DROUGHTMASTER AUGUST 2019
BOOKINGS
CONTENTS
DECEMBER DIGEST DEADLINES
6
DN. Sale Preview
16
Wandoan Feature Show Roundup
18
Gatton Futurity Report
20
Shows and Field Days
30
A Trip to Remember
32
Norman’s Best Breed Competition
34
Beenleigh High Support the North
GET IN EARLY
36
Droughtmasters are a Fit at Mt Sunlight
ADVERTISE YOUR DROUGHMASTER STUD FOR 2019/20
40
Stud sales in Review
50
Sustained Droughtmaster Success for Lucas Family
53
Spring Sale Previews
72
Herd Success South of the Border
76
Understanding DNA Technology
80
DNA Parentage Verification
84
Post-flood support for Melinda Downs
89
Maleny State High at Gatton
90
Vale: Arthur Rickards
Advertising bookings and copy: OCTOBER 24, 2019.
BREEDERS BULLETIN BOARD
$150 INC GST FOR 3 EDITIONS
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FEB
JULY
CONTACT JANE Ph: 0408 488 609 jane.lowe@queenslandcountrylife.com.au
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AUGUST 2019
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NEWS
A Fond Farewell to Carmel
Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society
For six and a half years Carmel Bell has been the cheerful voice members got to hear when they called the Droughtmaster society office.
ACN 010 129 683 40 Thorn Street, Ipswich, QLD 4305 Phone: (07) 3281 0056 Fax: (07) 3281 7957 Email: office@droughtmaster.com.au
July 12 was Carmel’s last day in her role as registrar for the society.
work on her family pedigrees and publish her third family history book. Carmel is also looking forward to spending more time with her five grandchildren and the rest of her family.
John Gardner
Board
Society office manager Leigh Eleison said the role of registrar is a complex one. “Carmel went above and beyond to finalise registrations and transfers for our members over the years,” Leigh said. “I am sure Carmel will be missed,” she said. Carmel is looking forward to her retirement and instead of working on Droughtmaster pedigrees she intends to
Carmel Bell has retired from her post as registrar at the Droughtmaster Society after six and a half years of wonderful service.
Droughties Amaze Post-flood at Dunluce - By Matt Sherrington The phenomenal maternal instincts of the Droughtmaster came to the fore in the wake of the flooding event which severely affected operations at Dunluce Station, Hughenden, in February. Jack and Kylie Stewart-Moore run the foundation stud Telemon Droughtmaster on Dunluce and when the historic weather event crossed through North Queensland they weren’t spared from its impact with close to 25% of the property being flooded. “For over a week our entire herd was exposed to freezing temperatures and had to contend with boggy rain-sodden ground,” Kylie said. “Like many others, we had stock losses from the weather conditions,” she said. Kylie said they were out and about checking the damage as soon as they could be, knowing there would now be calves without mothers in some of their paddocks.
surrogate mothers had done such a good job of looking after them. “They’re looking nice and healthy and were just weaned recently.” Kylie said it says a lot for the maternal instinct of the breed. “It takes a pretty special animal to allow another animal to take milk from it, but then to also actively mother it as well. These cows were calling out to the calves, cleaning them and making sure they got through the mud. “It’s moments like this that make us very grateful to work with such amazing animals.” Kylie said operations at Dunluce are quickly getting back to normal. “Most of our infrastructure is up and working, our breeding program is back on track, our animals are in really good order and our country has recovered nicely. “We’re back to business as usual.”
“We thought we’d have to bring the calves into the yards and put them on pellets to get them up and going again. “However, to our surprise and delight we found almost immediately that some of the cows were feeding two or three calves, they’d taken the orphaned calves as their own.” She said they didn’t end up having to supplement feed the calves as their 4
AUGUST 2019
Patron PRESIDENT Jeff Williams 0418 755 279 VICE-PRESIDENT Douglas Birch 0427 352 774 DIRECTORS Far Northern Zone Jeff Williams 0418 755 279 Northern Zone Jack Stewart-Moore 0427 211 516 Central Zone Douglas Birch 0427 352 774 South East Zone Sean Barrett 0427 740 994 Southern Zone Vacant Far Southern Zone Daniel Green 0429 677 000 Western Zone Clinton Gartrell 0428 424 116 National Douglas Miles 0428 347 645 Kevin Woolcock 0428 841 085
Staff
OFFICE MANAGER Leigh Eleison REGISTRAR Anne-Maree Elliott ACCOUNTS Toni Franklin ADMINISTRATION Carmel Bell TECHNICAL OFFICERS Paul Williams 0427 018 982 Tim Emery 0408 707 155 DIGEST PRODUCTION Editor: Matt Sherrington Editorial & Advertising Fairfax Agricultural Media Queensland PO Box 586, Cleveland 4163 Phone: (07) 3826 8200 Fax: (07) 3821 1236
www.droughtmaster.com.au Cover photo: Glenlands D Amazon (IVF) (P) (AI) the Grand and Junior Champion Bull, Supreme Exhibit and Supreme Interbreed Bull at the Wandoan Feature Show earlier this year is pictured with associate judge Henry Sinnamon, Jackson, judge Ken McKenzie, Yaralla, Blackwater, Jason Jeynes, Glenlands Stud, Campbell Watson, Watson Stockfeeds, Taroom, and James Saunders, Landmark Stud Stock, Rockhampton.
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER Cows were feeding two or three orphaned calves post-flood in February at Dunluce Station, Hughenden. Kylie Stewart-Moore said this occurrence was a prime showcase for the phenomenal maternal instincts of the Droughtmaster breed.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK The opinions expressed in the Droughtmaster Digest are not necessarily the opinions of the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society Ltd, or of Australian Community Media. This publication is protected by copyright and articles or photographs may not be used without authorisation.
SALE PREVIEW
A One Stop Droughtie Genetics Shop - By Matt Sherrington The genetic diversity of the Droughtmaster breed will be showcased at CQLX Gracemere across Tuesday, September 17 and Wednesday, September 18 this year when 587 bulls (including 21 herd bulls) are offered at the 60th Droughtmaster National Sale (DN. Sale). The sale, beginning at 8.30am each day, will see 100 vendors from all over Queensland and down into northern New South Wales present their drafts to what is expected to once again be a large and geographically diverse array of commercial and stud buyers. Sale committee chairperson Nick Hughes said the DN. Sale is the only one held in Australia which sees a majority of the nations Droughtmaster studs come together to sell their high quality bulls. “This means that the full genetic diversity of the breed is represented in a one stop shop type sale. The selling environment also means that the market dictates the price and therefore provides incredibly good value for money from a buyers perspective,” he said. “The sheer volume of bulls selected for this year’s sale coupled with the plethora of bloodlines running through the draft means there will be animals available to suit any buyer.” Vendors at the 2018 sale were generally pleased with the overall result which saw 438 bulls or 89% of the catalogue sell for a
strong average of $8387 for a top price of $55,000.
in a social and low pressure environment prior to the sale getting underway.
He said all bulls selected for the 2019 sale meet the Droughtmaster Society “Standard of Excellence” and will have passed an Australian Cattle Vets (ACV) soundness evaluation check at a maximum of 42 days out from the first day of the sale
“We are planning to have an auction of merchandise to showcase the upcoming young auctioneers with proceeds going to the Droughtmaster Australia Next Gen Foundation.”
“They will also be vaccinated for Tick Fever, Ephemeral Fever (3 day sickness) and 7in1 or 5in1 and have been ultrasound scanned for eye muscle, and fat. “All bulls are semen tested with a large proportion morphology tested and other optional testing will be conducted at each vendors discretion.” Mr Hughes said climatic conditions leading up to the sale have so far been patchy this year. “Some areas have suffered from severe flooding and drought and others have had a very good outlook so we are hoping that this will have an overall positive effect on the sale.” He said the sale will also include opportunities for socialising and networking. “The Drinks for Droughties function will be held from 5.30pm on Monday, September 16 at CQLX Gracemere where we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the DN. Sale, with all vendors, buyers, agents and sponsors cordially invited to attend. “This is a great opportunity for vendors to meet buyers agents and sponsors to mingle
Mr Hughes said prospective bidders who’re unable to make the trip to Gracemere for the sale can rest assured that they’ll be able to livestream and bid with confidence by accessing the CQLX online bidding platform. He said details of each bull selected for the catalogue, including photos and/or video will be available on the DN. Sale website at droughtmasternational.com Volume buyers (five or more bulls) are eligible for generous freight rebates to assist in getting their purchases home. Outside agents are eligible for a 4% rebate for introducing non-member purchasers to the sale. Buyers are welcome to inspect the sale draft from midday on Sunday, September 15 through to the end of the sale. Mr Hughes thanked Gold sponsors Riverina Stock Feeds, Gallagher and Virbac for their ongoing support of the sale. For further sale information and enquiries please call the Droughtmaster Society office on (07) 3281 0056
Droughtmaster National Bull Sale buyers, Lawson and Warren Kenny, Wajatryn Droughtmaster Stud, Gayndah with vendor Jason Spann, Minlacowie Droughtmaster Stud, Goovigen and the $55,000 top price bull of last year’s sale Minlacowie Vinnie 8817 (H).
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SALE PREVIEW BOWMAN PARK Bowman Park stud principals Justin and Kelly Bowman started selling bulls at the DN. Sale in 2015, with 100 per cent of the proceeds of their first ever bull sold at the sale going to cancer research. Justin said they like to sell a few bulls from their stud, at Grandchester on the eastern edge of the Lockyer Valley, each year at the sale due to the exposure it gives them and the geographic areas the buyers come from. “Our bulls have sold into, and performed very well across most of the state,” he said. Bowman Park will offer two bulls (lots 25 and 26) early on the first day of the 2019 sale. “Lot 25, Bowman Park Shotgun Rider, is by the highly lauded Bowman Park Pale Rider, out of an outstanding daughter of the $100,000 Minlacowie Lexington. “Shotgun is a quiet, massive Heterozygous Polled (PH) individual, and all that goes with him is big as well. He’s on target to be over 1000kg before the sale at 28 months of age.” He said lot 26, Bowman Park Copenhagen, is Homozygous Polled (PP) and comes from a superior female line that has excellent longevity. “Copenhagen has outstanding length and depth of body with a great easy-going attitude. “He’ll be well over 800kg at 23 months by sale day.” Both bulls are Pompes Tested Negative, DNA profiled, and parentage verified.
BRYVONLEA Brian and Yvonne Heck and family, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters, Glastonbury, will offer 12 bulls aged between 22 and 27 months in lots 354 to 365 on day two of the DN. Sale. Yvonne said the predominantly polled, quality, young bulls will include four sons from the $50,000, Skye Wilfred sire, whose progeny topped at $52,500 at the 2018 DN. Sale, with an average of $12,617 for 17 sons sold at auction to date). “The draft will also consists of two sons from the ever consistent sire, Vale View Ripper, four from the rising sire Medway Urie and two sons representing the first offering of Glenlands D Ultimatum,” she said. Brian said their 2019 selection offers a range of genetic diversity to suit stud and commercial breeders. 8
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“Leading the draft is Bryvonlea Sambo, Lot 354, bearing the highly sought after beef attributes of his sire, Wilfred. He’s a beautifully balanced, powerful, bull standing on good bone, with great length, tropical skin and a strong sire’s head,” he said. All bulls are Pompes and Pesti tested free, poll gene tested, semen morphology scanned including for IMF, and are JBAS-7 WA eligible. Bryvonlea is also selling eight bulls, lots 6 to 13, at the Bunya Bull Sale, being held at the Coolabunia Sale Complex on September 7. Comprehensive data and photos for the DN. Sale draft will be available on bryvonleadroughtmasters.com and on Facebook.
FAROGAN VALLEY Nick and Sarah Hughes, of Farogan Valley Droughtmasters, situated in the Upper Kandanga just west of the Mary Valley, will be offering five of their best bulls at the DN. Sale this year.
softness and thickness, that can thrive in all seasons,” Kerri said. Hamadra has been selling bulls at the DN. Sale for the last 20 years. This year’s Hamadra draft of 20 bulls (lots 174 to 185 and lots 209 to 216) has been bred from proven sire lines like Hamadra Bodacious, MT Grant Ando, Minlacowie Salvador 8081, Wolfang 459, and Hamadra Cooper while new sires represented in the draft are Oasis Viking and Yaralla Rodney. “The females these bulls are bred from speak for themselves through their continual proven performance,” she said. “Our DN Sale bulls this year like every other year were selected on breeding/ cow and sire lines, meat, muscle, and sire appeal with structural correctness that can and has performed under normal paddock conditions until there sale preparation begins.”
HEITIKI
Nick said this trip will mark their sixth year of selling at the National, which they believe is not only the largest but the best Droughtmaster bull sale in Australia.
The Lloyd family, Heitiki Droughtmasters, Delungra will be offering three quality young sires at the DN. Sale in lots 91, 92 and 487.
“The sale is a credit to the Droughtmaster breed. To sell alongside 600 or so other bulls from well-established and well-run studs is awe-inspiring and it’s always gratifying when our bulls sell,” he said.
Tim Lloyd said early on day one of the sale, in lot 91, another son of Heitiki Hanrahan, Heitiki Nat 4094 will be presented.
Nick said four of the five bulls (lots 465 to 469) in their draft are from Rondel Korageous which share his “large frame and excellent temperament”, the other is from Bryvonlea Oisin “an awesome bull with excellent coverage and quiet temperament”. “We consider this to be one of our best drafts of bulls to be presented for sale and we think we have something for any buyer. From a big bullocky bull in FV Macca to FV Magnum a long muscular bull with an excellent top and underline to FV Mister an eye catching bull with slightly more content and then FV Monty and FV Mario that have slightly less content and are stunners in relation to their weights for age and are well-structured tidy bulls.”
HAMADRA This year the McKenzie family will celebrate their Hamadra Studs’ 25th birthday. Kerri McKenzie said their breeding program has changed a lot over the years but their vision hasn’t, “We aim to produce a highly fertile moderate framed animal that’s also a structurally sound meat machine with
“Nat is a well structured long bodied bull with sire appeal to burn, out of a first calver in Heitiki 3612,” he said. Tim said lot 92, Heitiki 4135, is a Heitiki Hahn son. “He’s another eye-catching smooth muscled young sire typical of Hahn.” He said in lot 487 on day two of the sale Heitiki G102 will be offered. “He’s a 20-month-old polled muscle machine and with Swan Horsham as his mother’s sire he is well worth waiting for.” Tim said it has been a tough season at Heitiki like much of Australia’s cattle country. “Yet the Droughtmaster has again proven that it’s a leading genetic mix in all localities. “The efficient returns for investment the breed provides in a mix of seasonal variations is outstanding.”
MINLACOWIE AND WINGFIELD Minlacowie and Wingfield studs’ The Spann Family, Jambin and Goovigen in the Callide Valley, will be offering a total of 30 bulls at the DN. Sale. Three bulls from the Wingfield stud will enter the sale ring in lots 515 to 517 and
SALE PREVIEW 27 bulls from the Minlacowie stud will be presented in lots 527 to 541 and again in lots 554 to 565. The studs have been offering bulls at the DN. Sale for about 40 years and their ongoing dedication to producing a first-rate article was rewarded last year with Minlacowie Vinnie 8817 (H) selling to Warren and Carolyn Kenny, Wajatryn Droughtmaster Stud, Gayndah, for a saletopping $55,000. Nicole said the 2019 sale team features a very consistent line of quality bulls right through the entire draft. “All the bulls in the sale team are JBAS-7 eligible for entry into WA, they’ve tested Pompes Free, and we have a large number of Homozygous Polled bulls (PP) in the team,” she said.
NINDETHANA The Betts/Hawkins family, Nindethana stud, Camp Mountain, will be presenting six bulls on the first day of the DN. Sale in lots 40 to 45. Bronwyn Betts said Nindethana Julian will be leading the sale team into the ring. “Julian is one of the first sons of Karragarra Miles to be offered,” she said. “Also featuring in the draft are four sons of RSVP Jackpot and one son of Bryvonlea Malachi.” Nindethana will also offer seven bulls at the Bunya Bull Sale on September 7 as lots 62 to 68. “The Bunya draft will include sons of Karragarra Miles, RSVP Jackpot, Bryvonlea Malachi, Billabong Ridley and an AI son of Glenlands Invincible.”
OAKMORE PARK Greg and Sharon Harms and son’s Liam and Regan, Oakmore Park, Greenmount, have selected five outstanding sires (lots 502 to 506), all of which will meet the market, for their 2019 DN Sale team. Sharon said all five sires are out of the studs’ consistent breeding herd of females with a Billabong prefix. “These females have performed exceptionally throughout our good seasons and the drought, producing quality calves every time, worthy of being selected for the ring,” she said. Four of the bulls are by Oakmore Kadir and the other is by Oakmore Omaha (Aldinga Charmer). 10
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“The first bull into the ring Oakmore Robroy who was awarded Junior Champion Calf at the Gatton Futurity, he has grown into a sire with presence and power. “Oakmore Rabbie B by Oakmore Omaha has also been shown as a junior and is out of Billabong Arabella, this young sire has tremendous muscle, growth and eye appeal.” Sharon said the bulls in the draft carry themselves with the powerful qualities of their sires. “All bulls are JBAS-7 WA eligible and have been fully vaccinated, Pompes Tested Free, Pesti-Neg, Hornpoll Tested, and DNA Profiled. They’ve been worked with dogs, horses and bikes.”
PARAWANGA Rob and Karen Scanlan (Parawanga) and Ayla Scanlan (Parawanga Ay) of Ceda Valley, Flaggy Rock, on the Central Queensland coast, have chosen nine bulls including five from Parawanga (lots 93 and 94 and lots 489 to 491) and four from Parawanga Ay (lots 570 to 573) for this year’s DN. Sale. The family, who bred commercial Droughtmasters before forming their stud in 1992, sold at the DN. Sale for the first time in 1995. Rob said the sale appeals to them as a showcase for the best bulls they produced each year. “The sale also provides us with an opportunity to rate our progress against other studs,” he said. The 2019 sale team will include the first sizeable offering from the $20,000 sire Billabong Alexander, which the Scanlans purchased a few years ago. “We’re looking forward to displaying the length and scale in the Alexander sons, along with the improved sheath score through our draft. “Our draft includes several bulls that would make good stud sires, and we’re always affordable.”
SEVENELL Sevenell stud located at Bell in southern Queensland was founded in January 1985 by Lindsay and Lyn Philp in association with their daughter Inga. Inga said the family has been selling bulls in Rockhampton at the DN. Sale for close to 25 years. “This year we have six Sevenell and four Lynsey Park bulls on offer,” Inga said.
“Both studs will be selling on day two of the sale, with the Sevenell draft to presented in lots 411 to 416 with the Lynsey Park sale team to follow in lots 574 to 577,” she said. Inga said the 2019 draft features the first offering of sons by Vale View M Diesel which was purchased from the 2016 Performance Plus Sale for $18,000. “Diesel is producing calves with an impeccable temperament and body type which is consistent in this draft of bulls on offer.” She said other sires represented in the draft include the ever consistent Konjuli Golden Eye and Red Acres Earl. “All three sires represented carry the double polled gene. “Our bulls are Pompes negative, Poll Gene tested and JBAS-7 eligible for entry to Western Australia.”
