A FEATURE run of premium Fenech Brahmans females broke the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange (CQLX) Prime and Store Sale price per kilo record for commercial heifers at 655.2c/kg on Wednesday, smashing the previous figure by more than 113c/kg.

The top pen, drawn from the well-known Wowan Brahman stud, weighed 409kg to return $2682/head, and the complete line of 52 No.0 heifers averaged 593c/kg equaling $2089/head.

The great result comes hot on the heels of the previous record, which was only set late last month for a Yuri Wurgle Brangus pen at 542.2c/kg.

The Fenech Brahmans’ run increased the buying pool at CQLX, and Julian Laver, Nutrien Livestock Rockhampton, said representatives from both the stud and commercial sectors were present and were bidding fiercely.

“For the lead pen, a buyer from Mitchell set the pace and he pushed a lot of the stud people out to get the cattle he wanted,” Mr Laver said.

“All the buyers certainly appreciated the good quality cattle, and many were there looking for Grey Brahman females.”

Lestree Downs, a vendor that consistently sells females through CQLX once a year, offered 112 head of Grey Brahman heifers which also met fierce demand. The Clermont vendor’s top pen reached 564c/kg and weighed 311kg to return $1625/head.

Mr Laver said the strong results reflected the stock’s high quality and the sheer demand for breeding stock.

“The quality was what drew the buyers there, but the demand for females is what drove the prices. It’s exceptional demand across all breeds, but particularly for Brahmans,” he said.

The complete auction yarded more than 2590 head of cattle, which were drawn from as far north as Collinsville.

Steers in the 200 to 300kg category averaged 535c/kg and topped at 644c/kg.

A highlight in this category included an A and A Adair run of 119 Charbray and Brangus cross steers, which averaged 626c/kg and weighed 233kg to return $1461/head.

D Bowman, St Lawrence, made 588c/kg for a No.1 Brahman pen which weighed 253kg and returned $1485/head.

For heavier lines, Collinsville vendor, G and R Ellrott, reached 436c/kg for their No.9 Brahman offering that weighed 420kg and returned $1830/head.

The cow price was firm and peaked at 334c/kg.

A Droughtmaster offering from FE Cranston made 320c/kg and weighed 615kg to equal $1968/head.

Looking ahead, Mr Laver predicted strong results for next week’s sale.

“I think we might have similar numbers and the market is extremely solid and strong,” he said.