For Royalla Shorthorns, a decision to hold a sale of 15 Shorthorn bulls at the recent Longreach Show, has paid handsome dividends with a 100% clearance, top of $17,000 and an average of $6,167, defying the ongoing seasonal conditions.
Royalla have been long term supporters of the annual Elders Longreach Outback Bull Sale, taking bulls to the event since 2001, however given the seasonal uncertainty a decision was made in February by Elders to call the sale off.
Not to be deterred, Royalla Shorthorns made the decision to offer their bulls at the annual Longreach Show.
Mr Job said he looked at the sale as sticking by clients who’d stuck by him over the years.
“They would be travelling a long way to get their sires otherwise,” he said.
The decision resulted in Royalla setting a new record top priced for a Royalla Shorthorn bull sold at Longreach, when Appleton Pastoral Co, Islay Plains, Alpha, Qld, paid $17,000 for their top selection.
The 820 kg bull was closely bred to the recent Grand Champion Shorthorn bull from Beef 2018 this year.
Islay Plains, a repeat buyer, purchased four bulls for an average of $10,750, while Keough, Wirth & Pedley, Boonamerrie, Longreach, Qld, also bought four bulls, for a top price of $9000, averaging $6250.
Isisford graziers had their eyes on the lots for auction at the show on Saturday afternoon, with Sunbury Pastoral Co, Lumley, Isisford, Qld, taking home four bulls for an average of $3500, while MJ. and HF. Meppem, Tamar, Isisford, Qld, selected one bull for $4500.
The two remaining bulls are heading east to Saltmarsh Pocket Grazing, Koolaire, Rockhampton, Qld, who averaged $3000 for their two purchases.
“It’s a fantastic result, especially given how patchy the season is,” Mr Job said.“We’ve never sold a bull here for $17,000.”
Queensland landholders from Tambo through to Boulia have purchased Royalla bulls over the years, according to Mr Job, and all buyers on Saturday were repeat clients.
“That shows they wanted to invest in the genetics despite the season,” Mr Job said.
“They know our cattle can put condition on and cycle in hard conditions and their eating quality is second to none.
“I was pleased to hear one buyer tell me the calves from a bull he’d bought last year were the quietest he’d ever had.”
-Shorthorn Beef