BIDDERS set a frenetic pace as soon as the first bull entered the ring at the annual MAGS sale at Charters Towers today.
And the momentum didn't stop, with the sale grossing more than double last year's figure, with 100 of the 112 bulls on offer sold, representing an 89 per cent clearance.
In total, the bulls sold to average $9985, grossing $998,500, while three semen lots also sold to average $7000.
It was the most successful sale yet for Kylie Graham and Mat Durkin, Mungalla stud, Farnham, Taroom, who sold the two top priced registered sires.
Lot 11 Mungalla 3325 (P) D5 attracted the top price early in the sale, selling for $50,000 to Max and Robyn Kelso, Coalbrook, Richmond.
The 25-month-old son of Mungalla Fame (P) D4 weighed 912kg, had a scrotal circumference of 38cm, an eye muscle area of 138 square centimetres and P8 and rib fat of 11mm and 8mm respectively.
Jack and Kylie Stewart-Moore, Telemon Droughtmasters, Dunluce, Hughenden, secured the second-top price sire in Lot 88 Mungalla 3345 (P) D5 for $42,500.
The 23-month-old son was one of the first sons of SC Leeroy, which the vendors purchased for $67,500 three years ago at the Droughtmaster National sale.
The young sire entered the ring weighing 851kg, had a scrotal circumference of 38cm, EMA of 140sq cm and P8 and rib fat of 11mm and 8mm respectively.
Ms Graham was thrilled with the line of bulls she put up and said her top sellers ticked all the boxes.
"They all had beautiful temperaments, that's the number one priority and they were polled, that is first and foremost in our selection criteria," she said.
Ms Graham said their top priced bull had tremendous length, smooth muscling and a real sire appeal.
"He's over 900kg, a deep fleshy bull with good figures.
"He's that typical Droughtmaster type that compliments nearly everyone's herd."
Ms Graham said the SC Leroy son was also a standout.
"He's quite a bit younger at 23 months and has got really good weight for age and good figures.
"Give him another six months and he may have been the standout of the sale."
In total 54 registered sires sold to average $11,361 and gross $613, 494.
Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont, sold the top herd bulls, making $22,000 twice.
The first lot in the ring Lamont Eze 96 (P), sold to Harry and Sue Shann, and son Berry, Suttor Grazing Company, Myall Springs, Collinsville, for $22,000.
The 27-month-old weighed a beefy 880kg, had a scrotal circumference of 41cm, EMA of 146sq cm and P8 and rib fat of 10mm and 8mm respectively.
The equal top price herd bull, the 22-month-old Lamont Eze 120 (S), a son of Durak Aussie, is also going to Myall Springs.
He weighed 832kg, had a scrotal measurement of 40cm, EMA of 142sq cm and P8 and rib fat of 10mm and 7mm.
In total, 33 herd bulls grossed $267,993 to average $8121.
The Shanns also offered 13 Charolais/Droughtmaster-cross bulls, which topped at $14,000 to average $9000, grossing $117,000.
The Charmaster making the most money was Lamont Eze 40 (P), selling to Lawrence and Pat Hack, Rocklea, Alpha.
The 25-month-old weighed in at 920kg, had a scrotal measurement of 43cm, EMA of 138sq cm, with P8 and rib fat of 14mm and 10mm respectively.
The sale also included three semen packages, with the first release of 2019 Droughtmaster National $100,000 sale topper Billabong Hendrix 8546 (P), sold in two lots of five straws and 20 registrations, making $8000 and $6000 each.
The third semen package from Oasis Dundee (P) (AI) D5, of 10 straws and 10 registrations, sold for $7000.
Ms Graham said she was thrilled with how the sale went.
"There were really good quality stud bulls in that top end of the sale and they're improving from year to year, which is a testament to the investment we make in buying genetics to improve herds and our management strategy.
"It is pleasing to achieve that sort of money here in the north, the stud buyers have had to travel to give us those results.
"We keep coming north to support the commercial guys up here, it is gratifying when the stud guys follow us up here to make those sort of purchases which is in line with the quality and money spent at the Droughtmaster National sale."
This year's sale was run by Elders for the first time, with agent Anthony Ball thanking the vendors for entrusting them with the sale.
"We are honoured to be associated with a name that is so ingrained in the North Queensland beef industry," Mr Ball said.
"It certainly was a pleasure to stand over wonderful cattle and I think today the cattle really did the talking, they went up to the Gulf, Mount Surprise, down the coast, to Taroom, Clermont.
"When you get such a spread and such repeat business, it certainly made for a good day."
The bulls were sold on behalf of three vendors: Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont stud, Cantaur Park, Clermont; Kylie Graham and Mat Durkin, Mungalla stud, Farnham, Taroom, and Sherri and Hugh Philip, Valley stud, Wyena Station, Clermont.