Katherine Bull Sale Achieves 100% Clearance
The Northern Territory's largest bull sale has achieved a perfect clearance rate, with all 145 Brahman bulls sold.
Strong Results Despite Challenging Conditions
The annual sale, held in Katherine, recorded an average price of approximately $4,991 per head, generating a total gross of $723,750. This result was achieved with fewer bulls on offer compared to 2017, leading to a higher average price despite the lower total.
The 145 Brahman bulls sold included:
- 69 from host stud Ponderosa Brahman
- 36 from each of two Queensland studs
- 4 from Charles Darwin University
Broad Buyer Interest
The majority of bulls were purchased by Top End cattle stations, with additional buyers travelling from the Kimberley region in Western Australia and Alice Springs.
Indonesian buyer Yasser Arafat Suaidy secured 12 bulls for export to West Java. Suaidy, who imports approximately 45,000 cattle and 5,000 buffalo annually, was among both repeat and new buyers at the event.
Industry Perspectives
"Results exceeded expectations, given the wet weather, late season, and fuel prices."
— Paul Herrod, Ponderosa stud
Patrick Underwood from Australian Cattle Enterprises noted the geographic diversity of buyers, stating: "Buyers came from further afield this year." He added that the Indonesian buyer's purchase reflects policies encouraging self-sufficiency in cattle breeding.
On the topic of Indonesia's breeding ambitions, Herrod said he is not concerned for Australian producers. He believes self-sufficiency is unlikely due to Indonesia's population size, suggesting Australian exports will remain essential.