SANTA
VOLUME 9
SEPTEMBER 2026
EXPRESS
SHUT THE GATE: IT’S SALE TIME Welcome to the September 2026 edition of Santa Express – news, information and updates from the Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association uploaded on the first Monday of every month.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Sales in Full Swing: Strong clearance rates & impressive averages
Youth Development Receives Strong Support: Ekka auction success
Major Events on the Horizon: World Congress, Beef Australia 2027 and Delegates Day
Busy October Ahead: Essential diary dates
Santa sales reflect buyer confidence As we move into September, we find ourselves right in the heart of bull selling season, one of the most exciting and important periods on the Santa Gertrudis calendar. Across Queensland and New South Wales, producers are once again demonstrating strong confidence in Santa Gertrudis genetics, with sale results reflecting the breed's commercial relevance, adaptability and ability to deliver profitable outcomes in a wide range of production systems. The season has already produced several outstanding results, highlighted by strong clearance rates, increased competition from both seedstock and commercial buyers, and several record or near-record prices. More importantly, the depth of demand has been particularly encouraging, with buyers returning to invest in Santa bulls that offer fertility, growth, temperament, market flexibility and performance in challenging environments. Producers continue to recognise the value of Santa Gertrudis cattle in building productive, efficient and resilient herds.
The confidence being shown in our breed from repeat customers and a host of new buyers is a testament to the dedication of our breeders and the quality of genetics being presented throughout the sale season. As additional sales take place throughout September, we look forward to seeing that momentum continue. Whether you are selling, buying or simply following the results, it is an exciting time for our breed and a reminder of the important role Santa Gertrudis cattle play in the Australian beef industry. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Association and the breed. We hope you enjoy this edition of Santa Express and wish everyone involved in the spring sale circuit continued success for the remainder of the season. Brad Cooper General Manager Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association
Official Santa Gertrudis Merchandise SHOP NOW
Sale season highlights The strength of the season is being underpinned by several standout sales already conducted across Queensland and New South Wales: Dunlop Sale, Proston Qld achieved a 100% clearance of 132 bulls, averaging $20,318 and grossing $2.68 million, with stud bulls topping at a stud record $140,000.
Thrilled vendors Rebecca and Scott Dunlop with their sons Harry, Jack and Riley and buyer Warren Miller and agent Trent McMinlay.
Bullamakinka, Longreach Qld sold all 64 bulls offered, averaging $20,461 and topping at $102,500. Yulgilbar, NSW sold 67 bulls to average $13,164, with a top price of $100,000. In NSW, the Glenalbyn, Munnabah & Brookside Sale sold 45 of 45 bulls, averaging $16,222 and topping at $85,000.
Delighted vendor Craig Hindle, with GDL agents Corey Evans and Jack Burgess. Picture: Russell Yeates.
Yarrabee Wilamba, Springsure QLD recorded a complete clearance, with all 37 bulls sold and a top of $28,000.
Watasanta, Tamworth NSW averaged more than $15,000, topped at $55,000, and was specifically described as demonstrating the confidence producers are showing in Santa Gertrudis genetics. Buyers were active from both Queensland and New South Wales.
Nioa & RL Pastoral, Allora Qld achieved a 96% clearance, averaging $11,460, with strong commercial demand noted throughout the sale.
Benelkay, Mullaley NSW achieved a 98% clearance, averaging $10,393 and topping at $32,000.
New sale entrant Carnarvon sells bulls to $20,000 top three times and averages $10,307 across the catalogue at Injune, Qld.
Doorabeeba, Wee Waa, NSW had its best sale in six years of selling online, clearing all bulls offered and topping at $22,000.
