Droughtmaster quality shines at Roma with $50,000 top sale

30 Oct 2025

Roma’s annual Droughtmaster Bull Sale once again delivered big results, and a new record.

Eighty-one of 108 bulls sold under the hammer for a 75% clearance and a strong $10,327 average, but it was Lot 43, Sommer Genius from Sommer Stud Droughtmasters that stole the show, setting a new sale record at $50,000

Selling to Vitwood Droughtmaster Stud, Susan River, the 19-month-old, homozygous polled sire combined power, performance, and eye appeal. Weighing in at 802 kilograms, he boasted an eye muscle area of 148 square centimetres, a 37cm scrotal circumference, and impressive carcass data, including 4.6% intramuscular fat, 10mm P8, and 7mm rib fat. The purchase continues a long-running genetic connection between the two studs.

“You’ve got to keep renewing your bloodlines, otherwise your stud goes stale,” Vitwood Droughtmaster principal, David Torrisi, said.

“All Dan’s bulls are very quiet, very well handled and have the temperament that Vitwood is looking for. He really does produce a perfect product,”

David first spotted Sommer Genius as a calf, and he’s been on his radar ever since.

“He’s correct over the shoulder, has a beautiful head and a calm eye. There’s plenty of sire power there.”

Striking gold with breeding success

Sommer Genius’ sire, Hamadra Identify, has been a consistent performer for Sommer Stud, also producing the top-priced bull at the 2024 Droughtmaster National Bull Sale. On the maternal side, Vitwood Nazihah remains one of the herd’s most reliable cows at 13 years old, still producing a calf each year. Sommer Stud principal, Daniel Sommer said the stud continues to focus on clean sheaths, balanced structure, and the fundamentals.

“Our cattle have to have good bone, good bodies, early weight for age, and carcass yield,” Dan said. “But then on top of that, they have to be structurally correct, clean sheath and meet all those basic requirements before you can even call them a bull.”

For Dan, the record-breaking result was as much about validation as it was celebration.

“I’m always happy to see good results,” Dan said. “Once we put them up for auction, we take what the market wants to pay, but it’s good to see good bulls sell. The fact that we thought he was a good bull doesn’t mean anything unless everyone else does.”

The result reinforced confidence in the direction of the stud’s breeding program, which continues to strengthen each year. Continual improvement and producing a better product for the market is top of the stud’s priorities.

“We’ve invested heavily in the Droughtmaster breed and will continue to do so,” Dan said. “So, to get good results like this just confirms we’re doing something right.”

Strong demand drives record results

Most buyers were keen to secure multiple bulls, with around 60% purchasing two or more lots, and at least nine buyers taking home three or more. Elders Toowoomba stud stock agent Andrew Meara said the sale attracted a solid mix of familiar faces and fresh interest, with several new buyers joining the strong contingent of repeat clients.

“Bidders were prepared to pay well for the standout bulls,” Andrew said. “Across the board, though, there was still plenty of value for money to be found.”

The strong buyer turnout reflected growing confidence in Droughtmaster genetics and the quality on offer.

“It was great to see interest coming from far and wide,” Andrew said. “There were buyers from over the border – places like Collarenebri and Casino – as well as good support across the Downs, the coast and out west. Plenty of stud bulls went into those areas, and I think people are realising the quality that’s on offer, so they’re showing up to see what they can get.”

Droughtmaster Australia CEO, Simon Gleeson, said the result underscored the breed’s strength and growing market confidence.

“Roma has always been a benchmark sale for Droughtmasters, and this year’s record result really highlights how far the breed has come,” he said. “The previous sale record of $48,000, set by Jembrae Presley in 2022, has now been surpassed, showing the confidence producers have in Droughtmaster genetics and the value they’re delivering right across the industry.”