CONFIDENCE in the cattle market was on display with the annual MAGS bulls sale in Charters Towers today deemed a success despite the ongoing dry conditions.
Bidding was strong with buyers from across Queensland, with 98 bulls sold to gross $756,500 to reach a record average of $7720 with an 89 per cent clearance rate.
Lamont Quicksilver 761 (P) from vendors Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont, attracted attention as soon as he entered the ring.
He topped the sale at $35,000 with Eric and Lyn Slack-Smith, of Gladevale Station between Julia Creek and Richmond the winning bidders.
The 26-month-old son of Lamont Influx (S) D2 entered the ring weighing 868kg, had an eye muscle area of 146cm sq and a scrotal circumference of 43cm.
Mr Slack-Smith said Quicksilver caught his eye for his structure and temperament.
“Structurally he's very correct, very good on top, very good underline, his temperament was very good there really was very little wrong with him,” Mr Slack-Smith said.
“I use them to put over some high-grade Red Brahman cows, soften them up a bit.
“This bull's not huge but he cows are pretty big, so they'll complement one another.”
Mr Shann said he was happy with the result.
"We're very happy with the top price bull, I thought that was about what he was worth,” Mr Shann said.
“We sold some bulls in Rocky earlier in the year, a brother to him for $32,000 so it's great to get that similar money up here.
"Gayle and I are really trying breed a really good beef animal for the northern and central area. We try to pride ourselves on breeding quality.”
In all, the 54 registered Droughtmaster sires grossed $457,500 to average $8,470.
The second top selling bull Lamont Quest 720 (P), also offered by Mac and Gayle Shann, sold for $28,000 to Laurence and Pat Hack, Rocklea, Alpha.
Mr Hack said he liked the overall confirmation and temperament of the 25-month old son of Lamont Jackaroo (P) D3.
“I have bought here the last couple of years and I have been happy with their performance,” Mr Hack said.
The third highest price was $26,000 for Lamont Qualify 737 (P) purchased by Berry Shann, Suttor Grazing Company, Myall Springs, Collinsville.
They purchased nine bulls in total to average $13,890.
Other volume buyers included Rob Durkin, Kalarah Cattle Company, Beenboona Station, Charters Towers who bought six to average $7300.
Repeat buyer Alan Williams of Riverside Pastoral Company, Nebo, bought five to average $11,000.
Barrett Grazing, Southern Cross Station Charters Towers also bought five, to average $4,600.
A total of 32 herd Droughtmaster bulls grossed $217,000, to average $6780, with a top price of $18,000.
In total, 86 Droughtmasters grossed $674,500 to average $7845.
Nine Charolais X Droughtmaster bulls grossed $70,000 to average $7780 with a top of $12,000.
Three Brahman X Droughtmaster bulls grossed $12,000 to average $4000, with a top of $4000.
Agent Ken McCaffrey said it was a successful sale despite the dry season in the north.
“The overall results were pleasing, and the average was significantly up on last year,” Mr McCaffrey said.
Mac Shann said there had been a good turn out regardless of the difficult conditions.
“Once again we had a good roll up even though it’s been a terribly dry year,” Mr Shann said.
“The sale was up and down a little but strong overall. The quality bulls were selling exceptionally well, with some really strong purchasing.”
The bulls were sold on behalf of four vendors: Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont: Hugh and Sherri Philp, Valley Stud, Wyena, Clermont; Kylie Graham and Mat Durkin, Mungalla Stud, Farnham, Taroom and Alison Atkinson, Durack Stud, Frenchville, Rockhampton.
Agents: McCaffrey’s and Geaney’s.