Staying up to date this bull sale season One of the most common pieces of feedback we receive from members and commercial producers is how much they value the sale coverage provided through the Santa Gertrudis Australia Facebook page and website. Throughout bull selling season, our aim is to deliver timely, accurate and informative sale reports from across the country, keeping members connected with the latest results, standout lots, buyer activity and market trends. Following each sale, we work to publish reports as quickly as possible on Facebook, while comprehensive sale results are also available on our website for members and industry stakeholders to access at any time. We believe this level of coverage is unique amongst Australian beef breed societies. No other breed organisation consistently provides such extensive and timely reporting of bull sale results across so many sales, making information readily available for breeders, commercial producers and the wider industry to follow throughout the season. Behind every sale report is a significant amount of work. Gathering sale results, securing photographs, confirming buyer details and compiling accurate reports often needs to happen within hours of the sale concluding. While the expectation for immediate information continues to grow, our priority remains
ensuring that the information we publish is both accurate and professional. Like any reporting process, there are occasions when we may not capture every buyer or every detail in our initial sale summaries. We appreciate the understanding of our members in these instances. To ensure the season is comprehensively documented, our final edition of the Santa Journal each year includes detailed sale coverage and provides an opportunity to recognise buyers and results that may not have featured in our first reports. We are also seeing a growing appetite for Santa Gertrudis content across our social media channels. The engagement on our Facebook page continues to increase, reflecting the strong interest in both the breed and the performance of Santa genetics across Australia. That level of interest is encouraging, but it also means expectations continue to rise. Please know that we are committed to providing the best coverage possible and are continually working to improve both the quality and timeliness of the content we deliver. The contributions of our Field Directors Russell Smyth and Russell Yeates, who assist with results, photographs and information throughout the season are much appreciated. Together, we are building a valuable record of the success of Santa Gertrudis cattle and helping promote the achievements of our breeders, buyers and commercial producers to a wider audience than ever before.
Delegates Day 2026 in Dalby
World Congress planning well underway
Our 2026 Delegates Day will be held on Wednesday 4 November in Dalby, ahead of the Council meeting on 5 November.
Planning for the upcoming Santa Gertrudis World Congress from 3-12 August 2027 continues to gather momentum, with a significant amount of work taking place behind the scenes as we finalise budgets, event logistics and program details.
Delegates Day provides an opportunity for members to come together to discuss industry developments, breed priorities and matters impacting the future direction of the Association. While traditionally attended by sale delegates and representatives, all members are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.
The World Congress represents a unique opportunity to showcase Australian Santa Gertrudis genetics, our breeders, and the commercial success of the breed on the global stage. As you would expect with an event of this scale, considerable planning is required to ensure we deliver an experience that provides value for members, international guests and industry stakeholders alike.
To assist with planning, please RSVP to Wendy James by Friday 18 September via admin@santagertrudis.co m.au, including the number of attendees. The proposed venue is the Windsor Hotel, Dalby, with final arrangements to be confirmed once attendance numbers are known. We encourage members to be part of the conversation and help shape the future of our Association.
While we are not quite ready to open registrations or release the full program, members can be assured that preparations are progressing well. Our focus at present is on confirming venues, tours, accommodation options, event schedules and overall event costs to ensure we can provide accurate information when registrations are launched. Over the coming weeks and months, members will begin to see more activity and regular announcements relating to the Congress. We look forward to sharing details of the program, sponsorship opportunities, tours, social events and registration packages as they become available. The enthusiasm already being shown for the event is encouraging, and we appreciate the patience of members as we work through the final stages of planning. We are excited about the opportunity to bring together Santa Gertrudis breeders and enthusiasts from around Australia and across the world and look forward to sharing more information with you soon. Stay tuned to our communications channels, as some exciting announcements are just around the corner.
