The curtain was drawn on a 45-year association with Brafords for Scott and Veronica Skerman of Rarcamba Brafords after their successful major reduction sale at the Wandoan showgrounds last Saturday.
Well, not completely, as the Skermans intend to keep a ‘handful’ of breeders on their small block close to town and will continue to breed a few bulls.
Mr Skerman was heavily involved with the Braford Society having held the presidency on two occasions and was instrumental in the development of the breed throughout Queensland and both nationally and internationally.
“We appreciate the support from many of our long term clients and friends and are confident the breed is in good shape,” said Mr Skerman.
Exclusive marketing agent Elders sold 88, mixed age females for a $1,502 average and three bulls for a $,3167 average.
Topping the sale at $4,500 was the big, beautiful, feminine matron Rarcamba Annie 2002, a quality daughter of Carinya Edgeroi which was safely in-calf to Rarcamba Grand Royal 2213. The outstanding package was bought by Scott and Claire York, Billa Park Beef Pty Ltd, Melrose, Dulacca who bought another two females for an overall average of $3,000. She was described by Mr Skerman as a magic cow and a classic example of the breed.
Her daughter, Rarcamba Annie 2620, topped the weaner heifers at $2,800 and was bought by the Doug, Shirley, Cameron and Sarah Bennett, Little Valley Grazing Company, Stratheden, Casino, New South Wales. The interstate-based stud masters bought 15 females for a $1,630 average.
Young Braford enthusiasts Casey and Roz Hay, Moonya, Wandoan were the volume buyers after securing 17 females for a $1,294 average and a young bull, Rarcamba Ben 2490, for $2,500.
Central Queensland Braford breeder Stewart Anderson, Glenovan, Theodore bought nine functional females for a $1517 average and Don and Winston McNamara, Strathgyle Brafords, Bell outlaid $10,450 for seven females which was split between both branches of the McNamara family.
Also attracting the $4,500 equal top money was the used sire, Burradoo Lucky, which was bought by Stuart Olsson of Theodore.