Pasture Powered Productivity

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Time spent with leading breeders over the years has tuned his eye to select for heifers with temperament, quality udder structure and the ability to finish. The goal at Bellbowrie is to maximise hybrid vigour with the Charolais type females joined to the Brahman sire and vice versa. Some Angus type females have been added to the herd over the years when extra replacements were required.

Hugh’s selection process is working, with the herd of varying Bos Indicus content showing beautiful deep bodies and sound productive udders raising excellent calves. The temperament of this herd is outstanding with a zero tolerance for this important trait. Heifers are selected on type and quality over breed content. Replacements are joined at 20 months to allow them to develop to their full potential. Hugh pointed out several cows reaching 18 years of age in the herd with their excellent structure assisting their longevity.

The Charolais sired calves take advantage of excellent milk supply and quality pasture and just power ahead. Calving from June to September, Hugh and Janniene aim to sell their weaners in April/May at local weaner sales. Last year at Grafton their weaners fetched $2,166 per head.

Although abundant rainfall and good pastures are given the district does have some issues. The area is very deficient in Selenium and the herd is treated in May and November to counteract this. Wild dogs from the surrounding national parks can cause problems with the stock and Paralysis Ticks are a big issue. During calving Hugh treats new born calves as soon as possible with Cydectin to give them protection against the ticks. The herd is vaccinated with Ultravax 7in1 and the breeding herd is drenched in April annually. Hugh also devotes considerable time to controlling weeds on the property which also benefit form the fertile soils and rainfall.

Although scaled down in size the breeding program at Bellbowrie is producing results. Crisscrossing the quality Brahman and Charolais genetics is producing high levels of heterosis with the feed availability to really showcase the resultant calves potential. The results are spectacular and provide Hugh and Janniene with a great deal of satisfaction. Their calves are keenly sought after and perfectly highlight the society motto of “Cross into Profit.

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"Lucy has been preparing our sale catalogue now for over a decade. I cannot speak more highly of her work ethic and attention to detail. We continually refine our catalogue each year. I think Lucy’s patience and knowledge during the process goes a long way to producing a product we are proud of."