Beef Australia 2027 planning underway While much of our focus is currently on the upcoming World Congress, planning is also well underway for Beef Australia 2027 in Rockhampton, where our Association will once again have a strong presence in the Cattle Precinct. Our site will provide an exciting platform to showcase the Santa Gertrudis breed to thousands of producers, industry stakeholders and international visitors attending Australia's largest beef industry event. Importantly, it will also create unique opportunities for members to promote their own breeding programs, businesses and stories to a broader audience. As part of our plans, we are developing a range of promotional packages that will allow members to leverage the exposure generated through our site and associated multimedia activities. These opportunities will be designed to highlight the people, genetics and commercial success stories that continue to drive the Santa Gertrudis breed forward. Further details on these packages will be released in the coming months. We are also planning to make cattle pens available for members wishing to display cattle throughout the event. With Beef Australia preceding what will be a significant year for the breed,
Russell Yeates and Russell Smyth delivered onsite classification demonstrations during Beef 2024.
including the World Congress and the 2027 bull sale season, the event presents an ideal opportunity to showcase your program and build awareness of your brand ahead of these important activities. At this stage, we are seeking expressions of interest from members who may wish to utilise the Santa Gertrudis site to display cattle during Beef Australia 2027. Early indications of interest will greatly assist our planning and ensure we can maximise the opportunities available to members. If you would like to discuss the possibility of displaying cattle or learn more about our plans for Beef Australia 2027, please contact General Manager Brad Cooper. We encourage interested members to get in touch early and be part of what promises to be an exciting showcase for the Santa Gertrudis breed. More details, including promotional packages and site opportunities, will be released soon. Stay tuned.
2026 RJ Kleberg Scholarship Winner announced Congratulations to Taylor Humphreys, our 2026 RJ Kleberg Scholarship Winner! Santa Gertrudis Australia congratulates NSW Santa Gertrudis stud breeder Taylor Humphreys on being awarded the 2026 RJ Kleberg Scholarship winner Taylor Humphreys with former president Liz Allen. prestigious RJ Kleberg Scholarship and wishes her every success as she undertakes the next 12 months as our She is also employed by Outcross AgriBreed Ambassador. Services and, alongside her brother Darby, operates Bellview Santa As part of the scholarship, Taylor will Gertrudis. represent the breed at events across Australia and internationally, including a Taylor, pictured with former president Liz study tour to the United States, providing Allen, was presented with the RJ Kleberg valuable opportunities to further Shield and Breed Ambassador jacket at develop her knowledge, leadership skills the Association's Ekka Function on Friday and industry networks. 7 August. Taylor divides her time between her family's property at Mummulgum, near Casino, and Walcha while completing an agribusiness degree.
Congratulations once again, Taylor. We look forward to following your journey as the 2026/27 Santa Gertrudis Breed Ambassador.
Ekka auction delivers outstanding support for youth development
The success of the auction would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors, donors and bidders, whose support continues to make a meaningful difference to the opportunities we can provide young people involved in the Santa Gertrudis breed.
Santa Gertrudis Australia extends a sincere thank you to everyone who supported our Youth Development Fundraising Auction at this year's Ekka.
