Hundreds of Texas Longhorn enthusiasts from across the country visited the Roma saleyards recently to witness Queensland’s first ever sale of the iconic cattle breed.
The sale, named ‘Trails West’, came to the Roma Saleyards within Maranoa Regional Council on 25 February and drew vendors, buyers and visitors from all over Australia.
People lined the catwalks and lanes throughout the morning, all wanting a glimpse of the unique cattle breed, before filling the bullring to capacity to watch the sale.
John and Megan Hoare of Gunns Plains,Tasmania and owners of ‘Yennel Longhorns’ made their first trip to Roma in the hopes of expanding their stud.
“The Texas Longhorn is the whole package; the horns, the hides and the temperament, and they’re something a bit different we can take back to Tassie,” said the couple.
“We went to our first Longhorn sale last year and now we’re trying to promote the breed and get a few more people interested in
Texas Longhorns.”
Sale prices were impressive, with all vendors happy with the enthusiasm that buyers displayed for the breed.
The top sale for the day went to Horseshoe B Longhorns, Charters Towers, who sold their 11-month-old heifer for $8,000.
D 7 Spur Texas Longhorns, Tambo, saw one of their young full blood heifers reach $3700.
Cowboy Catte Company Texas Longhorns, Gunning, sold their purebred cow with heifer calf for $2500.
Councillor Peter Flynn, Portfolio Chair for Roma Saleyards, said it was great to see visitors join the special tour, and that general feedback from vendors, buyers and sale attendees was positive.
“Roma Saleyards is proud to have accommodated this unique event, sharing our wonderful facility with hundreds of visitors.
“With the interest this sale generated, Roma Saleyards looks forward to holding similar events in the future.”
