Alan and Rosemary Scott, Mayfield South, Roma, are looking forward to the next chapter after their final run of cows and calves sold at the Roma store sale today.
The Scotts sold 134 cows and calves under spirited competition, achieving an average price of $1950 and a top of $2025.
Mr and Mrs Scott sold part of their 1240 hectare property in July with the remaining portion set for settlement on December 1.
Mr Scott said the condition of the cattle and their consistency as a line held his yarding in good stead among buyers and while his decision to retire from the industry went under great personal scrutiny he was confident he’d made the right move.
“I figured I’d sell out while cattle prices are good and the season is reasonable- it’s no good waiting for a drought to sell when no one wants any cattle,” he said.
“Earlier in the year, before we decided to sell out, I bid up to $2200 for first calf Santa Gertrudis heifers to replace our cull for age cows and missed out on them.
“I thought to myself then it was a better time to be selling than buying and based on the prices people were paying then and the fact cows and calves are less accessible now plus the jump in weaner prices, I was hopeful we’d achieve solid results today.
“After all, it only takes two people to make an auction.”
Mr Scott said the cow line featured predominantly Santa and Droughtmaster breeders interspersed with some Brahman cross cows.
“The calves range from five months of age down to a couple of days old and by Easter time they’ll make a lovely line of weaners to sell.”
Mr Scott said his family had been in the area for generations but with his daughter and son both pursuing other interests he felt it was time to enjoy some travelling “before he got too old.”
“I currently live in Brisbane and come out for about eight weeks every year to do the necessary cattle work,” he said.
“The next 10 years will be the best chance to see some country so we’ll take it while we can and today’s results make for a good start.”
Selling agent: PJH Livestock.