SUGERLAND This year Sugerland stud principals Will and Ingrid Haviland, Seawood, Coowonga, will celebrate a decade of selling at the DN. Sale. At the 2019 sale they’ll be selling four bulls, in lots 338 to 341, by the $44,000 sire Glenlands D Unoccupied which was purchased at the annual Glenlands Droughtmasters on-property sale in 2016 (co-owned by Medway stud), and Yarella 33/5, the $26,000, Artesian Droughtmaster Bull Sale topper in 2016. Will said their bulls have been raised on no frills coastal country and haven’t had their heads in the feed bucket from weaning. “We back the temperament, fertility, longevity and the beef attributes of our bulls,” he said.
TRUVALLE Registered as stud number 22, Truvalle Droughtmasters,The Valley, Cherry Creek, situated 7km to the Crows Nest side of Blackbutt, has been offering drafts of bulls at the DN. Sale since it began in 1959. This year stud principal Margaret Wilson has selected a draft of seven paddock reared bulls (lots 347 to 353) and two previously led bulls (lots 241 and 242) for the sale. She said it’s a very even and consistent draft considering there have been three different sires used to produce the progeny being offered. The sires being Billabong Everest 7739 (P), Lorandale Halo (P), and Talgai Apache (P).
SALE PREVIEW “Probably the heaviest bull in the draft is out of one of our homegrown females, Truvalle Lynelle 14th, which has produced seven bulls and a female (retained in the herd). To date, this dam has earned us $55,000,” she said. Margaret said the all bulls included in the draft will have their DNA and Sire Trace information available pre-sale.
VALE VIEW A multitude of genetics is inherent to the 11 bulls selected for the DN. Sale by Dave and Colleen Smith and their son Mac, at Vale View and Vale View M studs, Manumbar near Goomeri, Colleen said the sale team, with an average age of 23-months, is represented by seven different sires: Vale View X-Man, Vale View M Ballistic, Vale View Uripper, Glenlands Substitute, Glenlands Tristian, Glenlands I Spy (Kingaroy) and Angle Zed Ferdinand.
we have a variance of type to suit all needs.” Colleen said their bulls are available for inspection anytime at Vale View or they can also be inspected by visiting the website valeview.com.au where there is loads of information about the sale draft including their dam history and videos.
WAJATRYN Breeding commercially relevant, functional cattle is the primary focus of Warren and Carolyn Kenny’s family cattle business, based in the Central Burnett, Queensland.
Bulls are tested Pompes and Pesti free, and are JBAS-7 WA Eligible. Comprehensive information and photos of Wajatryn cattle are on wajatryndroughtmasters.com.au
YARALLA Ken and Kerry McKenzie, Yaralla Stud, Blackwater, will offer 15 stud bulls (lots 257 to 271) at the DN. Sale this year, including progeny of homegrown sires Yaralla Redford and Yaralla Olaf. Kerry said Yaralla Redford is a “young sire that is throwing strong calves”.
Carolyn said Wajatryn Pastoral Company markets more than 100 bulls a year.
“This year he has two bulls at the sale,” she said.
“We pride ourselves on producing productive, naturally quiet, workable cattle, with fertility, longevity and consistency being our key priorities,” she said.
“Yaralla Olaf is an older bull who also has two bulls in the draft. He has proven to be a dominant sire in our herd who continues to produce great calves.
For 30 years Wajatryn have offered a select team of bulls at the DN. Sale.
She said Yaralla Pablo also has two bulls in the sale whose genetics go back to Locarno and Medway Stables.
The Vale View draft will be catalogued at the sale as lots 395 to 405.
They’ve topped the sale and sold in the top bulls a number of times over the years.
Kerry said the sale team consists of seven polled, three scurred and five horned bulls.
“Our bulls are Breedplan evaluated, Pestivirus free, Pompes tested negative, Horn/Poll tested, and JBAS-7 WA eligible,” she said.
In 2019 they’ll sell on the second day of the sale in Lots 366-377.
“Of particular note is Yaralla Vergil, a strong bull with a good sire’s head for a poll.”
“They all have natural quiet temperaments and are backed up by our honesty and support.
“The draft features 10 Wajatryn Jack Daniels (P) sons, all of which are DNA Sire verified. “Consistency is our key to success and this young sire is producing just that.
“Whether your breeding for vealers, bullocks, replacement heifers or stud bulls;
Carolyn said other sires represented are Wajatryn T-Rex (P) and Wajatryn Hugo (P).
She said this year’s draft is a solid team that will suit commercial and stud operators. “All our sale bulls are based on the good temperament, versatility and fertility that we strive for in our herd.”
Brian Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmaster Stud, Glastonbury Creek, and second buyer Sam Barton, Huntly Droughtmaster Stud, Clermont with the $52,500 sale second top price bull of 2018 Bryvonlea Rolleston (P).
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THANKYOU TO EARLY 2019 BUYERS OF
Wajatryn Bulls Wajatryn 2499 (P) Sire Wajatryn T-Rex $18,000 TOP PRICED BULL • 2019 HIGHLANDS SALE Sold to the Dahl Family, Baralabah.
Our Family also thank Don and Robyn Roberton, By-Mingo Stud, for their purchase of Wajatryn Landrover $11,000. Wajatryn’s Highlands Sale Draft sold to average $9,750. 100% Clearance. We look forward to taking another quality draft of bulls to the 2020 Highlands Sale. Thankyou also to regular, early buyers of our Paddock Sale Bulls. We appreciate your continued support.
THE CLASS OF 2019
DROUGHTMASTER NATIONAL SALE TEAM DAY 2 • LOTS 366 - 377
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WAJATRYN JACK DANIELS (POLL)
• TESTED PESTI & POMPES FREE • JBAS 7 WA ELIGIBLE •
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Contact Warren & Carolyn Kenny, Gayndah www.wajatryn.com Phone 07 4161 1279
SHOW REPORT
Amazon Claims Wandoan Supreme Honours - By Kent Ward An impressive young 19-month-old IVF product stole the show at the 2019 Wandoan Droughtmaster Feature Show in April. Glenlands D Amazon (P) a youngster by Glenlands Quartermaster (P) was triumphant over all male competitors and his female opposition to take the Supreme Droughtmaster Exhibit. Conducted during the annual Wandoan Show the breed feature saw over 60 head from nine prefixes take part, from as far south as Delungra, New South Wales and north to Rockhampton. Adjudicating over the quality field was Ken McKenzie, Yaralla, Blackwater and his associate, Henry Sinnamon, Kulkyne, Jackson. The Glenlands D Stud claimed the Most Successful Exhibitor award at the end of the day’s proceedings. Glenlands took home the lion’s share of the awards on offer. Their ribbon haul included
two Interbreed titles along with 12 broad ribbon wins and 32 class placings including nine placings within group classes. Amazon started his rise to the top after winning his class (Bull 19 month and under 21 months). After this class win, Amazon took with him the Junior and then the eventual Grand Champion ribbon. When describing his champion, judge, Ken McKenzie said, “He’s one hell of a young bull, he’s got all the things that I’m looking for, bone, scale, softness and heaps of fleshing, while still being very mobile”. Later in the day Amazon claimed the Supreme Interbreed Male award. In his quest for the top title Amazon defeated the eventual Calf Champion Bull, Glenlands D Academy (P) (IVF) a 13-month-old paternal half brother to Amazon and the Senior Champion Bull, Glenlands D Whiskey (P). Whiskey (Glenlands D Rambo) (28-months) the winner of the senior male class (24 months and under 30 months) returned successfully to the ring after taking out the
Junior Champion Droughtmaster Bull at Beef 2018. The male section of the show was dominated by progeny of Glenlands Quartermaster (ET) (P). Quartermaster now an eight-year-old sired five championship ribbon winners and five first place getters in the event. Semen packages in the Glenlands sires that scored victories on the day in the form of Quartermaster, Pacific, Torpedo, Topshelf and Rambo will be offered at the Glenlands Online Genetics Sale, through Elite Livestock Auctions, being held on Saturday, July 6. The tri coloured tally for Glenlands started early in the female section. Their first broad ribbon victory went to Calf Champion Female, Glenlands Amber (P). Amber, a 13-month-old, by Comanche Go-Master (P), is a maternal half sister to the leading sire, Glenlands Pederson and the polled sale graduates, Tornado and Quiverton. Running second to Amber in her class win was the eventual Reserve Calf Champion Female, Glenlands D Addi (IVF) (P) (AI) (Glenlands Pacific (ET) (P)). Addi (13-months) is a daughter of one of the operations leading donors, Glenlands Olympia (P). Junior Champion Female was awarded to Glenlands D Adelaide (H) (Glenlands D Ramsay (P)) (17-months) while another of the Quartermaster daughters, Glenlands D Acquire (IVF) (P) (AI) (16-months) secured the Reserve Junior Champion Female. Bronwyn Betts Hawkins, Nindethana Stud, Camp Mountain scored a major victory by snaring the Grand and Senior Champion Female, with Nindethana Innika (P). Innika, a 30-month-old by RSVP Jackpot (Orana Issac (S) from a Calioran Kenwood (ET) (P) (AI) daughter nurses a heifer calf, Kahlua by Ianbrae Wanted. Commenting on his female tri colour champion Ken McKenzie said, “She’s moderate, very functional and is doing a great job on that calf, that’s the type of cow I look for in my paddocks”.
Presenting the Supreme Interbreed Bull trophy of the 2019 Wandoan Show to the days Grand and Junior Champion Droughtmaster Bull, and Supreme Exhibit of the 2019 Wandoan Feature Show was Andrew Cass, Glen Laurel, Guluguba. The recipient, the 19-month-old, Glenlands D Amazon (IVF) (P) (AI) is held by Jason Jeynes, Glenlands Stud, Bouldercombe.
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Running reserve to Innika was the Glenlands Ramsay daughter, Glenlands D Whitney (P). Whitney, the Reserve Junior Champion, at Beef 2018 won the class previous to the champion (24 months and under 30 months) and currently nurses a bull calf by Glenlands D Verdict. The first of the Glenlands Topshelf (P) (Glenlands Pacific (ET)) progeny to hit the ring also found success. Glenlands J
Ambrose (13-months) took out the Reserve Calf Champion Bull award. Another ‘first season’ sire to shine was Lamont Orlando (S). His son, Glenlands J Ambassador (P) (15-months) claimed the Reserve Junior Champion Bull position. In taking out the Senior champion title Glenlands D Whiskey, edged out Glenlands Waverley (P) (Medway Utopia (P)) (30-months) into the Reserve Senior Champion Bull spot. Glenlands dominated the group classes. The Breeders Group class saw first and third placings going to Glenlands while second spot in that category went to the trio from Nindethana. The winning trio from the Glenlands later in the day secured the Interbreed Breeders Group. Glenlands also took with them first and second in the Pair Of Bulls class. Placing third in that class was the pair of bulls from Steve Pickering’s, Samford based, RSVP Stud. Taking a clean sweep of all the group classes was the Glenlands stud. They secured the winning spot and second in the Pair Of Females. Third in that class was taken out by Sharon Harms, Oakmore Stud, Greenmount.
In a fitting tribute in an event he dominated, Glenlands Quartermaster’s trio shown by Glenlands took out the Sires Progeny Group. Second in the class was the Nindethana’s entry by RSVP Jackpot while Glenlands claimed third with their three by the $30,000 Lamont Orlando (S) (Glenlands Oratorio).
minor class placings including two thirds and second placing.
The Dams Progeny Group was claimed by Glenlands with their group derived from the donor, Glenlands D 2285 (ET) (P) (Glenlands Fabel II). Sharon Harms, Oakmore Stud took second with natural twin bulls, the progeny of Oakmore Melissa (P) (Sunny View Yeoman (P)). The Nindethana Stud took home nine placings throughout the day, including four first placegetters while the Oakmore prefix claimed eight placings between first and third. The dual operations, RSVP and Sylvan Springs Studs took five placings including two firsts. Tim Lloyd’s, Heitiki Stud, Deepwater, NSW, made the long trip and was rewarded with six placings including a first in the heifer class nine months and under 12 months with Heitiki Olianna (Heitiki Henry (P)). Smithy’s Stud, Yangan operated by Coralyn and Rowan Smith were awarded four
Wandoan Droughtmaster Feature Show judge, Henry Sinnamon, Kulkyne, conferring with fellow judges Jackson (Associate) and Ken McKenzie, Yaralla, Blackwater.
Calioran Captive © kentbward.com © ruraldesign.com.au
Retained sire
NATIONAL DROUGHTMASTER SALE
Lots 441-460
Tuesday 18th SEPTEMBER 2019
20 Bulls
Glenlands D Roebuck 10 sons Glenlands Senator 5 sons Calioran Geronimo 2 sons Calioran Ugo 3 sons
David, Rosemary, Michael & Kathy Purnell 07 49271104 Ph/Fax 07 4927 1166 Michael 0429 815 074 AUGUST 2019
17
SHOW REPORT
Yellowwood Nitro Wins Big at Gatton Futurity - By Victoria Nugent Cebella and Yellowwood Droughtmasters took home their share of ribbons from the 2019 Droughtmaster Futurity, including the champion exhibit for their bull Yellowwood Nitro.
limited ring experience and their handlers and owners. “The upper echelon of the cattle were exceptionally good,” Mr Miles said. “Hopefully with some of the plainer animals, they will observe and learn from the competition,” he said. “I hadn’t been there to show for a long time, since when I used to go and show cattle. “It was a learning experience for me then and it’s the same for the young people who go now.” Waringle Partnership’s Waringle Cagney
was the champion bull calf, while Paul and Lisa Laycock’s High Country Iris was the champion heifer calf. Reserve champion bull calf went to Seymour Droughtmasters’ Seymour Justice and Hannah and Alex Holmes’ Oakmore Serena was the reserve champion heifer calf. Valley-View won the breeders group, while Chloe Paesler placed first in the junior parader section and Brooke Parlane won the open parader category. Tom Orphant was named junior herdsperson, while senior herdsperson went to Graeme Brown.
A strong field of competitors turned out at Gatton in early March for the 34th annual event, with Cebella and Yellowwood Droughtmasters named the most successful exhibitors. Yellowwood Nitro took out the champion exhibit award, after being named champion bull. Stud manager Shannon Williamson said Yellowwood Nitro had made junior reserve champion at the Ekka last year, followed by interbreed champion at Beaudesert Show and this was his first show for 2019.
Champion exhibit Yellowwood Nitro with handler Elsie Wright and John and Shannon Williamson.
“He’s been very successful in a short career,” Mrs Williamson said. “He’s got a tropical coat and a lot of tropical features while maintaining great muscling and structural characteristics,” she said. Champion heifer went to Valley-View Fancy 29th exhibited by the Wilson family, while Yellowwood Nirvana was reserve champion heifer. RSVP Droughtmaster Stud’s Sylvan Springs Nebraska was the reserve champion bull. Judge Doug Miles, owner of Trafalgar Droughtmasters, said the day was a great learning opportunity for young cattle with
Champion heifer Valley-View Fancy 29th and owner Bruce Wilson were presented with the trophy by Bevan Kammholz.
The breeders group category of the 2019 Droughtmaster Futurity, held at the Gatton Showgrounds in early March.
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Nindethana Jules
Nindethana Kredibull
Nindethana Julian
Nindethana Jack
Lot 62 - Bunya Bull Sale
Lot 40 - DN Sale
Lot 41 - DN Sale
Lot 42 - DN Sale
Selling at Bunya Bull Sale and DN Sale Nindethana Droughtmasters Bronwyn Betts & Michael Hawkins Camp Mountain QLD 4520 Tel: 07 3289 1554 | Mob: 0408 700 510 Email: nindethana.droughtmasters@gmail.com
www.nindethanadroughtmasters.com.au
NEWS
Future Breed Leaders’ Shown the Ropes - By Matt Sherrington Close to 200 children and young adults ranging in age from five to 21 poured into the Rockhampton Showgrounds from July 2-4 for the Rockhampton Junior Beef Show.
offered a great way to “make new friends and learn new skills.’’ “I’d like to thank the Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association for organising the
show and Anna Hicks from Billabong Droughtmasters for providing cattle for our group to use.”
The show is designed to educate young people in many areas of beef production, animal selection, nutrition, handling, welfare, show and sale preparation and the cooking and consumption of beef. Thoughout the event, participants were awarded points for various aspects of their lessons, and at the end of the show, there were prizes awarded for different categories and age groups. Colleen Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters was on the grounds with the next generation of Droughtmaster commercial and stud operators. “They kids learned a great deal over the three days and thoroughly enjoyed themselves,” Colleen said. Five-year-old Dusty Boswood says he liked “talking about the cows” at the show, and 10-year-old Riley Orphant said the days
The next generation of Droughtmaster commercial and stud operators thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Rockhampton Junior Beef Show.
© kentbward.com © ruraldesign.com.au
Western Bred. Paired with Nature.
ARTESIAN SALE 10 BULLS 1pm Monday 14 October Blackall Saleyards Dean & Julie Allen ‘Tarcombe’ Longreach Qld 4730 07 4658 5315 0427 962 439
20
AUGUST 2019
it all
starts here...
Bulls for sale in the paddock year-round & at Roma Droughtmaster Sale 25 October Roger and Jenny Underwood • Eversleigh & Wallace Vale Droughtmasters, ‘Pine Hills’ Wallumbilla | Ph 0488 417 385 or 0428 417 120 |
WWW.EVERSLEIGHDROUGHTMASTERS.COM.AU
NEWS
Follow Your Nose to the Droughtmaster Site at AgQuip - By Matt Sherrington Those attending the AgQuip Field Days being held at Gunnedah, NSW, from August 20 to 22 this year will be able to find the Droughtmaster site simply by following the scent of the mouth-watering Droughtmaster rib fillet steak sandwiches members will be cooking and serving up to visitors. Lynn Heyman of Riverbed Droughtmasters, New South Wales, said it was at AgQuip 2016 that the catering side of the site was reintroduced - with great success. “We continued to build on this success last year at the site, and the succulent Droughtmaster steaks being offered there, were highlighted on radio, TV and in newspapers,” she said. “In 2019, we will again be cooking and serving these delicious steak burgers using high quality grainfed Droughtmaster rib fillet steaks supplied by Nolan Meats, Gympie.”
Lynn said 5000 people visited the site last year, with Droughtmaster members and associates volunteering their time to cook and serve more than 2500 steak burgers over the three days of the event. “As a result of the success of the site in 2018, we were able to donate $5000 to Aussie Helpers which was directed to the drought and flood-affected farmers in northern Queensland.” Lynn, Mark and Todd Heyman are again planning and organising the Droughtmaster site for AgQuip, and Lynn said in addition to the popular burgers available, AgQuip guests will also be able to inspect Droughtmaster cattle being exhibited which will form the centrepiece of the breeds promotional display. “Droughtmaster cattle have been displayed every year at AgQuip since the event commenced more than 30 years ago. “All Far Southern Zone studs are presented
with the opportunity to be involved with the field days, mainly due to our proximity to the event. She said AgQuip, Australia’s largest field days, is a long-running agricultural event which is well known throughout NSW. “Crowds and exhibitors attend from far and wide, so the event provides an excellent opportunity for members in attendance to promote our breed, direct sales toward Droughtmaster Society sponsored sales and connect with potential Droughtmaster breeders. “Janet Allan, Clayfield Stud, Curlewis and Tim Lloyd, John and Margaret Lloyd, Heitiki stud, Delungra will be exhibiting Droughtmaster cattle which will be offered for sale at Droughtmaster sponsored sales later in the year.” Lynn said at AgQuip 2018, Tim Lloyd offered a young stud heifer as a lucky door prize for visitors to the site, which only increased the foot traffic to the site. She said there will also be a wide range of information and Droughtmaster merchandise on-site to promote the breed as a whole. “Close to $5000 worth of Droughtmaster merchandise (mainly in the form of branded backpacks) was made available at the 2018 field days, which proved to be extremely popular with the younger visitors to the site.”
