A prize winning bull that was born and bred at Charles Darwin University’s Katherine Rural College achieved the second highest price at an auction in Katherine last week.
Franklin, a Brahman stud sire weighing 590kg, sold for $4750 at the TMG Invitational Brahman Sale in Katherine on 24 August.
The 20-month-old bull had won trophies at both the Darwin and Katherine shows this year.
Brad Walker, who manages both the Katherine Rural College Farm and Mataranka Cattle Station, said Franklin was one of 11 lots snapped up at the sale, which featured vendors from Queensland and the Northern Territory.
“We achieved the highest average price of all NT vendors for our bulls ($3075), which is a good sign that our breeding programs and our genetics are right up there with the best,” he said.
“We have invested a lot of time, money and genetic technology into developing high grade Brahman cattle suitable for the live export market, with an emphasis on polled animals.”
Mr Walker said he is committed to supporting the Katherine Rural College attain a reputation as a top quality bull breeder.
“The market place has received our bulls as leaders in the industry, which is an extremely positive result especially given the financial stress being experienced in the industry and the fact it was our first time in a sale of this type.
“Gone are the days where we sell our bulls off in the paddock.”
Mr Walker started work at Mataranka in August last year and assumed the role of Station Manager in February 2011.
“We’ve had an exceptional season and the cattle are in extremely good condition,” he said.
“A lot of new infrastructure has been put in place, we’re accomplishing a lot and the staff are doing a great job in positioning us as an industry leader.”