Breeders and buyers are preparing for the 60th annual Dectomax National Shorthorn Show and Sale, when Dubbo Showground again plays host to the event on Tuesday, June 11 and Wednesday, June 12.
There are a total of 131 bulls and 13 females entered in this year's catalogue.
President of the organising committee and vendor Lester Job said all the well-known Shorthorn studs were participating.
"Buyers come looking to improve their herd, for the exceptionally good selection, and the variety in types," he said.
"It's a big country with a lot of different environments and markets. People go there for the choice."
The National Shorthorn Show and Sale is known as one is the largest and most prestigious multi-vendor sales in Australia. The 2018 sale posted very solid results. In total, 91 bulls sold from the 124 offered, with an overall average of $6835.
"The top price was $40,000 last year, $32,000 in 2017 and $42,000 in 2016 - they're the benchmarks, but one has to be realistic this year," Mr Job said.
"Conditions aren't favourable for the beef industry. It's got to have an impact because a lot of cows have been sold. If people are down on cow numbers then they will be down on their bull requirements."
This year the committee celebrates the 60th running of the show and sale.
"I cannot be 100 per cent certain, but we are told it is the longest running multi-vendor sale in the country. So that says something," Mr Job said.
Mr Job attributes the breed's longevity to a number of reasons, including its versatility.
"Probably the big positive point at the moment is the Thousand Guineas Program through JBS Australia. They are paying a premium for shorthorn steers and certainly selling a product from their works that is an absolute premium worldwide," he said.
The judging and sale of the females will be held on Tuesday, with a celebratory dinner that evening, while the bull sale will take place on Wednesday.
Visit nationalshorthornsale.com.au for more information.