At the 2019 AgQuip Field Days Droughtmaster members and associates will again be cooking and serving delicious steak burgers using grainfed Droughtmaster rib fillet steaks supplied by Nolan Meats, Gympie.
5000 people visited the Droughtmaster site at AgQuip last year, with Droughtmaster members and associates volunteering their time to cook and serve more than 2500 steak burgers over the three days of the event.
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If you’d like to volunteer to help out at the Droughtmaster site during Agquip in 2019, contact the society on (07) 3281 0056. You don’t have to be a member all volunteers are welcome.
Below: There will also be a wide range of information and Droughtmaster merchandise on-site to promote the breed as a whole during AgQuip 2019.
NEWS
Doing Queensland Proud at CRT FarmFest The weather at CRT Farmfest in June turned it on for the first day, with the temperature on the Tuesday not rising much above 4 degrees with a wind chill factor in the minuses. Droughtmaster Australia gives a huge shout out to all the exhibitors, paraders and young judges who braved the elements to stand out in the ring to be judged throughout the day. Wednesday offered a much better performance by Mother Nature to then continue on with beautiful blue sky’s and much better temperatures. The cold weather on the first day helped with the Droughtmaster Australia fundraiser with many a coffee served with a sweet treat for a gold coin donation (which raised $255.15) all in the aid of restocking the North West One of the major drawcards to the Droughtmaster shed this year were a set of cute twin calves who were only two weeks old. Society members said they were a hit with their antics and took every opportunity to escape to visit the other sheds and cattle.
A post was put up on Facebook to name this pigeon pair, and aptly they were named ‘Bonnie and Clyde’. As with most years CRT FarmFest usually coincides with Queensland Week and the Rugby League State of Origin, providing a great opportunity for Droughtmaster Australia exhibitors to fly the Queensland flag for Origin and their Droughtmasters, as they’re listed as a Queensland icon along with the Brisbane Broncos.
Thanks also go out to the Droughtmaster Society Next Gen members Hannah and Alex Holmes-Semloh Stud for their help, and Jenny Underwood for her updates over the week on the Droughtmaster Facebook page.
The Droughtmaster display at CRT Farmfest gave visitors the opportunity to view the cattle on display, purchase merchandise, learn more about the Droughtmaster breed and the opportunity for converts to meet up in a warm friendly atmosphere to have a chat and a cuppa. The society sends a a huge ‘thank you’ to the following exhibitors and volunteers who helped at the busy bee prior to the event, the baking for our fundraiser and manning the shed over the three days: David McCabe, Breffni Stud, Inga, Lyn and Lynsey Philp, Sevenell and Lynsey Park Studs and Sharon and Greg Harms, Oakmore Stud.
David McCabe, Breffni, Sharon Harms, Oakmore Park, Leigh Eleison, Droughtmaster Society, Lindsay Philp, Lynsey Park and Inga Hayes, Sevenell, gathered for a chat CRT FarmFest in the Droughtmaster Australia exhibit.
AUGUST 2019
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DN. BULL SALE Day 2 Lots 354 - 365 Age 22 - 27 mths DN. Lot 360 Bryvonlea Tudor S: Urie
Poll Gene Tested Pesti & Pompes Free
Sires: Skye Wilfred Medway Urie VV Ripper
Glenlands D Ultimatum (First Offering)
J-BAS 7 WA DN. Lot 358 Bryvonlea Tavish S: Ultimatum
DN. Lot 359 Bryvonlea Sebastian S: Ripper
View photos & details on Facebook and www.bryvonleadroughtmasters.com
Brian & Yvonne Heck Glastonbury Creek Ph: 0407 714 439 Josh Heck - 0409 732 676
Email: bryvonlea@activ8.net.au
DN. Lot 354 Bryvonlea Sambo S: Skye Wilfred
BRYVONLEA DROUGHTMASTERS DN. BULL SALE Day 2 - 18th Sept, 2019 Lots 354 to 365 Heifers for Sale at the Cream of the Crop 20th Nov. The heavens declare the Glory of God, He is so Good Psalm 19:1
BUNYA BULL SALE 7-09-19 Coolabunia 8 Bulls Lots 6 - 13 Age 21 - 26 mths Pompes & Pesti Free J-Bas 7 WA
Bunya Lot 7 Bryvonlea Tyson S: VV Ripper
Bryvonlea Philipa Sire: S Wilfred
NEWS
Ag-Grow Abuzz with Activity - By Leonie Davey Several Droughtmaster Australia stud members made their way to the AgGrow Field Days at Emerald in June and spent many hours making their sites look absolutely amazing and ready to advertise there Droughtmasters to all the agricultural rural people who poured through the gates over the three days of the event.
The highlights of Ag-Grow were catching up with fellow Droughtmaster Australia members, showcasing the Droughtmaster breed and having a lot of rural people visit our sites and looking at what we’ve produced.
Droughtmaster Next Gen brochures and Droughtmaster promotional packs.
It’s so awesome to have an event that has everything in one place for all the agricultural farmers. It is also great to see keen junior members like Brodie and Josh Perry advertising their stud to other young rural children, and Droughtmaster Next Gen committee members Chloe Davey and Mikaela Gauci showing off their photo wall of young enthusiastic Droughtmaster members to all the rural children and handing out
Jesse Barnes, Waylanbar Droughtmaster Stud, Emerald, at the Ag-Grow Field Days with Droughtmaster Society Next Gen committee members Chloe Davey and Mikaela Gauci.
On-site over the course of the field days were keen junior members Brodie and Josh Perry, Strathfield 9JE stud, and their parents Shane and Wendy Perry, Strathfield stud, Fletchers Awl, Clermont; Andrew and Sonya Harvey, Kenlogan stud, Kilcummin, Clermont; and Wayne and Jesse Barnes, Waylanbar stud, Emerald. The weather was absolutely beautiful for the 30th anniversary event. The morning was a little bit chilly but the days turned out really well. The stud principals of the Droughtmaster studs at Ag-Grow were out talking to their old and new clients and exhibiting their up-and-coming sale bulls.
Strathfield 9JE Stud operated by junior members, Brodie and Josh Perry, Comet (pictured), were onsite at Emerald for the Ag-Grow Field Days with Chloe Davey and Mikaela Gauci.}
NEWS
Next Gen Members On-Site in Emerald - By Matt Sherrington Droughtmaster Society ‘Next Gen’ committee members Mikaela Gauci and Chloe Davey were on-site over the course of the Ag-Grow Field Days at Emerald in June raising awareness for the group which focusses on providing a range of educational opportunities and industry-relevant activities for the Droughtmaster stud and commercial breeders of tomorrow. Mikaela, who is the committee treasurer and principal of MG Droughtmaster in Mackay, said being at Ag-Grow offered a great opportunity to connect with next generation cattle producers.
Mikaela Gauci and Chloe Davey were flying the flag for the Droughtmaster Society ‘Next Gen’ committee at the Ag-Grow Field Days in Emerald.
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“We’re the future of the breed and the industry so it was good to get involved with other young up and coming producers to give them a bit of an insight into what the beef industry has to offer them,” she said. Together with Chloe, an Emerald local and Lonemark CD stud principal, the pair
ran a tea and coffee station over the days, organised a competition which involved guessing the combined weight of two heifers, and drew attention to a photo wall consisting of images featuring the youth of the Droughtmaster Society in action within their respective family-run operations. “The winner of the guess the weight competition received a prize pack donated by CQ Ag Services and a cash prize from the Droughtmaster Society. “The proceeds we raised through the competition will go back into Next Gen program to assist with our ongoing goal of organising education workshops for junior members.” Mikaela said the Next Gen committee members are now planning a charity auction to be held during the DN. Sale in September where many prizes will be auctioned off to continue raising funds for the Next Gen program.
PIGGOTT 31st Annual
DROUGHTMASTER BULL SALE
11 12 noon Wednesday SEPTEMBER 2019 th
SPRINGSURE SHOWGROUNDS
65 Bulls 98%Polled/Scurred
FREE DELIVERY
MORPHOLOGY POMPES PESTI HORN/POLL JBAS 7 WA ELIGIBLE
TO GRACEMERE SALEYARDS *Conditions Apply
OR BUYER REBATES
$100/BULL FOR 6 OR MORE BULLS
BULLWALK
SATURDAY
31st August 9-5pm
ALDINGA PARK ROLLESTON QLD
INSPECTION WELCOME ANYTIME PH: 0749844568
www.aldingadroughtmasters.com JOHN NOFFKE 0409 054 097
ROBERT MURRY 0419 644 813
PADDOCK BULLS AVAILABLE RANDALL SPANN 0428 700 332
DON TUCKER 0428 841 666
ROD CARPENTER 0428 736 593
CATALOGUES 0748 479 000
NEWS
Breed Success at the Sydney Royal Show - By Lucy Kinbacher There may have only been three head, but quality red meat was at the forefront in the beef section’s other breeds judging at the Sydney Royal Show in April. Exhibitor of both female and male champions, Doug Giles, said their Droughtmaster stud showing came about almost by accident. Mr Giles and wife, Dani, are calving-down 100 stud Droughtmaster females at their Quicksilver stud, Newdegate, Western Australia, on their 550ha wheatbelt property with “a fair bit of grazing country on it”. “We run a purebred Charolais herd and wanted to introduce a red-fleck type by joining with Droughtmaster bulls,” Mr Giles said. “However, the two bulls I had earmarked for that I sold before I could get the females home, and as they were stud females I went back to Queensland and bought a bull to go with them, so basically an accidental start to our Droughtmaster stud herd.” WA was in the limelight as the judge, Harris Thompson, Venturon Livestock of Boyup Brook, also runs Charolais, Murray Grey and White Suffolk stud enterprises there.
He chose for his champion female and champion bull the Western Australian Droughtmaster exhibits from Quicksilver stud.
“Between the bulls, the Droughtmaster has a little more strength on top and a little more muscle down through the lower thigh,” Mr Thompson said.
The lone heifer entered in the nine to 14 months class, a polled AI calf in Quicksilver 8/804, impressed the judge with her potential.
“A really impressive calf with plenty of muscle and meat where he needs it.
“She has a breeding life potential ahead of her,” Mr Thompson said. When it came to the bull classes, a Belted Galloway lone exhibit called Nurrenyen Newton N01 from Jonathan Chia and Gregory Crease, Nurrenyen stud, Parkesbourne, stood in the 14 to 20 months class and then paraded against the Giles’ 20 to 30 months lone class winner, Quicksilver Nice Rig. Mr Thompson said there were only two bulls on show, but two different types. “The Belted Galloway has full length of body and plenty of length, while the Droughtmaster displays plenty of muscle and length in all places he needs it,” he said. However, while the Belted Galloway was a credit to his breed, Mr Thompson chose as his champion, the Droughtmaster. The Quicksilver bull weighed 774kg with an EMA of 133sq cm and fat scans of 15 and 9 millimetres.
“Just his overall power and muscle that got him over the Belted Galloway.” Mr Thompson said is was a difficult decision as both were very good in their own right. “Very different markets and two completely different breeds,” he said. “The Droughtmaster had advantage of ability to meet different markets and we are all in the red meat industry and he’s got plenty of it in him.” Of the bull and female, Mr Thompson chose the bull for the best exhibit award. Mr Giles said both their Quicksilver exhibits at the Sydney Royal Show were out of Glenlands females. “This is the first showing of both and the heifer is by Medway Under One Nose while the bull was sired by Wajatryn Jimbeam 2228 and we are really excited in our second year here in Sydney,” he said
Lachlan Patterson, Kinellar, Canowindra, judge Harris Thompson, Boyup Brook, WA, champion other breeds bull, Quicksilver Nice Rig, with Doug Giles, Newdegate, WA.
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PICTURE PERFECT
Rockvale in Telling secrets: Eddie Maxwell from moment of his two Julia Creek captured this special secrets with their daughters Tori and Sienna sharing rs. Crown-M Droughtmaster stud heife
NBPE succes s: Congratulati ons to Robert Company, Ho and Donna Re me a of Lis Halstead) for wi Hill, (with Queensland Rura l agents Nick Ma gar Pastoral nning the Most Producers Ex Successful Ex lone and Dave po Commercia hibitor at the 20 l Cattle Comp 19 Northern Be etition held at ef Charters Towe rs in June.
PRINT | DIGITAL | ONLINE | VIDEO | SOCIAL BREAKING NEWS YOUR NEWS YOUR WAY
Peter Lowe 0407 221 254 Sheree Kershaw 0409 201 149 Jane Lowe 0408 488 609 AW3777314
AUGUST 2019
29
NEWS
A Trip to Remember On February 27, Nick and Sarah Hughes from Farogan Valley Droughtmasters and Les and Leanne Lee, Leegra Fitting Service, made the trip to Houston to receive our Beefmaster/Droughtmaster Miss World Trophy. Nick said the flight was long, but bearable and they arrived to a chilly day in Houston. “We had really scored well with our accommodation through Air BnB, and were located across the road from the main gates to NRG Park, where the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is held,” he said. “With 2.5 million people through the gates we were very pleased to be always at the front of the admittance queue.” After registering at the foreign visitors desk Nick, Sarah, Les and Leanne were admitted into the international lounge, where they were welcomed with open arms.
of us accepted the Miss World belt buckle in the ring. “The presenters and crowd were very complimentary about our animal (the first ever Bos Indicus based animal from Australia to win a World Championship) and the Droughtmaster breed, before the large Mexican contingent arrived for the Beefmaster/Droughtmaster World Champion Bull presentation.
really awesome trip with great people and well worth the effort for anyone who would like to experience such a huge show.
That night they went to the rodeo, which Nick said was again an eye opener, as they were in the upper stands looking over 80,000 people at the miniscule horses and riders. “Luckily there was a big screen nearby.” “At that point, it was time for us to head home, and after another long flight were glad to be back, but all agreed it was a
The four made the trip to Houston to receive the 2018 Beefmaster/Droughtmaster Miss World Trophy for Farogan Valley Aura, the first ever Bos Indicus based animal from Australia to win a World Championship.
“The static displays of different breed information was amazing (though no display on Droughtmasters) and the interest in our breed/genetics was very impressive. “We had free meals and drinks for the duration of our four day visit, though we chose some other delicacies e.g. barbeque brisket (better than it sounds) while at the show.” Arriving at the Livestock section of the show, the four were amazed to find it was all held indoors and with over 34000 animals on display over the shows duration. Nick said animal traffic control was amazing, with most producers using large utes (trucks) and gooseneck trailers to transport their cattle. “The most outstanding breeds for us were the Brahmans (1100 animals), the Santas, the miniature Herefords were amazing for their meat capacity, and of course the Longhorns for the sheer size of their horns.
Nick and Sarah Hughes from Farogan Valley Droughtmasters and Les and Leanne Lee, Leegra Fitting Service, during the Miss World presentations at the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show, with PJ Budler from Global Livestock Solutions.
“The Beefmaster cattle were an eye opener for us, they had great bone structure, but were multi-coloured and they’ve definitely taken a different breeding path to the Australian Droughtmaster.” Nick said on the day of the presentation they joined the other 95,000 people attending the show that day, and made their way to one of the show rings. “The judging of the Beefmaster breed was very interesting and was again carried out inside, on green painted chip bark. “After six hours of judging it was our turn to go into the ring, just before the Grand Champion Bull was awarded, and the four 30
AUGUST 2019
Nick Hughes said the Beefmaster cattle were an eye opener to see firsthand as they had great bone structure, but were multi-coloured and have “definitely undertaken a different breeding path to the Australian Droughtmaster”.
n a i s Arte
DROUGHTMASTER SALE
1PM | BLACKALL SALEYARDS
10 0 Bu lls Sale Contact DEAN ALLEN 0427 962 439
@artesian.droughtmaster.sale
NEWS
High Steaks for Droughties in Normans’ Best Breed Comp - By Matt Sherrington The self-proclaimed ‘worst vegetarian restaurant’ in Brisbane, the Norman Hotel will again be hosting the popular Norman’s Best Breed competition and Droughtmaster steaks will feature in the event. The concept for the competition was created by the Norman Hotel says executive chef Frank Correnti. “While there are many beef judging competitions which focus on the different brands, there was never anything which focused purely on the different breeds and their flavour and tenderness profiles,” Mr Correnti said. He said the Norman Hotel has been promoting this breed specific competition since 2015. “We’re fortunate enough to have such a close relationship with JBS that we’ve been able to grow the competition from strength to strength.”
“This is done to create a level field in regards to the cooking and serving of the steak. “I’ll be cooking all the steaks to medium rare and serving a slice of each breed together on one plate for the customer. “In total the customer will receive approximately 100gm of each breed.” Customers involved in the competition will be able to fill out a form rating the flavour, tenderness and overall like for each breed. Each breed is judged on a scale of 1 to 10. The staff at the Norman Hotel will then collate the total score and the breed with the most points is deemed Norman’s Best Breed. The competition began on Monday July 29 and will run through until the end of August. Mr Correnti said the winning breed will be featured as a standalone steak for the month of September.
There are four breeds in total invited to take part in the competition which will have a Queensland-centric theme to it this year with the Droughtmaster to battle it out with the Brahman, Charbray and Santa Gertrudis.
“The winning breeds’ society is also presented with a trophy at a luncheon at the Norman Hotel to celebrate the breeds achievement.”
“JBS has hand-chosen the cattle to represent the four breeds from their Mungindi feedlot in the Western Darling Downs region.
• • • •
“All cattle have been on 120 days feed.” Mr Correnti said the Norman hotel purchases only striploin for the competition.
Mr Correnti said the previous winners of the competition were as follows: 2015 Brahman 2016 Shorthorn 2017 Shorthorn 2018 Charbray
This will mark the second time the Droughtmaster breed has featured in the competition after debuting in 2017.
Mt Brisbane Heidi has gone on to breed a stunning bull calf, TSHS AJ (pictured), who is also in the Toogoolawah State High School show team, and beautiful twin heifers that were paraded beside her at this year’s Toogoolawah Show.
NEWS
Heidi’s Amazing Journey Continues Many Droughtmaster breeders will remember the beautiful heifer, Mt Brisbane Heidi that claimed the distinguished award of Supreme Champion Exhibit at the Droughtmaster Futurity Show in 2017. Exhibited by the Toogoolawah State High School (TSHS) Droughtmaster stud, the crowd erupted with applause when judge Steve Farmer announced Heidi as the ultimate winner. Heidi has gone on to enjoy a highly successful show career during these past two years, and along the way, she has touched the hearts of several TSHS agricultural students, and has facilitated endless learning opportunities for the many students that are enrolled in the program. This beautiful female has not only excelled in the show ring. She has gone on to breed a stunning bull calf, TSHS AJ, who is also in the TSHS show team, and beautiful twin heifers that were paraded beside her at the recent Toogoolawah Show.
The ever popular Norman’s Best Breed competition will be running at the Norman Hotel in Brisbane from July 29 until the end of August.
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Norman Hotel executive chef Frank Correnti said the competition has gone from strength to strength since it began in 2015.
Hats off to all those involved with Heidi and her amazing journey; the McConnel family of Mt Brisbane Droughtmasters who bred this beautiful female and who have generously supported the TSHS’s agricultural program for several years; the dedicated teaching and support staff at TSHS, and the students whose dedication to their cattle, and commitment to their ag studies, is abundantly evident.
