Farm Weekly

Droughtmaster sale celebrates diamond jubilee

Hardy: DN sale committee chairman Nick Hughes, Farogan Valley stud, Upper Kandanga via Gympie.
Hardy: DN sale committee chairman Nick Hughes, Farogan Valley stud, Upper Kandanga via Gympie.

This is advertiser content for Droughtmaster National Sale.

BREED enthusiasts are set to see big numbers at the 2019 Droughtmaster National Sale (DN. Sale) as the annual event celebrates its 60th year.

The highly anticipated DN. Sale will be held across two massive days, from September 17-18 at CQLX Gracemere with as many as 587 bulls (including 21 herd bulls) expected to be sold to the highest bidders.

Sale committee chairperson Nick Hughes said the DN. Sale will begin at 8.30am each day with as many as 100 vendors from across the country expected to present their high quality drafts.

"The amount of different variations in the genetics on offer is amazing - we have 100 vendors coming from all over the country who all have their own ideas about what makes a great Droughtmaster Bull and they are all correct, and have expertly prepared their bulls for sale," he said.

"So, no matter what you're looking for in a Droughtmaster bull, you will find it at the DN. Sale."

Mr Hughes said the suitability and functionality of Droughtmaster cattle to the northern Australian climate has seen them become a premier breed among producers.

"Droughtmaster cattle are a full-sized breed and their temperament and physiology is second to none," he said.

"They are built to travel and can take on dry conditions due to their tropical content and they can do well in all conditions.

"They're great for crossing with Euro and other breeds, they add those qualities that producers are looking for, specific to their area and market."

Mr Hughes said he was being 'cautiously optimistic' that recent flooding events and ongoing drought across inland Queensland wouldn't adversely affect the September sale as other areas have a very good outlook.

Droughtmaster National sale committee chairman Nick Hughes, Farogan Valley Droughtmasters, Upper Kandanga via Gympie with some of his sale DN bulls.
Droughtmaster National sale committee chairman Nick Hughes, Farogan Valley Droughtmasters, Upper Kandanga via Gympie with some of his sale DN bulls.

"We have to be optimistic but, because the season has been so patchy, we may see some new buyers visit and we may not see some previous buyers from drought or flood affected areas."

Mr Hughes said there would be a 'Drinks with Droughties' function held on September 16 at 5:30pm in the CQLX Saleyards complex to celebrate the sale's diamond jubilee.

"We have some light entertainment and charity auction planned which will showcase the young, up and coming auctioneers from local agents," he said, adding all proceeds are to be donated to the Droughtmaster Australia Next Gen Foundation to support the youth involvement in the breed.

"It's important for many breeders to have an opportunity to network with buyers, agents and sponsors and to take some time to catch up with friends before the sale days."

The 2018 DN. Sale saw 89 per cent of the catalogue sold with a top price of $55,000.

Mr Hughes said he expected to see similar numbers as buyers vie for the best in Droughtmaster genetics.

"All bulls are semen tested with a large proportion morphology tested and other optional testing will be conducted at each vendors discretion," he said.

"They will also be vaccinated for Tick Fever, Ephemeral Fever (3 day sickness) and 7in1 or 5in1 and have been ultrasound scanned for eye muscle and fat."

Bulls at the 2019 DN. Sale will also meet the Droughtmaster Society 'Standard of Excellence' and will have passed an Australian Cattle Vets (ACV) soundness evaluation check.

Mr Hughes said the 'Standard of Excellence' checks ensure all Droughtmaster cattle up for auction exhibit the desired characteristics for the breed.

Buyers will be welcome to inspect the DN Sale Bulls from midday Sunday, September 15 through to the end of the sale on September 18.

Interested bidders unable to make the trip to Gracemere are encouraged to access the CQLX online live bidding platform with details of each bull, including images, available for viewing on the DN. Sale website Droughtmaster National.

This is advertiser content for Droughtmaster National Sale.

  • For more information, contact the Droughtmaster Society office (07) 3281 0056.