The fifth annual Elders AG-Grow Elite Horse and Bull Sale has drawn strong buyer competition, record crowds and exceptional sale outcomes, reinforcing the event's reputation as one of northern Australia's premier livestock showcases.
Held over three days, the event continued its impressive growth, attracting buyers, vendors and spectators from across Queensland and interstate, with momentum building throughout the weekend.
Elders North Queensland and Northern Territory Livestock Manager and Stud Stock Specialist Anthony Ball said the continued success of the sale reflected years of hard work and growing confidence in the event.
"Five years ago, we set out to create an event that showcased the very best performance horses and stud bulls in northern Australia, and every year we've seen it continue to grow. The quality of livestock, the calibre of vendors and the strength of buyer support have all continued to improve, which is incredibly rewarding to see."
Friday's Elite Bull Sale set the tone for the weekend, with 141 of 158 bulls selling to a gross of $1.797 million and averaging $12,744.
Anthony said the strong result demonstrated producers' confidence in investing in quality genetics despite ongoing seasonal and market challenges.
"There was genuine competition throughout the bull sale, with buyers recognising the value of proven genetics that will continue to improve herd performance for years to come. It was a terrific result for our vendors and a strong reflection of confidence in the beef industry."
The momentum carried into Saturday's Elite Horse Sale, where 102 of 108 horses sold to achieve an outstanding 94 per cent clearance rate. The sale grossed $1.962 million and averaged $19,235, with the top mare selling for $66,000 and the top gelding reaching $45,000.
"The horse sale just keeps building every year. To achieve a 94 per cent clearance rate at this level shows there's strong demand for quality performance horses. Buyers know these horses are backed by respected vendors, and that's creating real confidence in the sale."
The weekend began on Thursday with the inaugural AG-Grow Elite Incentive Campdraft, open exclusively to competitors riding horses purchased through previous Elite Horse Sales. The event highlighted the quality and longevity of horses sold through the sale and was followed by the vendor campdraft, setting the stage for a busy three days.
Friday also featured horse sale pre-works, giving buyers an opportunity to see the horses perform ahead of Saturday's auction, while large crowds across both sale days reflected the growing profile of the event.
"One of the standout features of this year's event was the support from across the Elders network. We had staff travel from as far north as the Atherton Tablelands and as far south as Toowoomba to assist over the three days. It really highlights the strength of our team and our commitment to delivering the best possible service for our clients."
Anthony thanked everyone who contributed to another successful event.
"These results are only possible because of the support of so many people. We'd like to sincerely thank our vendors for presenting outstanding livestock, our buyers and underbidders for their confidence, our sponsors, the AG-Grow committee, our Elders staff and the local community for getting behind the event once again."
Following another successful year, planning has already begun for 2027.
"We're proud of how far the sale has come in just five years, but we're already looking ahead. The goal is to continue improving the event each year, and we'll be back in 2027 bigger and better than ever."
