Recent rain across much of the state, combined with the high quality of the 374 lots catalogued, led to a 99 per cent clearance at the 2020 Big Country Brahman Sale.
Sale co-agent Ken McCaffrey, McCaffrey's Australian Livestock Marketing, Rockhampton, said the total sale gross of $2,937,500 was just $15,000 shy of the $2,952,500 northern Australia multi-vendor stud sale record set at the 2017 Big Country sale.
"The result exceeded my expectations, I didn't think the market would be this buoyant considering the rain only started falling in big quantities in the last three weeks," he said.
"The result highlights the strength of this sale, reflects favourably on the the quality of the lots selected by the vendors for the catalogue and demonstrates the health of the industry if decent seasons are prevalent."
He said though the average was very slightly down on the 2019 result, an additional 67 lots were sold this year.
"We had more lots from more vendors in the catalogue this year. Buyers responded very well to the quality of the cattle on offer. The vendors did a great job of presenting their cattle."
He said an ambition to expand the female section of the sale was well realised.
"Well regarded studs selected good heifers which were met with an excellent response from buyers."
The 158 grey bulls grossed $1,566,500 to average $9915, the 100 red bulls grossed $895,500 to average $8955, and 116 heifers grossed $475,500 to average $4099.
Support from the NT was again strong this year with The Tipperary Group, situated close to the Port of Darwin, topping the volume buyers list with the purchase of 20 bulls averaging $5125.
Tom Sheahan, Valley of Lagoons, Charters Towers bought 15 bulls for $113,000, while the Keough family, Welcome Downs, Lyndhurst Station, Einasleigh, took home 12 bulls for $156,500.
Laurie and Marilyn Blacklock, Haddington Station, Julia Creek bought 11 bulls for $80,500, while Dan and Sally Beauchamp, Allendale Station, Ingham, were the top buyers of heifers selecting 11 lots for $30,500.