Mr Ede said due to the good season being experienced in many parts of western Queensland, particularly the areas the bulls, females and commercial cattle are coming from, the drafts on offer are in exceptional condition.

“On the buyers’ behalf things are looking good as well,” Mr Ede said.

“They’ve had a good season around Boulia and Cloncurry and have got grass.”

Regarding the bulls on offer, Mr Ede said a consistent trait among them was that they were fertile and active, and showing energy that indicates they are ready to go out to work in any paddock.

“They are as good a line of bulls as have been presented at Diamantina,” Mr Ede said.

“It’s a unique opportunity for buyers. All bulls have been morphology tested and fertility tested.

The sale is a joint selling effort between Landmark, Elders and Brodie Agencies.

Elders auctioneer and agent, Wayne York, said the draft is a good even line of bulls, with plenty of appeal for what buyers are looking for in today’s market.

“Weight for age and temperament are the big things. The quicker you can put meat on them the quicker you get paid,” Mr York said.

The general feeling among vendors is that they are confident about the May 15 sale.

It comes after several years of worrying drought conditions that may have prevented some buyers from making the trip to Winton.

Mr Ede said there was currently a big trend towards buyers seeking polled genetics.

The growth ability Droughtmasters and their ease of reproduction has seen the breed maintain strong popularity with commercial producers and even those looking for crosses.

“The cattle are suitable for any market, whether it’s a southern feedlot or just for restockers,” Mr Ede said.

The accessibility to the sale is another key aspect according to Elders’ Mr York.

“Buyers don’t have to travel all the way to Rocky to purchase,” he said.

A sure-fire extra drawcard to the Diamantina Droughtmaster Sale is the offering of more than 800 commercial females.

Mr Ede said he expected strong competition as there is a significant shortage of Droughtmaster females around at the moment as many producers have held back breeders for themselves.

Exclusive viewing of the sale draft is available at www.diamantinasale.com

*Contact : Landmark, Winton, (070) 4657 1600, Elders, Winton, (07) 4657 1500, or Brodies Agencies, Winton, (07) 4657 0694.