BUNYA
BULL SALE
BUNYA
BULL SALE
NEXT GENERATION
Beenleigh High Lend a Helping Hand Students from Beenleigh State High School learnt several valuable life lessons while helping out a family in need through preparing and donating one of the schools Droughtmaster stud heifers to a family in need whose cattle operation had been significantly impacted by the northern Queensland flood event in February. The Beenleigh SHS heifer was donated to Ron and Kylie Cook and their family at Channel Downs Station, near Julia Creek, on June 12 this year, together with heifers from Gympie State High School, the Nindethana, Carnudge, and High Country studs, along with a bull from Bryvonlea stud. The coordinator of this wonderful project was Bronwyn Betts, Nindethana Droughtmasters, who said the Cook family were predominantly Brahman breeders prior to the flood. “Due to the overwhelming generosity of the Droughtmaster community, they are now Droughtmaster breeders,” Ms Betts said. “Brian and Yvonne Heck, Bryvonlea, arranged feed for the cattle while they
National Sale
were at the Gympie Saleyards, while Josh Heck took delivery of them and ensured they were fed until the carrier came and picked them up for the last leg of their journey to Julia Creek,” she said. Beenleigh SHS head of Agriculture and Hospitality, Peta Lenane, said in 2018 the school had donated the money from the sale of a steer to the Buy a Bale Foundation. “When the Droughtmaster Society put a call out to donate animals after the flood the school decided that we would like to do that this year,” Ms Lenane said. She said 28 Year 7 students enrolled in the schools agriculture course helped to draft out and load the heifer. “During the process students learnt about how natural disasters such as flood and drought can affect farmers. “They also gained insight into the strategies farmers can use to manage their properties to get through times such as managing stocking density, how to feed during drought as well as the financial implications of decisions made during those times.
“And they learnt about how important it is for individuals and communities to rebuild quickly after a devastating event.”
“When the Droughtmaster Society put a call out to donate animals after the flood the school decided that we would like to do that this year,” - Beenleigh State High School head of Agriculture and Hospitality, Peta Lenane.
Ms Lenane said students at Beenleigh SHS can study agriculture from Year 7 to 12. “In the course students are involved in the day to day running of the farm which produces pastured pork, prime lamb, both grass and grain fed beef, the Droughtmaster stud, strawberries, macadamia nuts and honey.
Selling 5 Bulls
Oakmore Rabbie B (P)
2019 Droughtmaster National Sale Sire: Oakmore Omaha (P) Dam: Billabong Arabella (P)
Stud # 1107 Brand 4DI
Droughtmaster Stud
Roma Sale
Oakmore Rabbie B (P)
Selling 7 Bulls
Oakmore Rhinestone (P)
© ruraldesign.com.au
2019 Roma Droughtmaster Sale Sire: Oakmore Kadir (P) Dam: Billabong Adalia (P) Our Quality Assurance ... ALL SALE BULLS are Fully Vaccinated, Pesti Negitive, Pompes Free, HornPoll Tested, DNA Profile and JBAS-7 WA Eligible
DG & SM Harms & Sons 0413 583 084 Lot 8, 4 Hodgson St. Greenmount Qld 4359 www.oakmoreparkdroughtmasters.com.au 34
AUGUST 2019
Oakmore Rhinestone (P)
“All of this is featured at the school’s annual paddock to plate luncheon which provides a three course meal for 250 members of the community prepared by the schools hospitality department. “The agriculture department also supplies the hospitality department with produce year round for functions. “Students are also able to prepare our prize winning Sussex chickens for shows. We also breed and sell our stud Droughtmasters.” Ms Lenane said the Droughtmaster stud was formed in the 1990’s, and now consists of nine cows, five young heifers, four young bulls and a calf with more expected later this year. “We purchased a Nindethana Bull in 2018, and bloodlines from the Minlacowie, Yackatoon, and Vitwood studs also flow through our cattle.” She said the future plan for the Droughtmaster stud will be to focus on continuing to teach students about how to improve the genetics of the stud herd through selecting quality animals to breed from.
Year 7 Beenleigh State High School students with the heifer selected from the schools’ Droughtmaster Stud which was donated to Ron and Kylie Cook and their family at Channel Downs Station, near Julia Creek, to assist with their herd recovery after the February flood event.
FV Magnum DN Sale day 2 Lot 466
Selling at the
Bunya Bull Sale and the
DN Sale
www.farogan.net
FV Mister DN Sale Day 2 Lot 467
Home of FV Aura - 2018 Beefmaster/Droughtmaster Miss World Grand Champion Droughtmaster Female Beef 2018
Nick and Sarah Hughes - ph 0400 709 124/07 5488 4352 - faroganvalley@outlook.com AUGUST 2019
AW3744079
all bulls are JBas 7 WA eligible, Pompes and Pesti tested negative
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COMMERCIAL
Coppings’ Addition of Droughtmasters Working Out Well - By Matt Sherrington After close to two years of observation, the Copping family at Mt Sunlight, situated 50kms north east of Rolleston, are pleased with the decision they made to introduce Droughtmaster bulls to put over their Santa Gertrudis females in their commercial breeding program. Ken and Deidre Copping along with their two sons Darcy and Peter run the operation on the 8300ha property they purchased in December 2001. The country on Mt Sunlight consists of a mixture of Brigalow, Box and Wilga with forest country running up to the Shotover Range. On this land the Coppings run a 1200 head herd in which they’re now joining close to 50% of their Santa Gertrudis breeders with their 10 Droughtmaster bulls. “The Droughtmaster appealed to us as a first cross option as they’re good beefy
looking cattle, they help keep the herd red, and can handle the tougher seasons well.” The Coppings run a controlled mating program from March or April to October each year depending on climatic conditions. Deidre said though they’ve had a very dry, hot summer they were lucky to receive 112mls in March. “This was followed by some more rain in April which gave us some body of grass for Winter.”
AUGUST 2019
“We’ve been uniformly impressed by the temperaments of the bulls from these studs, as well as the condition they’ve managed to keep through the last dry.
She said they aim to produce quality weaners and feeder cattle that mature early to reach the feeder market.
Deidre said when inspecting Droughtmaster bulls for potential purchase temperament is a big factor, while fertility, length and their sheath are also important considerations for them.
“Our goal is to sell our feeder steers and heifers between 350kg to 450kg.
“These factors are crucial in our production of early maturing quality weaners.”
“Prices have dropped compared to the high of 12 months ago but they’re still not to bad for quality cattle.”
Deidre said when they aren’t working their cattle the family enjoys campdrafting with our horses at various events around the region while Ken and herself enjoy supporting their boys when they play football or ride at the rodeos.
To strengthen the Droughtmaster bloodlines running through their herd the Coppings have purchased bulls from
Deidre Copping with a selection of their SantaGertrudis X Droughtmaster weaners which were taking off their mothers in March and are now doing well.
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the Mostyndale, Wolfang and Fernleigh studs at the Central Reds Droughtmaster Sale held in Emerald, and separately from Larry and Rebecca Farquhar, Calco Droughtmasters, Rolleston.
The Copping family run a 1200 head herd at Mt Sunlight near Rolleston in which they’re joining close to 50% of their Santa Gertrudis breeders with their 10 Droughtmaster bulls.
LOT 57 CALDY FREMANTLE (P)
PER SALE INSPECTIONS ALWAYS WELCOME Selling lots 61-66 at Monto All Breeds Sale Saturday 14th September 2019 Lot 61 CALDY FREEMAN (P)
Selling lot 75-78 at Bunya Bull Sale Saturday 7th September 2019 Lot 75 CALDY FLINDERS (P)
Jason and Geraldine Barnard P: (07) 4167 2148 M: 0409 267 474 205 Beneckes Road MONTO QLD 4630 E: gjpastoral@bigpond.com AW3744085
SALE REPORT
A Buyers Market for Feb All Breeds - By Kent Ward It was a buyers market at the annual February All Breeds Bull and Female Sale, CQLX, Gracemere in February. At cataloguing the Droughtmaster breed was the most numerical in the sale with 128 bulls and three females on offer. The overall result saw a $525/head decline in average values with 47 bulls selling to average $4054 at a high of $9500 for a 52% average compared with the previous years result where 57 bulls topped at $19,000 to average $4579 on the way to clearing 83% at auction.
Farogan Valley Ace (P) (Talgai Chico) catalogued by Nick and Sarah Hughes, Farogan Valley Stud, Kandanga. The son of the Beef Australia 2018 champion, Farogan Valley Aura, Ace sold to Darryl Ahern, Rosedale, Baralaba. The two bulls from Farogan Valley averaged $7750. The other was a $6000 Strathfield XXXX Gold son selling to the Rideout family, Blue Hills, Thangool. Next best at $9000 was the 26-month, 886kg, 138EMA, Vitwood 3642 (P) offered by David and Anita Torrisi, Vitwood Stud, Pialba.
In the 2017 sale result 38 bulls sold to $13,000 setting a $5819 average with a 90% clearance.
The son of Glenlands Megabyte sold to Savannah Droughtmaster Stud, operated by Valmai Jones, Savannah Rural Solutions, Tennant Creek, NT. Vitwood averaged $6167 for their trio.
Sale honours in the Droughtmaster section went to the 25-month, 885kg, 130EMA,
Andrew Welsh, Wantmore Droughtmaster Stud, Kingaroy sold a 35-month-old son of
Needmor 688 for $8000 to Arthur Dingle, Ardvale, Mt Perry. The Dingle family were the major supporters of the section taking 11 to average them $3727. Wantmore Stud, Kingaroy averaged $3929 for their seven. Three from Wantmore sold for $3000 each to the Lawrie family, Evergreen, Westwood. Gary and Jillian Little, Riverland Stud, Wycarbah sold a pair to $7500 to average $5250. Top of their draft was a 27-month, Riverland Just Cool (RSVP Egan) son selling to a partnership between the Rod and Lyn Sperling, Rodlyn Stud, Bell, and the Brenann family, Glendale. Don and Robyn Roberton. By-Mingo Stud, Coalstoun Lakes set a $5500 average for their three topping at $6500 for their 31-month-old, 860kg Hazelwood Pedro son, Quilpie (P) selling to John and Heather Loch, Fairview, Springsure. Another from By-Mingo to make money was the $6000 Angle Zed ET (P) (AI) son going to Paradise Grazing, Nanango. Dual prefixes, Minlacowie and Wingfield, Goovigen averaged $3500 for their four. Owners, Derrick and Pam Spann and family topped their section at $4000 on two occasions. Doug and Juanita Birch, Birch Stud, Eidsvold sold five for a $3600 average topping at $6000 for a Billabong Tank son (25-months). The entire Birch team was purchased by the Dingle family, Mt Perry.
Isabella and Corbmac Fanning, Rockhampton with the $9000, 26-month, 886kg, 138EMA, Vitwood 3642 (P) offered by David and Anita Torrisi, Vitwood Stud, Pialba. He sold to Savannah Rural Solutions, Tennant Creek, NT.
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Below: The $9500, 25-month, 885kg, 130EMA, Farogan Valley Ace (P) with vendor, Nick Hughes, Farogan Valley Stud, Kandanga. The bull sold to Darryl Ahern, Rosedale, Baralaba
SALE REPORT
Big success for Junior Members in Gympie - By Peter Lowe The future of the Droughtmaster breed is in good hands with junior members playing a leading role after securing both high-priced animals at the National Female Sale held at Gympie in March.
First-time buyer and nine-year-old junior member Celestino Pozzebon, Conclare Droughtmasters, Thulimbah together with parents Tony and Rachael bid the $6750
top cow and calf money for Oakmore Queenie (P) with heifer calf at foot offered by Greg and Sharon Harms, Oakmore Park stud, Greenmount.
Andrew, Kerri and Riley McKenzie, Hamadra Droughtmasters, Bluff made it a back-to-back sale topping performance when Hamadra Innosent (P), a 15-monthold unjoined daughter of Minlacowie Salvador 8081 (P), attracted the $8000 top money from 14-year-old stud master Clancy Thomas, Wazcom Systems, Kenilworth. The youngster, together with parents Warwick and Anne, is building up numbers and selected Innosent for her structural correctness, big frame and tidy underline. “She was a real eye-catcher and we have a preference for higher content females,� Clancy said. They bought four quality females for a $4438 average. Vendor Andrew McKenzie, Hamadra stud, Bluff with buyer Clancy Thomas, Wazcom Systems, Kenilworth with the $8000 top-priced heifer, Hamadra Innosent.
AW3777316 AW3 A AW W3 37 3 7773 7731 77 316 3
The McKenzie family celebrated 25 years of successful breeding in fine style after their 10 unjoined heifers averaged $4375.
Jane Lowe - Toowoomba 0408 488 609 jane.lowe@queenslandcountrylife.com.au
Sheree Kershaw 0409 201 149 sheree.kershaw@queenslandcountrylife.com.au
Peter Lowe 0407 221 254 peter.lowe@queenslandcountrylife.com.au AUGUST 2019
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PROVEN
PERFORMANCE
Weapon # 2
Ariat # 26
Almighty # 13
Altitude # 18
Avatar # 19
Ambrose # 24
ANNUAL SALE 180 BULLS
PERFORMANCE GENETIC DIVERSITY STATISTICAL DATA GROUP BREEDPLAN SCANS & IMF PERFORMANCE RECORDED SEMEN & FERTILITY TESTED SECURITY DAM HISTORIES CLINICAL DATA SOUNDNESS EVALUATED SILAGE PREPARED CERTAINTY PROFITABILITY PROGRESSIVE COMMERCIAL RELEVANCE CONSISTENCY & STRENGTH © kentbward.com © ruraldesign.com.au
PROVEN
PROVEN
PEDIGREE
P R E D I C TA B I L I T Y
Whiskey # 1
Academy # 20
Waco # 3
Ace Of Spades # 4
Alderman # 5
Amego # 9
FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2019 DARREN CHILDS 0427 158 569
JASON CHILDS 0427 873 033
www.glenlands.com
SALE REPORT (continued) “She is a great all round unit with a wonderful temperament,” Celestino said.
of Morganville. The six Nindethana heifers averaged $3458.
Urah for $2500 with all the proceeds going to the McGrath Foundation.
Five females were knocked down to the Conclare stud for a $3950 average.
Overall 134 females averaged $2890 which represented a clearance rate of 89% for a gross of $387,200.
Sale committee chairman Brian Heck said given the poor season the result was much better than expected.
Six cows and calves averaged $3708, 10 joined heifers averaged $3350 and 118 unjoined maidens averaged $2809.
“It was a very solid sale result backed by a good clearance with the most widespread buyer interest to date,” Mr Heck said.
Mac Smith, Vale View M stud, Manumbar sold his 14-month-old unjoined heifer Vale View M Giggles (P) to Brian and Lyn Thompson, Topline Droughtmasters, Mt
Two semen packages for the Droughtmaster Foundation sold for a top of $2850 to average $2538 and were bought by Shadyland Pty Ltd, Moura.
The Harms family also sold five unjoined heifers for a $3000 average. Bronwyn Betts and Michael Hawkins, Nindethana Pastoral Pty Ltd, Camp Mountain topped the joined section with their outstanding heifer, Nindethana Isabelle (P), a 27-month-old daughter of RSVP Jackpot (P), bought by Justin Bartlett
Celestino Pozzebon, Conclare Droughtmasters,Thulimbah bought Oakmore Queenie and her heifer calf from Sharon Harms for $6750.
Buyer, Brian Thompson, Topline Droughtmasters, Mt Urah, Colleen and Mac Smith, Vale View M stud and Lisa Hedges, Elders, with the $2500 charity cheque for the McGrath Foundation, for the sale of Vale View M Giggles (P).
SELLING AT DN SALE 17TH & 18TH SEPT
DROUGHTMASTERS
LOT 186 – GERALD 8503 (P)
8 BULLS DAY 1, LOTS 186-193 5 BULLS DAY 2, LOTS 507-511 With sons of Apollo, Winchester, Belyando and 1st sons of Calaanah Brando.
LOT 191 – GIBSON 8504 (P)
JOHN: 0428 971 212
CATHERINE: 0417 618 844
ANNA: 0428 322 272
Email: billabongbulls@bigpond.com.au 44
AUGUST 2019
AW3721744
HICKS FAMILY 'BILLABONG' MOURA
SALE REPORT
Wajatryn Bull Tops Highlands Sale at $18,000 16114, who sold for $11,000, offered by vendors James and Aleisha Pisaturo, Almafi Droughtmasters.
Carruthers Pastoral, Alpha purchased six bulls to average $5083 from studs Medway, Mt Oscar, Redskin and Oasis.
Almafi Droughtmaster stud sold three bulls to average $6833.
The Geddes family of Oasis Droughtmasters sold five herd bulls to average $4800.
Mt Oscar Droughtmasters sold all three registered sires offered to average $4166.
Huntly Droughtmasters averaged $4800 from the stud’s five bulls sold.
Redskin Droughtmasters averaged $5666 from the six head sold in the ring.
“Buyers filled up at the start,” Elders agent Robert Murray said.
Kenlogan Droughtmaster stud sold two registered sires to average $6000.
“It was a good pen of bulls but the sale just ran out of buyers,” he said.
Ongoing dry conditions throughout the Central Highlands coupled with the disastrous weather events to the north in February resulted in a decrease of $1794 per head from the 2018 average.
The York family of Karragarra Droughtmasters sold six bulls to average $5000.
“Some bulls were simply out of bidders’ budgets, which is a true sign of what is happening in the north and what we see with drought.”
Cracking the sale top for the day was Wajatryn 2499 (P) from Carolyn and Warren Kenny, Wajatryn Droughtmasters, Gayndah, selling for $18,000. The 28-month-old bull will find his new home with the Dahl Family, Brolga Gully, Baralaba.
Medway Droughtmasters sold nine bulls to average $5950, including several head selling to bulk buyers Jumba Holdings, Charters Towers and also Malden Grazing, Alpha.
- By Sheree Kershaw Quiet, cost effective, and productive, were words used to describe the draft of the 28th Highlands Droughtmaster Bull Sale held in Clermont in March. With a catalogue of 52 registered sires and 26 herd bulls on offer, agents and vendors went to work. It was a tough day in the office as the sale saw a clearance of 65%, with final figures showing the 12 vendors collectively averaged $5912.
Shane and Wendy Perry of Strathfield Droughtmasters sold six bulls for a $6000 average.
As sales throughout Central Queensland kick off, generosity continues to shine through. More than $2550 was raised for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, with studs donating $50 from each bull sold in the ring.
The son of Wajatryn T- Rex (P) D5, Wajatryn 2499 carried all 950 kilograms into the ring, with a 131cm sq eye EMA, and a scrotal circumference of 36cm. “You bring to the sale what you feel represents your cattle best,” Ms Kenny said. “Warren and I are very grateful for the invitation and opportunity to sell at the sale, with this being our second year,” she said. “It is always great to see your bulls go to such great cattle people.” The Kenny family cleared their entire draft and averaged $9750 for the four bulls presented. Paying second top price for the day were repeat buyers the Finger family, Lake Lofty, Dysart who bought Strathfield 9JE Joker (P) for $12,000 from vendors Josh and Brodie Perry, Strathfield 9JE, Clermont.
Buyer Mick Dahl, Baralaba, Jake Kennedy, Elders Clermont, Warren Kenny, Wajatryn Droughtmasters with the $18,000 sale topper Wajatryn 2499.