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Ekka auction cont. A significant portion of the funds raised through the auction is reinvested directly into youth development initiatives, helping us deliver programs such as Youth Camp, leadership opportunities and educational activities that encourage the next generation of Santa Gertrudis breeders, advocates and industry leaders. The strong competition throughout the auction reflected the commitment our members have towards investing in the future of the breed. We are extremely grateful to every purchaser who contributed to the event's success. The 2026 auction raised an outstanding $35,450, providing valuable support for future youth development activities. Successful Purchasers Scott Dunlop, Dunlop Santas Outside Back Cover, August Santa Gertrudis Journal - $4,500 Neil Watson, Watasanta - Inside Front Cover, August Santa Gertrudis Journal - $3,500 Pearson Family, Bull Creek - Inside Back Cover, August Santa Gertrudis Journal - $3,000 Elders - Back Cover, February Santa Gertrudis Journal - $2,000 Jack Courts, Glenalbyn Santa Gertrudis - August Page, Santa Gertrudis Annual Calendar - $1,800
Mal and Chick Gadsby, Talgai Santas - September Page, Santa Gertrudis Annual Calendar - $1,700 Liz Allen, Barcoo Breeders - October Page, Santa Gertrudis Annual Calendar - $1,000 Tim & Lisa Wong, Eaton's Hill Santa Gertrudis - Naming Rights to Youth Camp Bibs - $3,300 Sarah Pearson, Bull Creek Santa Gertrudis - King Ranch Leather Duffel Bag - $3,250 Lisa Wong, Eaton's Hill Santa Gertrudis - King Ranch Cap and Scarf - $1,000 Jamie Gadsby, Red Oak Santa Gertrudis - AuctionsPlus Voucher $600 Brett Ellem, Yulgilbar Pastoral Company - Embryo Transfer Package (Vet Embryo / Insight Repro) - $2,400 Craig Ross - 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition (Lot 12A) - $3,700 Craig Ross - 1,000 Rounds of Ammunition (Lot 12B) - $3,700 Auction Summary Total lots sold: 14 Total funds raised: $35,450 On behalf of Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association, thank you to everyone who donated, sponsored, bid and purchased. Your support is helping create opportunities for young people to learn, develop and become the future custodians of our breed.
Looking ahead to October While spring bull sales remain the immediate focus for many members, October is shaping up to be another busy month for Santa Gertrudis Australia, with several important events and opportunities on the horizon. One of the key activities will be our attendance at the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association Conference in Karratha, Western Australia, 27-29 October. Following the success of Santa Gertrudis sales in Western Australia earlier this year and the growing interest being shown by commercial producers across the Pilbara and broader northern cattle regions, the conference provides an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the breed's presence in the state. Santa Gertrudis Australia Field Director Russell Smyth will be attending the event alongside a number of our Western Australian members. The conference will provide a valuable platform to engage directly with commercial cattle producers, discuss the benefits of Santa Gertrudis genetics in northern production systems, and build on the momentum the breed continues to enjoy across the region. October will also mark the opening of our annual Santa Journal and Calendar Advertising Auction. Thanks to the ongoing support of AuctionsPlus, bidding will commence on Monday, 26 October, offering members the
opportunity to secure the remaining premium advertising positions in the 2027 Santa Journal and the remaining advertising months in the 2027 Santa Gertrudis Calendar. The auction will conclude on Friday, 30 October, with further details and bidding information to be released prior to the opening date. Members are reminded that calendar artwork will be required by 20 November, allowing sufficient time for design and production ahead of publication. For our younger members, October will also bring the opening of registrations for the 2027 Santa Gertrudis Youth Camp, with the official registration date to be announced shortly. As was the case this year, Santa Gertrudis members will receive an exclusive early-bird registration period before registrations are opened more broadly, ensuring our members have the first opportunity to secure their places. Members should also note the updated dates for the 2027 Youth Camp. The camp will commence on the afternoon of Wednesday, 13 January, with participants enjoying four days of educational, leadership and networking opportunities before concluding with a closing Celebration and Awards Dinner on Saturday evening, 16 January. Participants will then pack up and depart on the morning of Sunday, 17 January. Keep an eye on our communications channels for further announcements and registration details in the coming weeks.
October 5th 2026
Next Issue
For the diary
26 - 30 October
Santa Journal and Calendar Advertising Auction bidding open
27 - 29 October
Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association Conference in Karratha, Western Australia, 27-29 October
Promote your stud, business or event Nobody ever sold a secret so if you have something to promote to the Santa Gertrudis community across Australia, then why not advertise in Santa Express or Santa Journal. The next Santa Express will be uploaded on Monday 5 October.
Key deadlines for the upcoming edition of Santa Journal are: Advertising artwork deadline: Nov 13 Distributed: December Call Wendy James to book your advertising campaign – 07 3216 2708 or media@santagertrudis.com.au
Santa Gertrudis Breeders’ (Australia) Association www.santagertrudis.com.au PO Box 57, Geebung QLD 4034