[Pil-pc-oceania] Camels bought at auction - for weed control (Farmonline)

[Deb Guildner]

Camels bought at auction - for weed control
ASHLEY WALMSLEY
9/04/2008 6:18:00 PM
There was one definite conclusion from the first-ever camel auction held in 
Charters Towers, North Queensland, on the weekend - they weren't as dear as 
chemical weed killers.
With camels having proven their ability to assist in weed control, several 
graziers took the opportunity on Saturday to invest in something other than 
chemicals to reduce woody weed numbers.

A total of 73 camels were sold under the hammer at the Dalrymple Stadium, 
while others sold after the auction.

Top price for a single camel was for a cow, at $650.

Cows averaged $350 and a cow with calf sold for $800.

Top price bull camel went for $500, with bull camels averaging $246.

The top priced bullock also sold for $500, with an average of $420, and the 
top yearling bull made $200, with an average of $200.

In all, the total sale grossed $26,500 for the 81 camels sold, with an 
average of $328.

Vendors for the sale were WH Carter and Co, and J and M Wharton.

The sale was conducted by Geaney's, Charters Towers.

Auctioneer Jim Geaney said he was pleased with the result from the auction 
and that the prices had met the market.

SOURCE: North Queensland Register, April 10