Strathfield 9JE Joker boasted a recorded weight of 955kg, a 45cm scrotal circumference, a 123sq cm EMA and has an equally impressive temperament. “He was the pick of the draft,” Josh Perry said. “With a bit of length, a bit of depth, good sheath and a desirable head, he is exactly what we look to breed,” he said. Strathfield 9JE stud also sold the second top price bull at 2018 sale with Strathfield 9JE Irresistable selling for $20,000 to the Finger family. The Fingers bought three bulls which included the top priced herd bull Almafi
Strathfield 9JE Joker who sold for $12,000 with vendor Josh Perry and buyer Donna Finger, Lake Lofty
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SALE REPORT
Heifers to $15,750 in Glenlands Online Sale - By Kent Ward The Glenlands Droughtmaster Online Genetics Sale held in July grossed $185,750 and culminated in a complete clearance where a two state buyer list was established. Hosted by the Childs families, Glenlands stud, Bouldercombe and interfaced online, the fixture featured seven categories including a breed first offering of donor interests. Topping proceedings was the PTIC heifer, the 24-month-old, $15,750 Glenlands D Wavell (IVF) (P) (AI) which sold to Daniel and Kirsty Boswood, Kaniel Stud, Barmoya. Wavell is by the dual RNA champion Rambo (P) and is a maternal half sister to 2019 Feature Show Champion, Amazon (IVF) (P) (AI). Boswell stud claimed the top selling semen package paying $1075/straw in the Rambo package (five straws). Boswood also paid $625/straw in the semen package of Pacific (ET) (P). The first ever offering of donor interests was met with great acclaim. The two on offer averaged $10,875 topping at $12,750 for a quarter share in Quote (ET) (P). Selecting the share in the proven donor and multi show champion were Cec, Elaine and Emily Pelling, Fernleigh stud, Theodore. The Pelling family also secured an embryo package (10 embryos) involving two donors paired to Pacific (P) for $3500. The largest category represented were unjoined heifers.
These peaked at $7250 twice. Kellie Pickersgill and Cody Hansen, Jigsaw stud, Theodore selected the 11-month-old Bambi (IVF) (P) (AI) (Swan Horsham (P)) while Paul and Lisa Laycock, High Country stud, Eskdale accounted for the yearling, Bree (IVF) (P) (AI) (Glenlands I-Spy) at the same money. Jigsaw also claimed the top selling embryo package, paying on average $525 for a package of 10 zygotes, while High Country secured the top selling breeding package (two heifers and two straws of semen) for $8500. Stephanie Laycock, High Country S stud, Eskdale took the $9000 PTIC heifer, Acclaim (IVF) (P) (AI) (22-months) and the $5250 Believe (10-months) (P). Jack and Kylie Stewart-Moore, Dunluce stud, Hughenden took the 10-month-old, $7000 Bardot (IVF) (P) (AI) (Quartermaster (P)) while Michael and Angela Corones, Maclands stud, Bororen took the other quarter share and donor interest in the full sister to Rambo, the 26-month-old, Waterfall (IVF) (P) (AI) for $9000.
$650/straw selling to Rob and Kirsty Orphant, Seymour stud, Gunalda. Seymour also selected the $7500 PTIC heifer, Avalon (24-months) (IVF) (P) (AI). Allen and Michelle Burton, Yimin stud, Bell Park selected two maiden heifers to average them $6625 topping at $6750 for Alexus (P) (Lamont Orlando) (20-months). Ben Bamford, Little Ed stud, Lake Moogerah also took two maidens. His pair were purchased for on average $3625. Paul Dingle, Waringle stud, Maleny paid $750/straw to secure the semen package in Quartermaster (ET) (P) and $6000 for the 10-month-old, unjoined entry, Bly (P). Josh Stevens, Joken stud, Banana was another to take two unjoined heifers. These were purchased for on average $4500 while Andrew Welsh, Wantmore stud, Kingaroy secured another of the unjoined heifers for $4000. Shane Lehmann, Prenzlau purchased a foundation breeding package for his new prefix for $6500.
Maclands also picked up a PTIC recipient carrying an Pacific (ET) (P)/Ebony Hills Leotard (P) unborn for $6500.
Allan Matson, Ebony Hills stud, Allora took the opportunity to invest in another of the breeding packages for $5250.
Taking two of the unjoined heifers were Dan and Teneale Sommer, Sommer stud, Maleny. Their pair cost $3750 each. The Sommer Stud also paid $700/straw for a semen package for Torpedo (P).
New South Wales breeder, Jerah Hart, Toorali Stud, Casuarina, secured the semen package in Topshelf (P) for $450/straw.
The other package of Torpedo (P) fetched
The semen package in Maranoa sold for $300/straw to Ryan and Rachel Holzwart, Kensington, Emerald.
The top seller at the Glenlands Droughtmaster Online Genetics Sale in July was the $15,750 Glenlands D Wavell (IVF) (P) (AI). The two-yearold Glenlands D Rambo (P) daughter which carries a positive test to Clonlara 16220 (P) sold to Daniel and Kirsty Boswood, Kaniel Stud, Barmoya.
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STUD 302
HEITIKI DROUGHTMASTERS Heitiki is selling registered bulls at both the DN National sale 17 & 18 September and The Droughtmaster Roma Sale. We are extremely happy to be offering the sons of Heitiki Hanrahan at both sales.
Lot 488, Heitiki G102
N
Hanrahan is from a highly credentialed female line E including Dam Heitiki Conny L SA (2970), grand dam Heitiki 1815.
D
Offering Lots 91-92 and 487 & 488 at the Droughtmaster National Sale. All bulls being offered are sound and fertile, tested ready to work.
Paddock bulls for sale Heifers for sale in paddock
picture taken May 2019
Lot 91, Heitiki Nat (4094)
J.S., M.A. & T.S. LLOYD ‘HEITIKI’ DELUNGRA (02) 6724 8225, (02) 6724 8362 Email: timll@bigpond.com
N
D
ROMA SALE 25TH October
Contact: Tim 0429 318 096 or AH 02 6724 8362 e: timothy.lloyd@bigpond.com
AW3743462
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L A S
COMMERCIAL
Lucas Families’ Sustained Success with Droughtmasters - By Matt Sherrington The Lucas family at Jerry’s Gully, Morinish, 65km northwest of Rockhampton, have enjoyed sustained success over the years in selling their Droughtmaster weaner steers through the Gracemere Saleyards. Trading as Lucas Cattle Company; Allan and Abbey Lucas along with their children Jake (10 years old) and Ava (six years old) run up to 600 Droughtmaster breeders in their commercial operation. It has been four years since the family
purchased the 3600ha property, which consists of forest country and developed softwood scrub land which runs back along 6kms of the Fitzroy River.
“We generally make the sale highlights each time we offer steers there.”
Allan said due to the ongoing dry conditions heifers are joined with their bulls on agistment blocks in Comet and Raglan and are then being brought back to Jerry’s Gully.
“Heifers which pregnancy test negative are usually sold to the meatworks, though this year they’ve gone to the feedlots as we’ve had a tougher time with getting weight on them so it has been more economical to sell them at up to 400kg.”
“We take the weaner steers off their mothers on the home block and sell them at 250kg or more through the weekly CQLX market sale,” he said.
He said 90% of their heifers are retained and yearling mated.
He said while they predominantly had Red Brahman cross cows in the herd 10 years ago, they’ve progressively added more and more Droughtmaster genetics over the ensuing years. “We initially crossed the Brahman breeders with Droughtmaster bulls, but we found that we achieved the best results by going full Droughtie. “The breed appeals to us because they handle our climate well, they have great mothering ability, their natural tick resistance is crucial and they’re simply good, easy doing cattle.” Allan said the breed is also able to service all requirements.
Allan and Abbey Lucas along with their children, Jake and Ava run up to 600 Droughtmaster breeders in their commercial operation at Jerry’s Gully, Morinish.
“The steers we sell at CQLX have gone consistently into Rolleston to fill the PCAS market and to Dingo where producers take them through to bullock weights.”
The Lucas family bringing in commercial breeders for weaning. 90% of their heifers are retained and yearling mated.
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COMMERCIAL (continued) He said while the yearling heifers are joined with the bulls from November, their cows are in with the bulls all year round. Allan said the overarching aim within their operation is to produce the best blue ribbon weaners in the area to supply most markets. “If they go to the feedlot or on to grass, we aim to ensure our cattle will perform for our clients.” The cattle production bug has also bitten Jake and Ava hard as the pair, under the guidance of their parents, established their Goldstone Droughtmasters stud last year.
the Strathfield, Aldinga, Billabong and Minlacowie studs. “We purchased these females from these studs during dispersal and commercial sales they’ve held. “They’ve really put some oomphf into our herd as we bred out the Brahmans. Those genetics remain in our herd to this day.” He said they also purchased four heifers from the Droughtmaster National Female Sale last year for use in the Goldstone stud.
He said at sale time he looks for bulls with content and structure, and a full-bodied heifer. “It doesn’t worry us if they horned or scurred.” “We’ve always been determined to buy quality and that’s why we stuck with the Droughtmaster. “They’re a one size fits all market solution, and the beauty of the breed is that when the market changes you can adapt overnight.”
“The forming of the stud means that they’re now the fourth generation of the family to be involved in Droughtmaster production, with their great grandparents being breed pioneers Noel and Audrey Perry.” He said Jake and Ava enjoy exhibiting their cattle at various shows annually, and their goal with the stud operation is to be selling at the DN. Sale in two years time. “Jake received under 12 years runnerup in the Young Commercial Judges’ Competition at Beef 2018 so he’s commercially attuned.” Allan said bulls used within the operation have either been sourced from the DN. Sale, for the last five years, or through nearby studs, predominantly the Perry family’s Strathfield stud, in Clermont. “The Strathfield bulls are proven performers in tough country, which means they have the ability to venture through our rangeland forest country capably. Their temperaments are great as well, which is important to us with our children being heavily involved in the operation.” To bolster the base breeding herd, Allan said the family sourced females from
Weaner steers sold by the Lucas family generally make the sale highlights each time when they’re offered at the weekly Gracemere market sale.
Ava and Jake Lucas standing proudly with a cow and calf involved in their Goldstone Droughtmasters stud which was established in 2018.
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SALE PREVIEW
Host of Genetics Ready for Roma - By Matt Sherrington A total of 29 vendors situated in Central Queensland, the northern and central districts of NSW and all areas in between, will unite on Friday, October 25, from 10am, for the Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale.
buyers can bid with confidence knowing they’re buying quality bulls.” The Roma Saleyards are currently undergoing a large-scale redevelopment which includes a new sale ring, conference centre, offices, canteen and more yards.
Sale committee member Sharon Harms said while pedigree nominations won’t be finalised until July 26 (after this edition of the Droughtmaster Digest has been published) at present 148 registered sires and two herd bulls have been nominated for the 2019 sale.
“Going forward this redevelopment shows that confidence in the cattle sector, is and will remain strong into the future.”
Ms Harms said, historically, bulls that are catalogued for the Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale are “a buyers dream” meeting all markets in the commercial and stud sectors.
“Commercial cattle come in from as far west as the Northern Territory and the northern regions of Queensland, and Roma’s location also gives seedstock producers the opportunity to sell into a large audience.
“The catalogue for this sale is packed with the widest gene pool west of the Great Divide,” she said. “All bulls are selected by their stud masters for their ability to get out and do the job, and they have also met all the criteria required to be nominated in a Droughtmaster Society sponsored sale, so
She said Roma forms the crossroads in all directions providing ease of transport in any direction to and from the sale.
Pre-sale inspections of the draft will be available from mid-afternoon on the day prior to the sale. All bulls included in the catalogue will be scanned, vet checked and vaccinated. Following the inspections a meet and greet evening sponsored by Midwest Rural Traders and Royal on 99 will be held at the saleyards. •
For enquiries please email Sharon Harms at oakmorepark@gmail.com and/or Brett Warne at jembrae@bigpond.com
Ms Harms said 2019 will see online bidding available for the sale for the first time. “Photos and videos of the sale lots will be available through this marketing platform and through the website, romadroughtmasters.com.au and on the sale Facebook page.”
The $30,000 top price bull of the 2018 Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale, Heitiki Kidman.
AnnuAl RomA SAle
10Am FRIDAY 25th OCTOBER 2019 ROMA SALEYARDS
© kentbward.com © ruraldesign.com.au
150 DROUGHTMASTER BULLS Meet & Greet afternoon prior to the Sale sponsored by Midwest Rural Traders
Catalogue & Information romadroughtmasters.com.au AUGUST 2019
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UQ Gatton Farms, Grazing Unit, senior farm attendant Alan Morris with a selection of the bulls that have been selected for the upcoming Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale.
First Draft of Bulls from UQ Set for Roma Sale - By Matt Sherrington For the first time, The University of Queensland (UQ) will be entering the Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale as vendors when the sale takes place on Friday, October 25. UQ Gatton Farms, Grazing Unit, senior farm attendant Alan Morris said the draft destined for the Roma sale will include five bulls which are predominantly sons of High Country Enterprise. “Two of the bulls are out of Aldinga cows, and two are out of Vet School (VS) Carnation and VS Alice respectively, which have been strong cow family lines in this herd,” Mr Morris said. He said Professor John Francis was the Dean of Veterinary Science at UQ from 1955 to 1960, and it was his interest in tick resistance in Brahman-cross cattle which led to the establishment of the UQ Vet School Droughtmaster stud in 1956.
2015 where the staff have been striving to produce the best possible product for commercial beef producers. “The ultimate score card for this, is selling our bulls on the open market. Roma is a great beef producing area and is closer to us than it is to Rockhampton, which made it an easy choice when we were deciding where we’d offer these bulls.”
only select student friendly cows.” Mr Morris said Breedplan has also been a part of the herds genetic assessment in the past and is being continued at the Gatton campus. He said the management of the herd is controlled by the UQ Grazing unit, firstly to make the stock available to UQ teaching and research staff as needed.
Mr Morris said in their operation they were initially using a Fairhaven stud bull which arrived at the Gatton campus with the females.
“We have a strong desire to maintain and improve the standard of stock that we breed here at Gatton.
“We’ve since sourced a bull from the High Country stud and we’ve purchased another bull from the Valera Vale stud.
“Excess steers and heifers are sold into the feedlots or direct to the meatworks with the aim of achieving the best commercial returns for the university.
“We’ve also bolstered our breeding herd with the purchase of nine cows and heifers in calf from the Aldinga stud. “At present we’re running 60 head of registered Droughtmaster cows.”
“Students are actively involved (as part of their course rotation) in all veterinary practices that we’re able to take advantage of.”
The stud was registered in 1957 with the brand UV and was founded on a donation of 10 heifers from breed pioneer Montry Atkinson, Mungalla, Ingham.
He said cattle were selected from these studs specifically because they run their herds under commercial conditions, utilising extensive grazing pressure.
Mr Morris said the short term goal within the UQ Droughtmaster herd is to produce a quiet tractable cow for student learning, while the longer term goal is to have females calving as two-year-olds.
“The herd, which Professor Francis helped establish in 1961, was segmentally transferred from the Pinjarra Hills Vet School farm, to the Gatton campus in
“We’ve also been selecting our cows to ensure longevity in our breeding herd based on sound confirmation, especially the feet and udders, fertility, and temperament, we
“We’re aiming to produce medium frame cows, with sound conformation and strong Bos Indicus characteristics, that have a calf every year.”
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SALE PREVIEW
High Performance Bulls Ready for Artesian Sale - By Matt Sherrington Now in its 11th year, the Artesian Droughtmaster Sale is committed to providing top quality genetics direct to western Queensland. Sale coordinator Dean Allen said 100 high performance bulls have been selected for the 2019 sale being held at the Blackall Saleyards on Monday, October 14, with the sale commencing at 1pm.
combined with the sturdy $5941 overall average achieved at the 2018 sale was very pleasing.
A complimentary lunch and drinks will be provided for all in attendance post-sale.
“I think it shows the strong demand there is for Droughtmasters in central and western Queensland.”
Mr Allen said the sale’s support of the Royal Flying Doctor Service will continue with $18,050 raised for the RFDS to date over the life of the sale.
All lots will be penned for inspection 9am on sale day. Pre-sale inspections can be organised via appointment through the individual vendors or their agents.
• For sale enquiries please call Dean Allen on 0427 962 439 or Landmark sale agents Trent McKinlay on 0429 004 737 or Colby Ede on 0417 265 980
“The vendor group of Medway, Yaralla, Glenlands, Clonlara, Locarno and Western Red studs will again be presenting bulls that are guaranteed breeders which have passed a semen test and a soundness evaluation by a certified veterinarian,” Mr Allen said. He said while there has been some good falls of rain in the west it has been very patchy. “Nevertheless, we are so grateful for the support given to our sale over the past 10 years, sowe’re committed to bringing high quality, functional bulls to accomodate all our buyers needs regardless of the climatic conditions.” Mr Allen said the 100% clearance
Julie and Dean Allen, Western Red Stud with Western Red Longreach (P) who sold for $15,500 to the Farquhar family, Calco Droughtmaster, Rolleston, to top the 2018 sale.
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Laycocks are on a High About Annual Sale Draft - By Matt Sherrington
insurance.
Despite what was described as a “very ordinary season” at Eskdale, Paul and Lisa Laycock said the 82 lot draft selected for the sixth annual High Country Droughtmasters On-Property Sale is “looking great”.
“We’re also providing free delivery to the Central Queensland, Wide Bay Burnett, Brisbane and Moreton areas, and rebates of $50 per head for buyers situated more than 400kms away from Eskdale, and $75 per head for Northern Territory and Western Australia-based buyers. A 4% rebate to outside agents will also apply.”
The Laycock family will offer 62 high quality registered and herd bulls and 20 registered females (18 unjoined and 2 joined heifers) at the sale being held on Saturday, August 24, from 11am. Mr Laycock said they’ve invested significantly in the best quality stud sires from across Australia for many years to ensure buyers at the High Country sale are offered the very best genetics available in Australia, along with Breedplan EBVs, semen morphologies, sire verification and Horn/Poll testing. “Sale animals are the leading progeny generated from close to 1000 breeders,” he said. He said bulls and females purchased at the sale will be offered with a 100% guarantee for 12 months, and six months free
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Mr Laycock said all cattle have been grazed on native and Rhodes grass pastures, with adlib sorghum silage and Rhodes grass hay, and have had access to limited amounts of Riverina pellets. “Bulls have undergone a full Veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness Exam by Dr Bill Roughan from South East Country Vets that includes structural assessment, semen testing (for motility and morphology) and have been mouthed. “All bulls are JBAS-7 eligible for entry into Western Australia, Group Breedplan performance recorded and scanned for EMA, IMF, P8 and rib fat measurements by accredited scanner, David Reid. “All cattle have been vaccinated for 7 in 1,
3 germ, Tick Fever and Botulism and have Pompes Tested negative. Heifers have also been vaccinated against Pestivirus and bulls against Vibrio and 3 day sickness. “All cattle will be pre-treated for ticks allowing clearance after one property inspection before loading.” Mr Laycock said those unable to attend on the day will be able to livestream and bid during the sale through the Elite Livestock Auctions online platform. He said the sale draft will be available for inspection from 2pm on Friday, August 23, with complimentary refreshments available. “All guests are welcome to stay on postsale to discuss their sale results while enjoying barbecue and drinks.” •
For enquiries please call Paul Laycock on 0438 788 201, Neil Donaldson on 0455 993 686 or Shepherdson & Boyd sale agent Jack Fogg on 0488 192 107.
