Beaudesert cattleman forks out $6000 for young bull
A BEAUDESERT cattleman paid the top price of $6000 for a quality Charbray bull at the Newcombe family's second Helmsman auction held during Warwick Rodeo week.
Newcombe's Fitzroy was one of nine bulls offered by the Goomburra-based stud as part of a week long auction, which finished at 5pm on Saturday.
From a business sense it has proved the smartest marketing move we have made.
Five of the bulls sold for a total of $22,000 for what cattle producer Rob Newcombe described as "a very healthy average" of $4400.
"Our top priced bull made $6000 and went to a Beaudesert buyer and then we sold animals for $5000, $4000 as well as two for $3500," he explained.
"We are still in negotiations for the other four bulls, but we expect to have those deals finalised later this week."
The helmsman auction allows potential buyers to make repeat bids during the week courtesy of a bidding board.
The bid card number offering the highest price at the end of the five days takes home the bull.
"For us the Helmsman auction and being part of the Warwick Rodeo is as much about marketing as anything else," Mr Newcombe said.
"We also sponsor a campdraft so the week is as much about promoting us and the breed as selling quality bulls.
"From a business sense it has proved the smartest marketing move we have made."
He said as well as selling bulls they had also successfully sold embryos to six new clients.
"We are extremely happy with the overall results and we will be back next year, this is a crucial part of our marketing now."
However there will be a slight shift in planning required when the couple head to Warwick Rodeo next year.
"We are actually relocating from Goomburra to a property at Wandoan, as part of a move to expand our business," Mr Newcombe said.
"We have loved living on the Southern Downs, but from the perspective of our bull breeding and embryo and seed stock operation we really need more space."
The couple will relocate in March.
"The reality is most of our buyers are based in northern or central Queensland so it does make sense to position ourselves closer.
"But we will continue to support Warwick Rodeo and have bulls available for sale during rodeo week."
Helmsman auction
- Newcombe's Fitzroy sold for the top price of $6000
- Five of the nine bulls sold for an average $4400
- Negotiations for the remaining four bulls are expected to be finalised this week
