Queensland Brahman studs come together to secure sought-after genetics

Two of Queensland's well-known Brahman studs have joined forces to secure this year's top-priced heifer at the Great Northern Brahman Heifer and Genetics sale in Airlie Beach on the evening of Thursday, October 22.

Vella Macey 6976 was one of the 13 heifers up for grabs at this year's sale, where she sold for a top of $16,000.

The partnership between Nicholas Brownson of Burdekin Brahmans, Charters Towers and Gavin Scott of Yacamunda Investments, Collinsville successfully outbid the competition.

She was offered by Ray and Leah Vella of Vella Brahmans, Breadalbane Plains, Proserpine.

Mr Vella said that Vella Macey had come from fully imported, "exceptional bloodlines".

"They are a consistent line of cattle that are big, strong cattle," he said.

It was mainly the polled genetics that led Mr Vella to make the decision to offer Vella Macey on the night.

She was "a bit of a showcase of their polled genetics to come in the future," Mr Vella said.

The 22-month-old, grey heifer was sired by Mr SNS Mighty Mouse 295/6 and her dam was LMC LF Polled Spirit 185/7.

Mr Brownson said his operation was trying to chase down polled genetics to move forward within his commercial herd.

"She was a very long and correct heifer, overall very balanced with good feet," he said.

Mr Brownson said he and Mr Scott had been bidding against each other for many years and had been chasing the same kind of article, but in the past couple of years they had combined and bought a few heifers together.

On Thursday night they bought lots 2 and 3 in partnership.

GDL Rockhampton branch manager Josh Heck said people were investing in Brahmans at the moment, adding that the atmosphere for the sale was always good at the Airlie Beach Hotel.

He said the heifers offered were very consistent.

This year's gross for the heifers was $116,000 with an average of $9666 and a 92 per cent clearance rate, while the gross for the semen was $28,200 with an average of $1484 a straw and 100pc clearance.

In 2025 the gross for the heifers was $105,000 for an average of $10,500, while the gross for the semen was $35,550 for an average of $1692 a straw.

The top price paid last year was $26,000, for NCC Huds Empress 6693, offered by Vella Brahmans.

The top-priced semen package at this year's sale was for five straws and five registrations from well-known Brahman sire Nicneil Sugar Daddy.

Reginald Valmadre, Jambin, operating through StockLive, was the buyer.

The straws were secured at a rate of $1700 a straw.

Strong bidding came via Stocklive with 171 viewers, 46 registered bidders and a total of five lots being purchased online to a sum of $33,700.

Vendor averages:

Vella Brahamans- 4/4, average of $14,000

Cambil Brahmans - 4/5, average of $6500

Ooline Brahmans - 3/3, average of $7000

Kent Brahmans - 1/1, average of $13,000

• Selling agents: GDL, Elders, interfaced with Stocklive