Nominations flew in thick and fast for the 2020 Gold City Sale, cementing the renewed interest shown for the annual sale being held on Friday, November 6 from 9am, at the Dalrymple Saleyards, Charters Towers.
In total, 220 lots have been catalogued for the sale this year, with 110 first-rate red bulls to go under the hammer first followed by 110 outstanding grey bulls.
Gold City Sale committee member Peter Chiesa said they had close to record early nominations this year, with 340 lots initially entered.
"The committee chose not to increase the sale numbers that drastically in one year (160 lots were catalogued last year) though we hope to be able to accommodate those numbers in the years to come," he said.
"There will be drafts offered by more than 40 vendors this year including 25 who're making their sale debut. Our vendors hail from as far south as Brisbane, west to Springsure and Hughenden and north to Ingham."
Mr Chiesa said the widespread vendor interest highlighted how appealing the Gold City Sale has become again in recent years.
"The sale committee and sale agents have worked hard to ensure that quality bulls are being offered and that a larger selection of bulls are available to draft from. The buyers know they're able to select from many bulls with a guarantee of structural soundness and good nature at very affordable prices."
He said the combined draft selected for this year's sale is comprised of good, consistent lines of bulls that are ready to do the job.
"The vendors have been more willing to nominate sire prospects to Gold City as well. Pedigrees represent sale topping sires, bulls by AI, ET and IVF and nearly 100 of the lots catalogued are either polled or scurred.
"Fellow sale committee member Troy Lindsay and I have inspected all the bulls again this year, and we're very happy with the line-up in terms of ensuring the basic standards we require for bulls entered in the sale.
"The bulls are structurally sound, with good feet, legs and non-excessive sheaths, and have a sound disposition. That is all the committee requires, we let the buyers tell the vendors, with their cheque book, what other traits they are selecting for."
Mr Chiesa said according to those he spoke to the 2019 sale was a great success.
"Our clearance was 100 per cent, and the sale reached a top of $23,500, with only six bulls selling for $3500. Our average wasn't high, it was in the $5000 range, so the buyer is getting great bang for their buck at Gold City.
"This year we've added a further 60 lots and 20 plus vendors while still pre-sale inspecting the bulls to guarantee that quality numbers are being added to the sale."
Mr Chiesa said Covid-19 has only impacted the sale from a planning perspective.
"We've been in closer contact than usual with the Dalrymple Saleyards in regards to how to accommodate vendors, buyers, agents and all other attendees.
"The prevailing conditions have also led us to introducing the services of Elite Livestock Auctions to the sale as an online platform for buyers."
The bulls will be washed and penned up for inspection from the afternoon of Thursday, November 5.
Mr Chiesa a meet and greet function, hosted by the Gold City vendors, is locked in for the Thursday night prior to the sale at the Enterprise Hotel.
"We will just have to play that one by ear as we'll have to adhere to the November Covid-19 restrictions."
To view the sale catalogue and photos of the bulls visit the Australian Brahman Breeders' Association website. All agents involved with the sale have hard copy catalogues that can be distributed upon request, the catalogue is also in most merchandise offices in the west.
- For enquiries please call Anthony Ball, Elders on 0428 275 499 or Liam Kirkwood, Ray White Rural, 0457 577 747