Below: Lot 5 in the High Country Droughtmasters On-Property Sale catalogue, High Country High Road.
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SALE PREVIEW Bob and Lachie Nicholls, Kilkenny Droughtmasters with vendor Colleen Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters and the $16,000 top priced bull of the 2018 Bunya Droughtmaster Bull Sale, Vale View Alcatraz 2 (S).
Bull Buying Options Aplenty for Bunya Sale - By Matt Sherrington A total of 27 vendors from Monto and Gin Gin in the North Burnett all the way to Lamington near the New South Wales border and west to Warwick, Chinchilla and Haden will unite to present exemplary lines of bulls at the sixth annual Bunya Droughtmaster Bull Sale. The vendors for the 2019 sale have selected 95 bulls including 91 registered stud bulls and four registered herd bulls for the sale taking place from 11am on Saturday, September 7, at the Coolabunia Sale Complex in Kingaroy. Bunya sale group chairman Graham Brown said the sale has always offered an excellent selection of bulls to suit any buyer.
“From a new stud sire, to top of the line bulls for commercial breeders, through to those operating on a budget, they’ll all be available in one location on sale day from a huge variety of leading studs,” Mr Brown said. He said climatic conditions leading up to the sale have for the most part been widely varied from district to district. “However, those using Droughtmasters as their core breeding herds will be faring better than most as they can utilise the strength of the breed to overcome any seasonal variations.” Mr Brown said the Bunya sale has received an endorsed status from the Droughtmaster Society giving buyers the confidence that all bulls have passed the minimum quality standards set for the breed by the society. “All bulls will be vaccinated, weighed, mouthed, EMA and fat scanned and carry a minimum semen motility of 60%. “Bulls will be pre-treated for ticks and prescratched allowing immediate delivery to clean country following the sale.” He said all bulls will be available for viewing at the saleyards from 3pm on Friday, September 6, with a Meet and Greet to
be held from 5pm following the pre-sale inspections. “We’ll again be offering free transport on all bulls to five major centres, including: Dalby; Toogoolawah; Eidsvold; Biggenden; and Gympie. “Phone bidding will be available for those unable to attend the sale through sale agents Aussie Land and Livestock, Kingaroy and GDL.” “Metalcorp will again be the major sponsor for the sale, and I’d also like to acknowledge the ongoing support of Riverina Stockfeeds, Northern Agri Services, Norco Stockfeeds and Copper Country Motor Inn.” Bulls included in the catalogue will be showcased on the sale Facebook page ‘Bunya Bull Sale’ and on the sale website at bunyasales.com.au •
For enquiries please contact sale chairman Graham Brown on 0427 779 707 or bunyasales@gmail.com Aussie Land and Livestocks’ Midge Thompson on 0427 710 018 and GDLs’ Mark Duthie on 0448 016 950
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Lot 379
S: Oasis Dollar
S: Fortrus 5157
Lot 375
Lot 383
S: Oasis Dollar
S: Lamont Inmate
Lot 380
Lot 378
S: Lamont Inmate
S: Oasis Magnum
Selling Day Two Lots 375—388 Lots 547—553
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Lot 377
WA eligible tested pesti and pompes free
Lot 549
S: Fortrus 5157
S: Garthowen U-Tube 2
Lot 547
Lot 548
S: Fortrus 5157
S: Garthowen U-Tube 2
Lot 382
Lot 551
S: Oasis Winchester
S: Fortrus 5157
Noel: 0416 678 874 Adam: 0427 500 413
www.oasisdroughtmasters.com
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Lot 550
Offering 21 Bulls DN Sale 2019
SALE PREVIEW
Stellar Sires Dominate CAP Sale Catalogue - By Matt Sherrington The 2019 CAP Droughtmaster Bull Sale will be held at CQLX Gracemere from 10am on Tuesday, September 10 with 82 bulls to be offered including 50 registered sires and 32 specially selected herd bulls. Sale coordinator John Atkinson said this year all bulls selected for the sale are from his Glenavon prefix in Yaamba. “Until very recently, our friends and sale co-vendors, Duncan and Karen Geddes, CMC stud, Telemon, Springsure, have been experiencing extreme drought conditions and will be unable to present their young bulls at this year’s sale. After a break in the season, they’ll be back in force for the 2020 sale,” Mr Atkinson said. He said the Glenavon draft selected for the 2019 sale are extremely even with some outstanding, mainly polled, sires to be offered. “Included in the sale sale team are sons of Redskin Eagle Hawk, which was purchased at the 2013 DN. Sale for $28,000 (coowned by Glenavon and CMC studs), and whose sons have sold for up to $20,000 to Strathfield stud. “We’ve also selected sons of Garthowen Velocity, which we purchased, in partnership with Munda Reds in Western Australia, at the 2015 DN. Sale for
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$30,000. His first season sons topped both the CAP sale and the Fitzroy Crossing sale for Munda Reds last year.” Mr Atkinson said Velocity is a prolific sire who is covering 150 cows at Glenavon for a branding rate of 85% this year, while Munda Reds have collected more than 3000 straws of his semen for use in WA. “His sons have sold to a top of $24,000 to Doonside stud.” He said first season sons of the impressive, $42,500, Christmas Creek 1521 will also be offered at the CAP sale this year. “All of the Christmas Creek 1521 sons are exhibiting exceptional growth and muscling.” Entering its 33rd year, Mr Atkinson said the CAP sale has developed a powerful reputation for presenting commercially focused bulls that are never overfed and can go out into the real world without falling in a heap. “All bulls are prepared on a silage based ration, semen and morphology tested, and are backed by vendor guarantees in regards to soundness and temperament.” Mr Atkinson said testament to the sales’ commercial reputation is the fact that all champions at the 2019 Rockhampton Show prime cattle competition, exhibited by the Cragg and Lawrence families, were sired by
bulls purchased through the CAP sale. “This year will probably present an opportunity for producers to buy bulls at very affordable prices with so much of the country still being weather affected. “The best investment going forward is a good bull.” Online viewing and bidding will be available on sale day through AAMIG Marketing. Bulls will be available for inspection at CQLX Gracemere from Sunday, September 8, with pre-sale nibbles and drinks to be provided from 4pm on Monday, September 9. A barbecue lunch will be provided upon completion of the sale. Vendors will hold bulls free of charge until the DN. Sale if desired, provide free freight to saleyards, or drop bulls off on route throughout Central Queensland. All bulls are tested Pesti and Pompes free and are JBAS-7 eligible to WA. •
For catalogues and sale information please call or visit Landmark Rockhampton, 49 276 188, or call John Atkinson, 0409 343 824, or Duncan Geddes, 0408 268 731
Below: John Atkinson, Glenavon stud, will offer 82 bulls including 50 registered sires and 32 specially selected herd bulls at this year’s CAP Droughtmaster Bull Sale.
Selling 15 Bulls DN Sale, Gracemere 17/18 September Selling 24 Bulls Artesian Droughtmaster Sale Blackall Saleyards 14 October Ken & Kerry McKenzie 07 4982 9128 0427 829 128 0428 829 128 yaralladroughtmasters.com.au
AW3721748
SALE PREVIEW
Target the Bullzeye Sale for Affordable Genetics - By Matt Sherrington The ease of access to top line genetics in Capella each October at the Bullzeye Droughtmaster Bull Sale is a key drawcard for buyers wishing to purchase trusted bloodlines says sale spokesman Will Haviland. “The sale is held in the comfort of the undercover arena after a first-class breakfast feast, after which prospective buyers are encouraged to look at the lineup and catch up with colleagues and friends,” he said. Mr Haviland said the vendors receive plenty of compliments on the good vibes and great bulls at their sale day. “Cattle men and women come to the sale looking to secure their bulls from studs who know the commercial realities of the beef industry.
“The 2019 Bullzeye sale being held on October 18 is no different as the catalogue is packed with more than 100 sires with the red meat and figures that don’t lie.” He said Bullzeye is a sale where you can afford the genetics on offer. “At last year’s sale 37 bulls for between $3000 to $5000, 24 bulls sold for between $5000 to $7000, 14 bulls sold for between $7000 to $9000, and 11 bulls sold for $9000 or more. “We want the sale to be affordable for producers whether they’re chasing one bull or a truck-full.”
“There are plenty of us who’re time poor who know and trust the studs involved and the online viewing gives them a chance to take in all the sale action and to bid with confidence.” Mr Havilland thanked sale Gold Sponsors HHH Partners, Chartered Accountants, Emerald and Rockhampton, Ampol Capella, and the Bottlebrush Motel, Capella. “Their ongoing support for this sale is treasured and most appreciated.” •
The vendors: Hastings and Sandra Donaldson, Medway, Paul and Paula Russell, Locarno, Steve and Claire Farmer, SC Grazing, Peter and Deleece Carrington, Rondel, Cliff Mylrea, Needmor, Libby Ingram, Skye, Andrew and Kerri McKenzie, Hamadra, and Will and Ingrid Haviland, Sugerland, offer free delivery to selected local centres including Charters Towers to assist with getting your purchases home. This years bulls will be online for the first time, producers can look over pre-sale video and photos, make a selection and bid through the Elite Livestock Auctions online bidding system.
For sale enquiries please contact Matt Beard, Landmark Emerald, 0428 765 687, or Josh Heck, SBB Rockhampton, 0409 732 676, and visit bullzeyedroughtmasters.com
The catalogue for the 2019 Bullzeye Droughtmaster Bull Sales being held in Capella on October 18 is packed with more than 100 sires with the red meat and figures that don’t lie.
SALE PREVIEW
Vendor Group Expands for Central Reds Sale - By Matt Sherrington A total of 77 first-rate lots have been selected by eight vendors to form the offering for the Centrals Reds Droughtmaster Bull Sale being held at the Emerald Saleyards on Monday, September 9, from 10am. Repeat vendors Greg and Donna Edwards Wolfang, Wowan; Trent and Jess Edwards, Wolfang TJ, Wowan; Bradley and Kerryn Piggot, Christmas Creek, Rolleston; Cec and Elaine Pelling, Fernleigh, Theodore; Kevin and Leesa Woolcock, Mostyndale, Springsure;
The six vendors at the 2018 Centrals Reds Droughtmaster Bull Sale were all smiles after achieving an average of $4988 per bull in trying climatic conditions.
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and Andrew and Sonya Harvey, Kenlogan, Clermont, will be offering an excellent lineup of bulls at the sale which have been prepared for a long, productive life. The sale offering will be bolstered this year with the inclusion of drafts selected by first time sale vendors Josh and Brodie Perry, Strathfield 9JE stud, Clermont, and Dave, Colleen and Mac Smith from Vale View and Vale View M, Goomeri. Sale committee president Greg Edwards said while the bulls included in this year’s catalogue will fit seamlessly into any stud operation, the vendors are all involved in the commercial beef industry and have had solid success breeding bulls to suit this market as well. “The central location of the sale, the sheer genetic diversity across the entire draft and the opportunity to purchase quality purebred Droughtmaster cattle at a reasonable price, and at a low upstart price, makes the Central Reds Droughtmaster Bull Sale a winning proposition for vendors and buyers alike,” Mr Edwards said. He said all bulls catalogued for the sale are JBAS-7 eligible for entry into WA, and
have been subjected to ACV soundness evaluation, semen tested, scanned for EMA and IMF, and poll gene tested. A $50 per bull rebate is available to buyers who purchase three or more bulls at the sale. Pre-sale inspections of the 2019 sale draft can be conducted at the saleyards from 4pm on Sunday, September 8. Mr Edwards invites all sale attendees to a complimentary full cooked breakfast on the morning of the sale. “During the breakfast guests will have the opportunity to meet with our valued sponsors Wideland Group/Central Isuzu (Gold Partner) and Rees R & Sydney Jones, Bayer, Farm & Garden, Liberty Fuels (Silver Partners). “I’d like to thank our valued sponsors for their solid commitment they’ve displayed to the beef cattle industry by supporting our sale.” •
For further information please contact Greg Edwards on 0427 833 187, message the sales’ Facebook page and visit centralreds.com
SALE PREVIEW
Piggott Sale Bulls are Packed with Potential - By Matt Sherrington The Piggott family will present an even, high quality selection of bulls at their annual Piggott Bull Sale being held at the Springsure Showgrounds on Wednesday, September 11 from midday. Terry Piggott said while the catalogue hadn’t been finalised as this edition of the Droughtmaster Digest went to print, close to 65 bulls are expected to be selected for the sale of which two thirds will be registered sires. “The sale draft is coming along well, they’re showing good weight gains on Riverina grower pellets,” Mr Piggott said. He said 98% of the bulls selected for the catalogue are either polled or scurred and exhibit plenty of length and depth, that their buyers are accustomed to, as well as good temperaments. “These bulls will appeal to both stud and commercial buyers.” Mr Piggott said they’ve had an extremely
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dry lead up to the sale with first rain arriving in second week of March. “Our family has lived here for 55 years and this is the driest summer by a long way in that time. Despite this, our bulls have come along quite well considering the dry start.” “We think they’re a very good line of quiet bulls which haven’t been overfed and have plenty of growth left in them. “In the past bulls sold at our sale have gone onto perform well in all areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.” He said all bulls selected for the sale are JBAS-7 Eligible for WA, Horn/Poll tested, Pesti-free and Pompes tested, and semen and morphology scanned.
“Bulls will be available for inspection any time in the lead-up to the sale by appointment at Aldinga Park, Rolleston, and in Springsure from the afternoon of Tuesday, 10 September, with refreshments and nibbles available. He said information and photos of the bulls included in the sale catalogue can be viewed on at aldingadroughtmasters.com “The sale may also be livestreamed with online bidding available. We’ll be able to confirm this closer to sale day.” •
For enquiries please contact Terry, Catherine and Hayley Piggott on (07) 49 844 568 Elders agents Robert Murray 0419 644 813 and Rod Carpenter 0428 736 593, or Noffkes Rural agent John Noffke 0409 054 097
“There will be a freight rebate of $100 for buyers of six or more bulls regardless of where you live.” Mr Piggott invited all interested parties to a bull walk taking place on Saturday, August 31, on-property at Aldinga Park, Rolleston.
Below: Hayley Piggott with a selection of the bulls the family has selected for their 31st annual Piggott Bull Sale being held at the Springsure Showgrounds on September 11.
28 years breeding and selecting for environment adaptability and conformation
PARAWANGA SELLS 9 BULLS AT DN
Pompes negative and PP polled DNA.
Lot 489 Parawanga Trewick (P) by Billabong Vaughn www.parawanga.com • 0404 725 902 parawanga droughtmasters
AW3744454
3 decades of focussed genetic selection for the Standard of Excellence
SALE PREVIEW
Hefty Droughtmaster Contingent Set for Fitzroy Crossing Sale - By Matt Sherrington
sperm morphology testing several years ago.
The 2019 Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos Indicus Bull Sale being held on August 23 from 10am will feature a sterling draft of 174 bulls including 52 Droughtmaster lots.
“The sale also hosts a scholarship with the support of various vendors, Landmark, MLA and the WA PGA.
The Fitzroy Crossing Rodeo Grounds will play host to what is the largest bull sale held annually in Western Australia. Sale spokesperson Michael Fynn said all except one of the studs, Munda Reds from the Pilbara region, presenting drafts of bulls at the sale are situated in Queensland. “12 decks of bulls will be making the journey from Queensland, a distance of around 4500kms,” Mr Flynn said.
“The scholarship is awarded to two WA ringers aged under 25 who’ll have the opportunity to go to Queensland for a week and be hosted by some of the sale vendors. “Visits include the Neogen Genetics Lab, JBS Swifts Meatworks at Dinmore, Rocky Repro, Muan Feedlot and various vendor studs. “This year the winners will be attending the DN. Sale and in previous years
winners attended Brahman Week in Rockhampton.” The Queensland-based bulls in the sale will clear the tick line on Monday, August 12, and can be inspected in Katherine from Friday, August 16 to Sunday August 18 by appointment. The bulls will then be yarded at the Fitzroy Crossing Rodeo Grounds on Monday, August 19, for inspection up until sale day. •
For enquiries please call sale coordinator John Edwards on 0428 572 629 or sale agent Landmark Broome on (08) 9192 5722
He said the sale has achieved a 100% clearance for many years. “This demonstrates the level of support and appreciation our WA clients show for the studs taking some of their lead bulls all that way.” Droughtmaster studs presenting drafts at the 2019 sale will include Valera Vale, Sevenell, Lynsey Park, Rodlyn, SC Grazing and Munda Reds. Mr Flynn said the sale was the first multivendor Bos indicus sale to adopt mandatory
A selection of the 52 Droughtmaster bulls which will make the 4500km journey for the 2019 Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos Indicus Bull Sale being held on Friday August 23.
Commercial Relevance is Key at Glenlands - By Kent Ward Understanding and adhering to the basics of fertility, efficiency, adaptability and market suitability are the key drivers behind the 2019 Glenlands sale draft of 180 registered and purebred Droughtmaster bulls to be offered at the Annual Glenlands Sale, on Friday, September 27. The 2019 sale team will be one of the most youthful yet presented by the Childs family and early indications are that there has been a further enhancement and improvement in areas such as performance, raw data, phenotype, genetic strength, potential sire material, commercial relevance, consistency and strength. Darren Childs summed up the offering by saying they’re “by far our strongest draft of bulls to date in terms of consistency, market suitability and genetic appeal”. Many of the lead bulls on offer include 68
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individuals from the highly successful 2018/2019 show teams including Beef 2018, feature show, regional, interbreed and royal show winners. The 2019 catalogue assembled by the prefix carry with them a huge list of comprehensive data and information. The list includes PP tested data, EBV’s, carcase ultra sounds, performance recorded data, dam breeding histories, comprehensive fertility tests and reproductive matrixes.
are sourced from a gene pool of over 55 registered sires and a breeding nucleus of in excess of 2200 registered females.
All this adds to even more security in the physical product on offer. “We’re continually subjecting our cattle to some of the most thorough, stringent, rigorous and procedural tests when it comes to fertility and data collection, it only enhances the certainty, calibre and the quality of the bulls on offer,” Mr Childs said. This years sale draft of bulls is drawn from the largest performance recorded Droughtmaster prefix in Australia. These
Tayla and Darren Childs, Glenlands stud with the youngster, Amego (P). He’s just one of the many quality individuals that are being prepared for the forthcoming Annual Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe, on Friday, September 27. In all 180 registered and purebred bulls will be catalogued for the 2019 sale that features many members of the successful 2018/2019 show teams.
SALE PREVIEW
Valera Vale Draft Flush with Poll Genetics - By Matt Sherrington More than 100 high quality, polled or scurred, DNA horn/poll tested bulls have been selected by Valera Vale stud principals Michael and Tracey Flynn for their annual sale taking place on-property at Valera Vale Station, between Augathella and Charleville, on Friday, September 13, from 11am.
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Independent vet Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BBSE) to ACV standards,
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Sperm Morphology testing,
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DNA testing for Pompes Disease clearance,
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DNA sire verification
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DNA Horn Poll testing,
Mr Flynn said the bulls catalogued, with an average age of 22 months, each have at least one copy of the poll gene and the majority have two (Homozygous Poll).
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Tested clear of persistent Pestivirus infection,
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DNA Brahman Content testing,
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Dam calving history
“This is definitely a sale for people looking to enhance their poll genetics,” he said.
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Weight gain on grass
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Weight Gain on Silage
Mr Flynn said their bull breeding herd consists of close to 1750 joined females which dates back to 1969 (although it was on a much smaller scale in the early years).
