As storms built to the west, bids thundered in to reach a top of $200,000 at the NCC Brahman sale on Tuesday.
The Jefferis family of Elrose Brahmans, Cloncurry, once again put their stamp on the sale, securing the top-priced sire prospect, NCC Zorro, early in the proceedings.
Sired by NCC Eli and out of Renco Raelene De Manso, the 23-month-old entered the ring at 862 kilograms, with an eye muscle area of 150 square centimetres and scrotal measurement of 38cm.
"All bone, beef and broad backline in a quality, stylish package", the youngster boasted fat depths at the P8 and rib of 15mm and 11mm respectively, intramuscular fat of 5.4 per cent, and motility of 85pc.
Joining Zorro on the truck to the Elrose operation will be the second-top priced sire prospect, NCC Delray (P), knocked down for $110,000.
At 21-months, the son of Willtony Tailor Made (P) tipped the scales at 776kg, measured 40cm in the scrotum, and had an EMA of 137sq cm.
Out of NCC Loxacrata 1356, the heavy-muscled and smooth-finished bull had P8 and rib fat depths of 14mm and 10mm respectively, and an IMF of 4.1pc.
The confidence within the beef industry - brought about by rain falling across the state and the sustained market for cattle - was clearly evident as the full buying gallery accounted for all 90 bulls at an average of $19,088.
Heifers were also met by strong demand, with a 100pc clearance of the 33 leading ladies on offer.
Averaging $14,818, the females topped at $40,000 for NCC Lady Ella 4624 (IVF).
Purchased by Mark and Pam Prichard, Ravenswood, the stylish 21-month-old was sired by JDH Navasota Manso 55/1 (Imp US) and out of NCC Lady Ella 2936 (IVF).
Volume buying saw John and Jan Nelson, Herbert Hall Enterprises, Charters Towers, and John and Sally Turley, Wandovale, Charters Towers, account for nine bulls each.
The sale was conducted by McCaffrey's Australian Livestock Marketing and Queensland Rural, with Ken McCaffrey and Wayne York taking the bids.
Full sale report in next week's Queensland Country Life.