Pasture Powered Productivity

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Originally from the Boyne Valley in Queensland, Hugh’s family property “Cluden” outside Calliope consisted of 4,856 hectares. It was here Hugh first used Charolais sires with two bulls selected from Palgrove for use over high grade Brahman females. The local Water Board was looking to resume land in this area and with uncertainty about the future viability of the property, Hugh moved south to the New England where Janniene was living at the time. Prior to the Charolais, Hugh had used Simmental genetics in his herd and was impressed with that progeny. The Charolais progeny of the initial sires had outstanding temperament and growth and Hugh was impressed enough to continue with Charolais ever since.

When selecting his Charolais sires, Hugh looks for a pedigree with proven milk production, good scrotal size and length from hip to pin. Sires must be good headed bulls with good shoulders and have a great temperament. Hugh sees sire selection as an important investment and is well aware of the impact the sires have on his herd. Hugh pointed out the sire must be correct to produce the right article at the end of the day.

This region on average receives 1,770mm of rain annually with a predominantly summer rainfall. Couple this rainfall with highly fertile soils and pastures in this district are enviable. The local district supports many dairy farms due to its productive pastures. Pastures comprise cocksfoot, fescue and kikuyu species. Fertiliser is applied to maintain the productivity of the pasture and soil fertility. Hugh rotational grazes the herd around the property to maximise growth in the developing calves.

Bellbowrie at 106 hectares is currently running 60 breeders with two sires. A Charolais sire purchased from Minnie-Vale Charolais at Narrabri and a Cluken Brahman sire. Replacement heifers are retained with Hugh being very strict on their quality. Hugh looks to retain only 15 heifers a year so selection criteria is extreme. Hugh’s formative years in Queensland has given him a good understanding of Brahman genetics and which lines suit his production system at Bellbowrie.