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Carcass EMA and fat scanning
“As such we’re celebrating 50 years of breeding Droughtmaster cattle this year. “Buyers are attracted to Valera Vale Droughtmasters because the bulls represent the result of four decades of selection for adaptation and fertility in a real world extensive commercial pastoral environment.” He said this process has allowed the Valera Vale genetics to perform right across Northern Australia including the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia., the Alice Springs region of the Northern Territory, all over Queensland and into Northern New South Wales, resulting in an extremely loyal client base.
“In addition the bulls have had a comprehensive vaccination program for Three Day, Tick Fever, Botulism, Lepto and five clostridial diseases.” Mr Flynn said after seven failed wet seasons in a row they’re getting pretty weary of droughts. “The silver lining is that it has been a great opportunity to further refine our genetics and identify the super cows in the herd that can keep on having and rearing a calf no matter what nature throws at them. “This tough environment is the secret to our success in selecting and breeding cattle that perform for our clients.” He said the bulls selected for the sale are currently at the Gibbs’ families’ Muan Brahman stud, Biggenden for their short
silage preparation pre-sale and inspections are always welcome by arrangement. The bulls will then be moved back to Valera Vale on September 9, where inspections can also be organised. “With our free delivery policy people can inspect the bulls at Muan, buy their selection without leaving home and we deliver the bulls to them. Closer to sale time we will also produce videos of the bulls. “Valera Vale offers probably the most generous freight rebates in the breed: Free delivery to the buyers nearest to a major centre anywhere in Qld; a $250 freight rebate to WA and NT, and $150 to NSW. “We’ll also have online bidding available but we haven’t locked down those details at this time.” Mr Flynn said they’ll also offer 11 bulls at the Fitzroy Crossing Invitational Bos indicus Bull Sale in WA on Friday, August 23, but won’t be cataloguing at Roma Droughtmaster Bull Sale or the DN. Sale this year. “In addition we have hundreds of efficient paddock prepared yearling bulls for private sale.” The sale will be conducted by Landmark and Elders. •
For enquiries please contact Michael Flynn on 0427 705 760 or valeravale@bigpond.com visit valeravaledroughtmasters.com.au and the Valera Vale Droughtmasters Facebook page
He said they’re very enthusiastic about the future of genetic testing and genomics. “By the end of this year approximately 2000 of our cattle will have been 35K Microsatellite Genetic Profiling and DNA Sire Verification completed by Neogen. “Our aim is to have genetic profiling done on the entire breeder herd which represents a very big investment demonstrating our belief in the value of this process. “We’re also involved with the Northern Genomics Program led by Professor Ben Hayes which we hope will lead to EBVs for hard to measure early in life, but important reproductive traits. “Valera Vale is also contributing information and genetic material to Dr Imtiaz Randhawa’s University of Qld project to identify the scur gene in genetically polled Bos indicus cattle.” Mr Flynn believes the Valera Vale sale is quite unique in the amount of information supplied on the bulls. This includes: 70
AUGUST 2019
Lucy McGuire and Jessi Flynn from Valera Vale Droughtmasters, with the $14,000 top price bull of the 2018 sale Valera Vale 177223, and the $9000 Valera Vale 177064, buyer of both bulls Stephanie Laycock, High Country Droughtmasters, and Trent McKinlay, Landmark. Paul Laycock of High Country Droughtmasters that the two bulls are performing very well in his stud.
SALE PREVIEW
Power Packed Bulls Dominate Clonlara Sale Draft
Clonlara Droughtmaster stup principals Gus and Jen McCormack and their family have selected 75 lots for the sale including 65 Droughtmaster bulls and 10 composite bulls. Mr McCormack said fertility pressure on the females at Clonlara is key to the efficiency of the herd. “We produce commercially relevant cattle and have built a reputation for producing sought after feeder steers,” he said. All bulls included in the catalogue have been semen and morphology tested, have tested PI negative for Pestivirus, have been vaccinated for Vibriosis, and are JBAS-7 eligible for entry into Western Australia. For information on the bulls selected for the sale, including photos, please view the catalogue online at clonlara.com.au Catering on the day will be provided by the Glenmorgan CWA branch.
Clonlara Droughtmasters co-principal Gus McCormack and David Smith, Vale View Droughtmasters, Goomeri with the 2018 top price bull $40,000 Clonlara 17210.
- By Matt Sherrington An outstanding even line of clean sheathed, power packed bulls backed by fertility tests and performance figures are
set to impress those attending the 31st annual Clonlara Spring Bull Sale being held on-property at Dilga, Glenmorgan from 1pm on Wednesday, September 25.
Mr McCormack said pre-sale inspections of the draft can be arranged by appointment. •
For sale enquiries please call Gus McCormack on 0429 656 814. Elders’ Michael Smith on 0428 541 711, and GDLs’ Russell Jorgensen on 0428 880 411 or Glen Waldron on 0438 662 117
Will offer Lot 25 and 26 at the Droughtmaster national Sale Both are DNA Poll and Parentage tested and Pompes Negative. Also JBAS 7 WA.
Lot 26 2019 DN. Sale 23 months @ sale
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Lot 25 2019 DN. Sale 29 months @ sale
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COMMERCIAL
A Droughtie Success Story South of the Border - By Matt Sherrington It’s been four and a half years since Alex Gibbon and his partner Paige Hodkinson entered the beef industry where they’re continuing to develop their predominantly Droughtmaster herd across four properties in northern NSW. The couple run their cattle across three owned properties, Binowee and Drovers, located in Mallanganee, and Capeen, where their main homestead is situated, in Old Bonalbo, where they also run an adjoining agistment property. Alex said as they’re still in a growing phase they run breeding cattle across three of their properties. “The fourth property is used to retain as many of our quality heifers as possible to be joined and used back in our stud (Stonebridge Droughtmasters) and commercial herds,” he said. He said their country consists of light tree country through to scrub country, which exposes all their cattle to ticks and lantana.
As they’re still in a growing phase, Alex and Paige are running their breeding cattle across three of their properties, including their home block Capeen, in Old Bonalbo.
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Their breeding herd consists of 390 breeding units and 100 replacement heifers, while their current sires have been purchased from the Bryvonlea, Eversleigh, Minlacowie, Redskin R and Wajatryn studs. “We currently around 10 sale bulls but want to get that number to 20 to 30 at our home block by the end of 2020. “We’re also aiming to increase our breeding numbers to 500 by the end of 2020.” Alex said they’re currently running close to a 70% purebred Droughtmaster herd to produce quality vealers and breeding heifers for their local market to which weaners are sold off their mothers at 275 to 330kg on average. “We also run a small Angus female herd and join them with Droughtmaster bulls to show our local Angus and Santa dominated market the benefits of cross breeding with Droughtmasters.”
are joined a month later in October. “We do this to allow our first calf heifers an extra month to put on condition before they’re put in with the cows for the following years joining period.” Alex said they’re passionate about growing their herd to align with key standards. “Fertility, milk production, growth, structure and temperament are of the utmost importance to us. “In order to better our entire herd and commercial production we have been slowly building a line of stud cattle which we will base our breeding from.” He said they’ve put a lot of consideration into the animals purchased including their genetics and traits to ensure they’ll contribute to and enhance the article they produce in their operation.
He said they run a 12-week joining period on-property.
“We love to continually learn and improve our own knowledge and see what other people are doing in the industry.
“We join heifers in September and cows
“Going to independent seminars, courses
run by MLA and various expos and field days held throughout the year both locally in the Northern Rivers region and throughout Queensland is a great way for us to improve our knowledge and stay at the forefront of what is happening in the beef and agricultural Industry.” Alex said when they initially set up their operation they chose to use Droughtmasters due to their pest resistance and forage ability as they owned a rough tree block.
When they aren’t working their cattle the pair love traveling to South Africa to visit Paige’s family, while skiing and getting outdoors are other activities they enjoy.
While Alex was out on the football field, Paige was completing a double degree in Business and Commercial Design.
Alex, a former Australian rugby union winger in the Rugby 7’s, who also previously represented the Queensland Reds in the Super Rugby competition, still plays rugby socially.
“We have strong ideas and views for the Australian cattle industry and are enthusiastic about seeing this great industry continue to prosper - especially the Droughtmaster breed.”
“However it’s the breeds’ fertility, milk, mothering and overall doing ability that have really become prominent to us over the past four years.” He said they annually attend most of the Droughtmaster sales and have purchased at the Bunya, Roma Sale and National Female sales. “At sale time we look at the fertility of dam and sire lines and we check if they’ve had calves consistently. “We also prefer to select and invest in cattle which have EBV’S, however in saying that we use this only as a tool - they must still meet our visual assessment and be structurally sound.”
Paige Hodkinson and Alex Gibbon at Eversleigh and Wallace Vale stud after they purchased a line of 54 future Droughtmaster breeding heifers from Roger and Jenny Underwood. Below: Alex said they’re passionate about growing their herd to align with key standards.
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Offering first sons of Vale View M Diesel (P)
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DN SALE
Sevenell Bounty 1056 (P) Calved 16/6/17 s. Vale View M Diesel d. Sevenell Bianca 976
Fitzroy Crossing Invitational Sale - 23rd August DN Sale - Rockhampton - Day 2 - 18th September Roma Sale - 25th October
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...2019 SALES...
DN Sale - Sevenell Warrego 1076 (P) (Vale View M Diesel)
DN Sale - Sevenell Dakota 1075 (P) (Vale View M Diesel)
DN Sale - Sevenell Paddington 1064 (P) (Vale View M Diesel)
DN Sale - Lynsey Park Laredo 91/17 (P) (Vale View M Diesel)
Roma Sale - Sevenell Bonanza 1072 (P) (Red Acres Earl)
Roma Sale - Sevenell Hodgson 1074 (P) (Konjuli Golden Eye)
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POMPES NEGATIVE - PESTI NEGATIVE - POLL GENE TESTED - JBAS 7 WA
TECHNICAL UPDATE
Understanding DNA Technology There are now a range of DNA based technologies available that can be applied within a beef seedstock enterprise, with many more under development.
There are approximately 3 billion base pairs in bovine DNA. There are four different bases, Adenine (A), Thyamine (T), Gaunine (G) and Cytosine (C). Each rung of DNA is made up of two bases linked together, either G to C or T to A.
Before making the decision to invest in DNA technologies it makes sense to be informed about the theory of DNA and the current applications available.
The sequences of these base pairs make up the ‘message’ of DNA, and differences in sequences provide the basis for variation between individuals (see Figure 1).
THE THEORY OF DNA What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an exceptionally important molecule found in the nucleus of all bovine cells.
What is a Gene?
A gene is a base pair sequence at a particular location on the chromosome which codes for a specific product.
It’s often described as the ‘blueprint’ of an organism because it codes the instructions for how that organism will develop, function and appear.
It’s estimated there are between 22,000 and 28,000 genes in the beef animals. Genes are separated on chromosomes by areas of ‘non-coding DNA’ for which no function has been identified, but still makeup part of the animal’s genotype.
In plants and animals, DNA is bundled into chromosomes. Beef cattle have 30 chromosome pairs, each pair including one chromosome inherited from the sire and one from the dam. Because the progeny inherit chromosomes from both parents, the DNA ‘blueprint’ is passed on from one generation to the next.
Figure 1: There are approximately 3 billion base pairs in bovine DNA.
phosphate molecules.
DNA Structure
The rungs connect to the sugar molecules and are known as nitrogenous bases.
DNA looks like a long twisted ladder, or double helix. The sides of the ladder are made up of alternating sugar and
It is the bases which provide the key functionality of DNA and exhibit variation between individuals.
For each gene there may be two or more variations, known as alleles, which can result in different phenotypes or observable characteristics. For example one of the genes influencing coat colour has three alleles, the “e” allele for red coat colour, the ED allele for black coat colour and a “Wild type” E+ allele. Which alleles the animal has, and how
Beef cattle have 30 chromosome pairs, each pair including one chromosome inherited from the sire and one from the dam.
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TECHNICAL UPDATE (continued) those alleles interact with each other determines the coat colour of the animal. What is a Gene Marker (or DNA Marker)?
A gene or DNA marker is a known, heritable base pair sequence which is associated with a particular gene. The DNA marker sequence does not necessarily have to be part of the gene that codes for the trait but only associated with it, therefore the value of the genetic marker will vary. There are several types of DNA markers, but those most commonly being used in the beef industry are microsatellites, SNPs (pronounced “snips”) and Indels. What is a Microsatellite?
A microsatellite is a repeat of a particular base pair sequence at a specific location in an animal’s DNA, for example CACACACA (see Figure 2).
What is a SNP?
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are markers where there is a difference in a single base pair. For example, in Figure 3, the top animal has a “C and G” base pair at the particular location in the DNA, while the bottom animal has a “T and A” base pair. While early DNA technology only evaluated an animal’s DNA for a relatively small number of SNPs, SNP chips now routinely evaluate animals at many thousands of individual SNPs. For example, DNA chips with 7,000 (i.e. 7K), 50,000 (ie. 50K) or 800,000 (ie. 800K) SNPs on them are now available. What is an Indel?
An Indel is an insertion or deletion of a particular base pair sequence at a specific location in an animal’s DNA. Indels are often associated with recessive genetic conditions. What is a Genomic Prediction Equation?
Figure 2: A microsatellite is a repeat of a particular base pair sequence at a specific location in an animal’s DNA, for example CACACACA.
The number of base pair repeats differs between animals. Microsatellites form the basis for traditional DNA parent verification, which use multiple microsatellites to determine a calves’ parentage through the exclusion of possible candidates which do not have the same microsatellites.
As each production trait is influenced by many genes, inferring genetic merit for a particular trait requires the accumulated effects of many markers. Genomic Prediction Equations take the genotype of an animal as collected using dense SNP chips (e.g. 50,000 SNPs), to estimate the animal’s breeding value based on the known effect of each SNP on the trait of interest. CURRENT APPLICATIONS OF DNA TECHNOLOGY
There are many potential applications of
Figure 3: Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are markers where there is a difference in a single base pair. In this example the top animal has a “C and G” base pair at the particular location in the DNA, while the bottom animal has a “T and A” base pair.
DNA technology within a beef seedstock enterprise. Some of the most common current applications include: i.
Parentage Verification
ii.
Management of genetic conditions
iii. Change in qualitative traits (e.g. coat colour/polledness) iv. Genetic improvement in production traits v.
Assessment of breed composition
For further information regarding the application of DNA technology, please contact the staff at TBTS.
KEY TERMS TRAIT – Attribute or characteristic of animals that can be measured and improved genetically (for example, growth rate, fertility, carcass or meat quality) GENOTYPE – the full genetic makeup of an animal including dominant and recessive alleles that may not be expressed PHENOTYPE – the observable characteristics or traits of an animal that result from the interaction between the animal’s genotype and the environment LOCUS – the specific location of a gene or DNA sequence on a chromosome ALLELE – one form of a gene or a genetic locus HOMOZYGOUS – animal carries identical alleles for a gene
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HETEROZYGOUS – animal carries different alleles for a gene DOMINANT – an allele is dominant over another so that the phenotype of the dominant allele is always expressed over the recessive allele RECESSIVE – an allele is recessive, so that the phenotype is only expressed when two copies of the allele are present (i.e. it is homozygous). CARRIER – animal which is heterozygous and ‘carries’ a recessive allele which is not being expressed phenotypically
TECHNICAL UPDATE
Improving Droughtmaster Female Fertility with Genetics: Now and into the Future Reproductive performance is a key determinant of profitability in a beef cattle enterprise. Consequently, selection for improved reproductive performance should be an important consideration for all beef cattle producers (though of lesser importance to those focussed on producing terminal sires). For Droughtmaster breeders who are using BREEDPLAN, the only fertility EBV currently available is scrotal size. The scrotal size EBV is a measure of reproductive maturity and although measured on bulls, is useful for identifying which heifers will reach puberty at an earlier age and return to oestrous earlier after calving. Although positively correlated with pregnancy rate, it is not a direct measure of this trait. A second fertility EBV, days to calving, is also available in some BREEDPLAN analyses and, when available, it forms a critical component of any self-replacing BreedObject Indexes. With around 4700 records submitted to BREEDPLAN during the three year period 2015 to 2018, there is currently not enough Droughtmaster data currently available for the days to calving trait to be included in Droughtmaster BREEDPLAN.
period (i.e. shorter days to calving). Females with lower, more negative days to calving EBVs also tend to be those that show early puberty as heifers, earlier return to oestrous after calving and higher pregnancy rates. Want Days to calving EBVs for the Droughtmaster breed? There is a stereotypical chicken and egg scenario (which comes first) when it comes to evaluating new traits to include in the BREEDPLAN analysis.
However, it’s of limited value to the beef producer to record these traits when there is no feedback (EBV) available and no guarantee that the data will prove to be valuable to future analyses. The following is a quick summary of the types of data required for the calculation of the days to calving EBV and other potential future female fertility EBVs. Breeders interested in recording this data should refer to the “Recording Days to Calving Information” and “Collecting Better Female Fertility Data” tip sheets for more detail.
Figure 1: Measure of Days to Calving.
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•
All joining details of all females in the herd. This includes dry or culled cows and all matings, not just the successful ones.
•
The days to calving EBV currently reported in other breeds is for naturally mated cows only but there is research underway looking at incorporating data from artificial breeding programs into the trait.
•
For this research to occur, data on all events (e.g. synchronisation) associated with artificial breeding is required.
•
Pregnancy test results are not currently part of the days to calving trait, but breeders are encouraged to submit them for potential future inclusion.
•
All births (dead or alive). If dead calves are not recorded then the dam will be incorrectly assumed to have been dry.
•
Details of all females disposed of from the herd. This is important so the cow is not discriminated against if she didn’t have a calf recorded, because she left the herd for reasons other than reproductive performance (e.g. injury).
•
Note that the fate/disposal codes for Days to Calving are different to the disposal information submitted routinely to your Breed Society. This information may also be used in a future female longevity EBV.
For more information, there are a number of tip sheets available on the BREEDPLAN website that explains the days to calving EBV trait and how to record it.
Most of the variation in this trait occurs in how long it takes the female to get pregnant (e.g. did she get pregnant in the first cycle, second cycle or not at all), with only a small amount of variation in this trait being due to gestation length (see Figure 1).
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The data required is:
In order to evaluate new traits, the scientists at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) require data on these traits to analyse.
The days to calving EBV describes the genetic differences between animals in the time from the start of the joining period (i.e. when the female is introduced to the bull) until subsequent calving, and is expressed in days.
Lower, more negative days to calving EBVs are more desirable, as they indicate females that conceive earlier in the joining
This information should be submitted directly to BREEDPLAN via a BREEDPLAN compatible herd recording software package or via the Microsoft Excel template for “Submitting Joining Information”.
Alternatively, please feel free to contact the TBTS technical officer for Droughtmaster, Paul Williams or paul@ tbts.une.edu.au Selection for improved reproductive performance should be an important consideration for all beef cattle producers.
VALE
John McConnel: A Droughtmaster Stalwart - By the McConnel family We lost a great husband, father, grandfather and cattleman with the passing of John McConnel on July 9. Born Eric John William McConnel on June 22, 1945, John was the second child of John (Keith) and Barbara (nee Hart) McConnel. Sister Eleanor (later McNab) was born two years prior. Early schooling years were spent at Somerset Dam State School before later boarding at Church of England Boys School (later to become Toowoomba Prep) and then to The Southport School. After some time jackerooing around Moree,
John returned home to work alongside his father on Mt Brisbane in Esk.
earning him the title of ‘Bushfire’ to which he was readily known to many friends.
