The largest bull sale in the southern hemisphere if not the world to be assembled at one saleyard, the Rockhampton Brahman Week Sale (RBWS) is expected to provide myriad opportunities for pulse-pounding bidding battles on the exemplary genetics catalogued annually.
The 42nd annual sale, being held at the CQLX Gracemere from Monday, October 1 to Wednesday, October 3, at 8am each day, will showcase 950 of the very best red and grey bulls available from 228 studs scattered from deep into NSW all the way up to FNQ.
Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association manager Anastasia Fanning said this years breed leading bloodline-filled draft will consist of 542 registered grey bulls, 395 registered red bulls and 13 herd bulls, of which 298 are polled or scurred.
Ms Fanning said the constant appeal for buyers at the RBWS, is that they have the opportunity to put large drafts together, while those who only want a few bulls can choose between bloodlines they’re chasing, with the characteristics they like to see in their cattle.
“By having this sheer number of bulls available at one place, buyers have the ability to operate on many bulls, so if one they like goes over their budget they can try on another bull, and another, until they get there quota inside their budget,” she said.
“Many of the top Brahman studs in the country sell at the RBWS so buyers arrive knowing they’re getting the the vendors’ best bulls.”
She said the sale is renowned for having high quality bulls on offer that are structurally sound with strong fertility traits.
“All bulls selected have scrotal circumference and semen quality requirements above Cattle Vet Standards, and have been ACV breeding soundness evaluated including assessment for structural correctness.”
Ms Fanning said like the rest of the east coast it has been very dry in Central Qld, though due to good management from the property owners on-property conditions are fairly good.
“Brahmans are renowned for their ability to do well in this difficult climate, their excellent doing ability and feed efficiency carry them through.”
She said when the store market comes back as it has presently, it generally shows through in the stud market “but sales to date have been strong with good clearances”.
“Absolutely the sale will feel the effects of the dry, however beef breeders still need bulls and I believe we’ll still have a strong sale result.
“In saying that, some rain would be a big help for all breeders.”
Reflecting on the 2017 result, Ms Fanning said it was again a very successful sale with a high clearance rate and an excellent average of more than $9000/head.
“The breed association and breeders are constantly out there promoting the benefits of Brahmans and it has been no different in 2018.
“The breed has enjoyed very successful showings at Beef Australia 2018 in the commercial section and with the stud cattle being in the Top Ten of the interbreed judging in the three sections.”
Ms Fanning said there has also been several well attended field days held promoting the breed, which were backed by strong national advertising.
She said the live export market in the north is “as strong as ever” with the preference for Brahmans at a higher rate in that market than for any market of any breed down the east coast.
The draft for each day of the RBWS is available for inspection from 6am in the sale pens at the saleyards, with the sale lots to also be available to look at on the afternoon of Sunday, September 30.
A gathering has also been organised from 5pm on Sunday evening with light refreshments available, which will provide a great opportunity for the RBWS breeders and buyers to socialise.
Those unable to attend the sale in person will be able to view and bid on the lots as they go through the sale ring via the Stocklive program on rlx.com.au. Generous buyer and freight rebates will also be available.
The agents this year are Elders, Landmark, GDL and SBB. Contact the local branches for information and pre-sale enquiries. Hard copies of the sale catalogue are available through the agents or at the Brahman Office. The online sale catalogue is now available at brahman.com.au.
