc of intramuscular fat, and a scrotal circumference of 45cm.

Buyers Jason Childs and his son, Ryan, said the bull caught their eye the first time they saw him in the catalogue.

"We liked what we saw in the photos, but we always have to come and see things in person to confirm," Mr Childs said.

"He was actually probably better in the flesh than he was in the photos - we were impressed when we saw him."

"His bone and strength, and his ability to still be smooth throughout, plus his thickness and his softness [stood out to us]," Ryan said.

"Add to this his sirey head and the fact that he's still only 20 months old and looks like he'll develop even further, we're very happy with him," Mr Childs added.

Glenlands had previously purchased from Karragarra, and Mr Childs said the bulls performed well in his herd.

"Wayne has purchased Glenlands genetics in the past and this bull has an extremely good pedigree backing him," he said

Mr Childs said he had previously attended the Roma Droughtmaster sale, but this year was Ryan's first time.

Upon getting the bull home, the Childses said he would be sent out for stud duties.

"We have a plan in mind for this bull and we're anticipating a great outcome with the females we have chosen to mate to him," he said.

Karragarra stud principal Wayne York said he was very happy with the sale result.

"It's just good to see our bulls go out and go to the industry and the areas that these cattle need to go to to survive," he said.

"We've always done relatively well in Roma, but $40,000 is definitely up there and is nothing to sneeze at.

"We're ecstatic. We know he's going to a really good home, and we just have a lot of faith in the bull. We know he's going to breed on and throw that huge, square top and plenty of growth and weight for age into his progeny in the herd at Glenlands J."

Mr York said he knew the bull was a standout heading into the sale.

"Him and our first bull that made $28,000, they were our two picks," he said.

"This fellow, he was the youngest of them all, and to be 20 months and have a 146 EMA, but still be so soft and have so much volume is probably what appealed to most people."

Regular vendors at the Roma Droughtmaster Sale for the past 12 years, Mr York said 2026 marked the stud's last appearance as they would be hosting their own on-property sale from next year.

"Roma has always been good, and we've been well-supported when we've sold bulls here," he said.

Speaking generally about the sale result, selling agents said it was a solid result, with bulls heading to a large spread of buyers across Queensland.

Averages for vendors who sold two or more bulls

Hamadra: 3/4, 75pc, $8667

Locarno: 1/2. 50pc, $7000

Billabong: 4/4, 100pc, $7000

By-Mingo: 3/3, 100pc, $9333

Smithy's: 1/1, 100pc, $7000

Karragarra: 11/12, 92pc, $13,091

Marylands S: 1/1, 100pc, $10,000

Coolibah: 2/2, 100pc, $9000

Sevenangle: 1/2, 50pc, $11,000

Jembrae: 3/5, 60pc, $6333

Horizon: 2/2, 100pc, $6000

Oakmore Park: 5/5, 100pc, $9200

Mount Grant: 2/2, 100pc, $12,500

Fernleigh: 7/9, 78pc, $7429

Sommer: 5/5, 100pc, $14,400

Sevenell: 3/3, 100pc, $9667

Lynsey Park: 1/1, 100pc, $6000

3 Sisters: 1/2, 50pc, $6000

UQ Vet School: 5/8, 63pc, $7600

• Selling agents: GDL, Nutrien, and Elders, interfaced with Stocklive.