The property in these days was a fattening block with bullocks brought down from Central Queensland. Breeders were introduced in the 1960’s.
Children came in 1974 with the birth of identical twin boys Andrew and Robert. Their world was rocked with the loss of their beloved ‘Drewie’ in 1977. Daughter Susan was born in 1978 followed closely by Donald in 1980 and another set of identical twin boys Ian and Bruce in 1981.
John married Carolyn (Carli) Murray in 1972. The couple made their way to Mt Brisbane and almost immediately took over the running with Keith and Barbara moving to Brisbane. Those early years of marriage saw them thrown straight into the beef crash. It was during the 1974 floods that John was to grow the red beard that made him so identifiable for the rest of his life,
The 1980’s saw a period of expansion with adjoining property Mt Byron acquired in 1981 followed by Top Right some five years later. John and Carli were able to double the size of Mt Brisbane which by that stage was a complete breeder operation turning off finished bullocks direct to works. Droughtmaster bulls were being used with the first sourced from The Vet School and then Truvalle before the Mt Brisbane stud was registered in the mid 1970’s as a way of breeding their own bulls. John loved his prime cattle and was a regular exhibitor at shows throughout South East Queensland before later moving onto carcase competitions, particularly those with feedlot trials. Later when the kids were interested the family entered stud cattle and led steer competitions. John and Carli wrote the newsletter for many years for the Droughtmaster Society and both served on the board of directors. John first served as an elected representative of the Southern Zone. It was for these roles and their promotion of the commercial relevance of the breed that both John and Carli were awarded life membership to the society. John was actively involved in the Esk community, through the Esk Show of which he was president and later awarded life membership. He was a regular worker and on the committee of the Esk Jockey Club and he was active in the rural fire service, a role for which he was recently awarded the QFES medal for meritorious service. John’s most cherished role was as grandfather to thirteen grandchildren who we hope will have great memories of their Grumpy.
Vale: John McConnel, June 22, 1945 - July 9, 2019.
The family all remain actively involved in the property now and the legacy of John and his family before him will continue well into the future. AUGUST 2019
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Michael Flynn ~ 0427 705 760
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~ www.valeravaledroughtmasters.com.au
NEWS
Melinda Downs’ Post-flood Ray of Light - By Matt Sherrington Rays of light and hope shone through the dark cloud of loss and despair many livestock producers in the state’s North West suffered through, following February’s northern flood event. Danny and Tara Locke, along with their children Matthew, Emma and Jessica, felt the impact of the devastation first-hand on 13,000ha commercial Droughtmaster breeding operation Melinda Downs, situated 140km north of Cloncurry, which Danny has managed for owner Peter Hickson for 13 years. Tara said across the six days of the historic weather event, they received 550mm of rain and constant wind with the temperature dropping by as much as 27 degrees from the previous week. “Our cattle suffered and died from exposure and bogging in the mud,” she said. “We lost approximately 70 cows and 100 calves in that time, and we still have rainscald affected cattle on-property now. Our surrounding road infrastructure and fencing were also badly damaged.” While this disaster was unfolding, and at the time, climatically-speaking, a world away, Greenmount-based stud
Droughtmaster operators Greg and Sharon Harms and their sons Liam and Regan, were busy preparing their Oakmore Park sale draft for the February All Breeds Sale at CQLX, Gracemere, while battling through the ongoing dry conditions. “We could only look on in sheer disbelief as the news and pictures filtered through of the huge loss of livestock, infrastructure, the damage to the landscape and what it would take to get these people back on their feet,” Sharon said. “Our thoughts turned to the people we had come to know and befriend throughout our years of selling stud bulls,” she said. “We contacted Danny and Tara to see if they were okay, to offer them our support, and to let them know that no matter what the distance that we were thinking of them.” Sharon said prior to the sale she’d discussed with Regan, the options available if any of their sale team didn’t sell. “The drought conditions on the Southern Downs meant bringing back any unsold lots, and carrying them over until the spring bull sale season wasn’t an option.” “One of the possibilities I talked about with
Regan, was to make further contact with Melinda Downs if any bulls were passed in.” She said it was this course of action that Regan told the family he wanted to follow when two of his bulls didn’t sell. Danny said when Sharon phoned with the offer of donating the two bulls to Melinda Downs, they were “taken aback by someone making such a lovely gesture”. “You could have knocked us over with a feather, but knowing Sharon and her family it’s not surprising they would choose to do something like this. They’re a wonderful family with a great passion for the stud and broader beef industry,” he said. The kindness didn’t end there though, with Sharon and Regan then organising to leave the bulls at CQLX to be fed and looked after whilst waiting for transport. “A huge thank you to Gavin Tickle and his crew at CQLX who waived their yard fees and fed the bulls for close to three weeks while transport was sorted out,” Sharon said. She said great examples of empathy for their industry colleagues were also shown by sale agents Elders, who waived their fees on the two bulls, Sue Walton and the team at the Barcaldine Saleyards who
Danny and Tara Locke, Melinda Downs, Cloncurry with one of the two bulls donated to them by the Harms family, Oakmore Droughtmasters, Greenmount, to help rebuild their herd after they suffered heavy losses during the February floods.
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0431 072 982
A quick glimpse of the past year at Stonebridge
Exciting new additions to the Stonebridge Family for 2019
Billabong Petunia purchased at the DN Female sale 2019, for $7,250. Thank you to the Hicks Family for offering a quality line of females.
stonebridgedroughtmasters
20 Stud Jembrae Droughtmaster heifers. Thank you Brett, Leanne and Emma Warne for a great line of future breeders.
stonebridge_droughtmasters
54 Eversleigh and Wallace Vale heifers. Another great line of future breeders for our growing herd. Thank you Jenny and Rodger Underwood.
info@sbdm.com.au
www.sbdm.com.au
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“ An Aussie Name for an Aussie Breed”
Quiet & Quality
Ken & Julie Thompson Ph (07) 4126 1695 Mob 0428 921 004
Started in 1979 Celebrating 40 years with
Sam and Jane Barton Clermont (07) 4985 6104 or 0428 856 104
“ALCHERINGA” Bloodline HAMLET DOWNS BARCALDINE Marty & Ann Rowlands Ph (07) 4651 1515
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E: annie.w70@hotmail.com
E: faroganvalley@outlook.com www.farogan.net Stud No. 1269
Stud no 381 Home of CP◊ It’s the ◊ that makes the difference!
“For Commercially Focused Adaptable Cattle”.
Middle Rd, Purga 4306
Contact: Douglas & Juanita Birch
Birch Droughtmasters
DROUGHTMASTER STUD
Lorandale Droughtmasters
Number 393
4314
WJ Catlow (Bill & Win) 63 Woods Road Rosevale QLD 4340 Ph: 07 5464 9140 Mobile: 0427 549 140 Enquires always welcome
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The home of Glenlands Thunder
Registered Stud No. 1024 Quality Droughtmasters exhibiting: • Size • Muscling • Temperament • Fertility Dale & Lee Smith Lot 2 Boyle Road Belli Park Qld Phone (07) 5447 9395 Mobile 0409 631 523 Fax (07) 5447 9265 lorandale.ljs@gmail.com
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AMBERWOOD
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andrew_percy@yahoo.com
E: bronwyn@hawkins.com.au www@nindethanadroughtmasters.com.au
Ph (07) 4167 5139 Mob: 0427 352 774 E-mail: birchpastoral@westnet.com.au
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Andrew Percy Ph 0408 335 951
P: (07) 3289 1554 | M: 0408 700 510
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CRIBRUM PASTORAL COMPANY
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Nick and Sarah Hughes Farogan Road Upper Kandanga 4570 QLD
Ph (07) 5488 4352 0400 709 124
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Contact: Kylie Graham “Farnham” Taroom, Qld 4420 Mob: 0409 040 030 E: Kyliegraham70@bigpond.com
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Mobile: 0427 404 343
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Brand with a history... Cattle with a future
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E: j.k.thompson@bigpond.com
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NEWS (continued) waived their fees for feeding and holding the bulls en route to Cloncurry, and Alpha Freightliners who took the bulls from CQLX to Barcaldine where Danny then picked them up from. “We received a call from Danny when he had them on the truck to let us know that they were safely on their way north,” Sharon said. Regan said the pair of 25-month-old bulls, Oakmore Park Lavonte and Oakmore Park
Lucas have impeccable temperaments, possess tropical coats and carry the bloodlines of their lead sire Oakmore Kadir. Since arriving at Melinda Downs, Danny said the bulls have been joined with a selection of heifers in their breeding operation. “The weaners from these bulls will be held back until they reach close to 300kg and then sold into the southern backgrounding market and/or the live export market,” he said.
The 25-month-old bulls’ Oakmore Park Lavonte (pictured) and Oakmore Park Lucas carry the bloodlines of Oakmore Parks’ lead sire Oakmore Kadir.
Sharon said they know that it’s going to take a long time before the producers impacted by the extraordinary event are fully recovered. “However with the support of the many volunteers, the generous donations and the knowledge that they aren’t alone, will give them the strength to battle through the adversity, and bolster their passion for our great industry.”
Oakmore Park Lucas (pictured) and Oakmore Park Lavonte have been joined with a selection of heifers in the pure Droughtmaster breeding operation at Melinda Downs.
BREEDERS BULLETIN BOARD Stud No. 963
2DP >P.
PURNELL FAMILY ROCKHAMPTON
Visitors and inquiries welcome Ph: (07) 4927 1104 Fax: (07) 4927 1166 Michael 0429 815 074
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AWe new Sire, Glenlands Senatora(Hatch) U9C1311942M welcomed new sire, has Glenlands taken up residence atDCalioran, purchased atin the2013 Artesian sale. Roebuck
rdpurnell@optusnet.com.au
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Droughtmaster Digest for December Deadlines:
All bookings to:
Thursday 24th October booking deadline,
Sheree Kershaw sheree.kershaw@queenslandcountrylife.com.au
Wednesday 6th November ad copy to be built
Peter Lowe peter.lowe@queenslandcountrylife.com.au
Friday 8th November for complete/camera ready material.
Jane Lowe jane.lowe@queenslandcountrylife.com.au AUGUST 2019
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For display ads and Breeders Bulletin
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2019 Calendar of Events
2019 2019 Calendar Calend of Events
August August
November
08 MAGS, Charters TowersEKKA 08 08 RNA RNA Stud Cattle Stud Judging, EKKA Cattle Judging, 30 Cream of the Crop, Coolabunia 08 08 Droughtmaster Droughtmaster AGM, EKKA AGM, EKKA 23 23 Fitzroy Fitzroy Crossing Sale,Crossing WA Sale, WA 2020 24 24 High High Country Sale, Country Eskdale Sale, Eskdale
August
September September
November January
08 MAGS, Charters Towers RNA Stud Cattle Judging, EKKA 30 Cream of the Crop, Coolabunia Droughtmaster AGM, EKKA Fitzroy Crossing Sale, WA 2020 High Country Sale, Eskdale
02 02 The CAP The Sale, CAP Rockhampton Sale, Rockhampton Malanda Female Sale, NQ 03 03 Central Central Reds Sale, Emerald Reds Sale, Emerald 07 07Bunya Bunya Bull Sale, Coolabunia Bull Sale, Coolabunia 11 11 Piggott Piggott Sale, Springsure Sale, Springsure February 13 13Valera Valera Vale Sale, Augathella Vale Sale, Augathella All Breeds Sale, Rockhampton 17 17National National Bull Sale, Rockhampton Bull Sale, Rockhampto 18 18National National Bull Sale, Rockhampton Bull Sale, Rockhampto 25 25 Clonlara Clonlara Sale, Glenmorgan Sale,March Glenmorgan 27 27Glenlands Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe Sale, Bouldercombe Futurity Show, Gatton National Female Sale, Gympie Highlands Sale, Clermont
08 08 23 24
September October October
January 11 Diamantina Diamantina Sale, Winton Sale, Winton
April 021414 The CAP Sale, Artesian Artesian Sale, Rockhampton Blackall Sale, Malanda Blackall Female Sale, NQ Feature Show, Monto 18 18 Bullzeye Bullzeye Bull Sale, Capella Bull Sale, Capella 0325 Central Reds Sale,Roma Emerald 25 Roma Roma Bull Sale, Bull Sale, Roma 07 BunyaAll Bull Markets Sale, CoolabuniaMarkets All All Seasons 11  Piggott Sale, Springsure February  13 Valera Vale Sale, Augathella All Breeds Sale, Rockhampton 17 National Bull Sale, Rockhampton 18 National Bull Sale, Rockhampton 25 Clonlara Sale, Glenmorgan March 27 Glenlands Sale, Bouldercombe Request Request a Sale Catalogue a Sale Catalogue
Catalogues requested
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PleasePlease return this form return to: this form to: Postal:Postal: Email: Droughtmaster Droughtmaster Australia Australia office@droughtmaster.com.au 40 Thorn 40 Street, Thorn Ipswich QLD Street, 4305 Ipswich QLD
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NEXT GENERATION
Challenges Breed Success at Maleny State High School - By Matt Sherrington A lack of wheels would prove to be no deterrent for the determined staff and students at Maleny State High School from showing their young team of cattle at the annual Droughtmaster Futurity held in Gatton in March. Maleny State High School Agriculture coordinator, Vanessa Duffy, said her team of 12 students and their six Droughtmasters had to hire their own truck to get to the event, though the trip had been well worth it as the students and cattle performed admirably. “In the 18 months to under 20 months section Maleny High Nalani placed sixth, while the Exhibitors Group consisting of Maleny High Nalani, Maleny High Nadia and Maleny High Optimus also placed sixth,” Ms Duffy said. “In the Junior Handlers class, Emily Ikin placed fourth and Conor Price placed fifth, while Lilly Lucas competed up a class in the Open section, despite only being 14, and placed fifth,” she said. Ms Duffy said Agriculture is offered as a subject to students in years 7, and 9 to 12 at the school with the senior years incorporating vocational certificate studies. “All animal husbandry at the school is completed by students in their classes, including vaccinating, tagging, branding, castrating, selection of sires, feeding and drenching. “Students are also involved in all farm maintenance/planning/development including fencing, pasture improvement, irrigation and construction.”
Nindethana, Glenlands, Glen Fosslyn, Strathfield, Ianbrae and Castletower studs “Lorayne Droughtmasters even donated a heifer to our school in 2016, who has since had her first calf. “We’re aiming to increase our breeder numbers and acquire some additional land for the school, though due to the limited finances schools have access to this has been a slow process.” She said in addition to the Droughtmaster stud, the school also has a boer goat stud and Suffolk sheep stud. “Next year, students will start showing these as well.” In 2019, Maleny State High School became a Gateway to Industry in Agribusiness school, which Ms Duffy said, has allowed them to develop strong partnerships between industry and the school farm.
The next destination for the team was Woodford Show where Maleny High Nadia placed second in her class and then went on to claim Reserve Champion Droughtmaster Female honours, while Maleny High Nalani placed second in her individual class. Ms Duffy said the future goals for the Maleny State High School Droughtmaster Stud are to Future goals for our Droughtmasters increase breeder numbers and to expand their genetic pool. “We’ll also be aiming to offer females at the National Female Sale in Gympie, represent the school with our Droughtmasters at Beef 2021, and to acquire a small cattle truck to enable further showing and sales.”
“Last year, we sold two bulls at the DN. Sale in Rockhampton. We’re aiming to return to the sale with more bulls in 2020.” Since attending the Gatton Futurity this year, the Show Team competed at the Maleny Show Maleny Show where the school experienced great success. “Maleny High Nadia (Glenlands Federation), Maleny High Nalani (Sylvan Springs Escapade) and Maleny High Optimus (Vale View Ripper) placed second in their respective classes. “Students Joe Shirley and Lilly Lucas placed first and second respectively in the Open Junior Parade competition after two heats, while Emily Ikin won the Open Junior Judging competition and qualified for the regionals.
Despite only being 14, Lilly Lucas competed up a class in the Open section at the Gatton Futurity, and managed to place fifth, much to the joy of the entire Maleny State High School Show Team. Photo courtesy of Jenny Underwood.
She said Show Team is an extracurricular activity with students spending three lunch times per week and one afternoon after school each week training animals and preparing for the shows. “The Show Team students decide what sires will be joined with our females, then they can see the offspring that drop from their pairings. “We currently only have five stud cows, three younger replacement heifers and three 2018 bull calves on the ground.” “All the breeding is done with artificial insemination.” Ms Duffy said in the last couple of years, the school has been fortunate to have had semen donated from Bryvonlea,
Maleny State High School Show Team members Emily Ikin, Caitlin Franklin and Lilly Lucas enjoying the atmosphere of the Gatton Droughtmaster Futurity. Photo courtesy of Jenny Underwood.
AUGUST 2019
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VALE
Fond Farewell for an Agricultural Visionary - By Vernon Graham Australian agriculture has lost one of its giants with the death of Arthur Rickards after a long battle with illness. Dr Rickards died in Armidale last Friday, April 19. He was 77. Philip Arthur Rickards OAM grew up in rural Queensland where he was a state champion junior middle distance runner in 1957 and one of the few people who carried the Olympic torch for the 1956 and 2000 Olympics. He loved sport and was also a champion rifle shooter but made his biggest mark in agriculture after completing an agricultural science degree at the University of Queensland and post-graduate studies at New England University (UNE). Dr Rickards established the Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) on July 1, 1970, with two staff and plenty of dreams about how to facilitate the adoption of new UNE technology across rural industries. During the next four decades under Dr Rickards’ guidance, ABRI developed and/or implemented many innovative technologies that have made significant contributions to agriculture, particularly the livestock sector. His list of achievements included the launch of the National Beef Recording Scheme in the 1970s. The big wins kept coming in the 1980s with the launch of the New England computerised marketing sale-by-description of livestock (which has led to AuctionsPlus), import of cattle via Cocos Island (which rejuvenated our genetic resources) and Breedplan which has become an international success. The 1990s saw the launch of Dairy Express, an advanced dairy herd recording system, the Omega 3 enrichment of eggs and the international marketing of the breed registry and Breedplan systems. In the 2000s the Internet Solutions information system was released (now receiving millions of page hits per month) along with a certification service to provide quality control for genetic exports and several new herd breeding and 90
AUGUST 2019
Vale: Philip Arthur Rickards OAM, March 20, 1942 - April 19, 2019.
management systems. Dr Rickards retired in 2011 but continued in a part-time business manager role at ABRI and even after he collapsed in 2012 and his subsequent struggle with liver disease.
“Arthur had a huge network of contacts from fellow undergraduates, university academics, business people and former employees which he used widely.”
By 2010 ABRI had expanded Breedplan to 20 countries including the US, Canada, the UK, South Africa and New Zealand.
In 2016 he took on the role of president of ARCBA, a peak body for breed associations which he founded with his great friend, Dick Vincent, WA.
Dr Rickards was an opportunist and a networker always ready to pounce on government funding for innovative projects or a government department looking for a third party to provide genetic evaluation services.
Dr Rickards was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 1996 and an honorary doctorate by the University of New England in 2003, both awards were in recognition of his achievements and contribution to Australian agriculture.
Alex McDonald, executive director of the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA), said Dr Rickards had been a tough but fair negotiator who never raised his voice.
A memorial Service will be held for Dr Rickards at 11am on Monday, April 29, at the Uniting Church in Armidale where he and wife, Deidre, were married in December 1970.
“He had great attention to detail, leaving nothing to chance,” he said.
Deidre survives him along with their two children, Alice and Gareth.
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