Field Days

from Droughtmaster Magazine: August 2022

Savannah Droughtmaster Charity Heifer

LISGAR PASTORAL COMPANY

WINS MOST SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITOR FOR 2022, NORTHERN BEEF PRODUCERS EXPO COMMERCIAL CATTLE COMPETITION

THE SIXTH ANNUAL Northern Beef Producers Expo at Charters Towers was held 3-4 June. In its fourth year the Expo’s annual commercial cattle competition attracted a record number of entries; a total of 13 vendors penning 420 head from across northern Queensland. 153 head competed in the prime class with the remaining 267 competing in alternative feeder and store classes. 250 head were also offloaded in the earlier prime and store sale. Ribbons and trophies were presented for prime, feeder and store cattle following the earlier competition judging and subsequent sale held at the Dalrymple saleyards on June 3. Robert and Donna Rea of Lisgar Pastoral Company in the Home Hill region took out the Most Successful Exhibitor title for 2022. A breeding and fattening operation, the Rea family run 2500 head of Droughtmaster cattle across their 10,800ha property. NBPE Committee members Kurt and Mellissa Angus, Hillside Droughtmasters, said it was pleasing to see quality Droughtmaster cattle amongst the winners and placegetters of this year’s commercial cattle competition. “This demonstrates the versatility and competitiveness of the breed when lined up against quality cattle from right across the North”. Kurt Angus also said the strong Droughtmaster breed presence continued into the stud cattle sites with Almafi, Warrina and Hillside Droughtmasters all taking part in the display.

Overall results for Droughtmasters:

Class 1: Pen of 5 Export Bullocks 3rd: Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill Class 3: Pen of 5 Cows 1st: Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill 2nd: Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill 3rd: Neil and Narelle Angus, Dawsonvale, Belyando Crossing Class 4: Best Single Cow 3rd: Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill Class 5: Pen of Trade Bullocks 3rd: Neil and Narelle Angus, Dawsonvale, Belyando Crossing Class 6: Pen of Trade Heifers 1st: Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill 2nd: Neil and Narelle Angus, Dawsonvale, Belyando Crossing Class 7: Pen of Feeder Steers 2nd: Neil and Narelle Angus, Dawsonvale, Belyando Crossing Class 8: Pen of Feedlot Steers 2nd: Neil and Narelle Angus, Dawsonvale, Belyando Crossing Class 12: Pen of 5 Replacement Heifers 1st: Neil and Narelle Angus, Dawsonvale, Belyando Crossing 3rd: Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill Class 13: Most Successful Exhibitor Robert and Donna Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill

2022 FARMFEST

REPORT

Setting up for Farmfest 2022: Ken, Robyn, Sharon Harms, Inga Hayes, Stan Sorley, Cameron Sorley, Ray Aitken

By Sharon Harms, Oakmore Park Droughtmasters

FARMFEST 2022 didn’t disappoint with the forecast of a Polar Surge heading up from the south guaranteeing arctic conditions. However, the warmth in the Droughtmaster Shed certainly took the edge off the three days spent promoting, marketing, and socialising with the many visitors who headed in to catch up with a hot cuppa, cake and the beautiful Droughtmaster 60th Anniversary biscuits made by Carissa organized by Inga Hayes. Studs represented were Lynsey Park and Sevenell (Inga, Lynsey and Lyn Philp) who had two cows with calves at foot, Semloh (Alex Holmes) with three heifers and a bull, Oakmore Park (Sharon Harms and Drew Weller) with three heifers and three bulls, both Alex and Drew stayed on the grounds to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the cattle. Our first day saw a significant number of members visit, some who had never attended before and were surprised at what a magnificent set up that we have at our disposal. It was appreciated to be Thanked for flying the Droughtmaster flag. Day two saw a hotly contested “Battle of the Bulls” and Droughtmasters coming in with a second ribbon with 12-month-old Oakmore Velocity. The “Fantastic Females” were held on the final day with Oakmore Ursa, second place and Semloh Jessie placing third (picture). Once again, we had a good attendance to clean up the shed at our busy bee held on the Friday before and to help man the site THANK YOU to Inga, Lynsey, Lyn, Ray White (Marylands), Stan and Cameron Sorley and the two Jackaroo’s from WA, Leigh, from the office who all contributed to having the shed ready for the week.

FUTURITY PERPETUAL AWARDS

THE DROUGHTMASTER FUTURITY was initiated in 1986. The Event was the brainchild of Droughtmaster visionaries, Val and the late Neil Evans (Balcara Stud), Margaret and the late Peter Wilson (Truvalle Stud), and Ray and Desley Phillips (Sunny View Stud) to provide an opportunity for Droughtmaster breeders to showcase their young bulls and females, and to develop the skills of young members in the art of handling and preparing show cattle. The Futurity is held annually at the Gatton Showgrounds and has been a valuable foundation for countless Droughtmaster members who have gone on to further their skills in the showring as exhibitors and judges. In honour of their dedicated and enduring commitment to the education of our youth and the advancement of the Droughtmaster breed, the Society has introduced three perpetual awards in their names. The awards were presented this year at the Droughtmaster Feature Event and thereafter, will be presented at the annual Droughtmaster Futurity.

VAL AND NEIL EVANS YOUTH EXCELLENCE AWARD Presented to a competitor who competes in both the Junior Judges’ competition and the Junior Parader competition and displays excellence in their performance across both events. Emily Anderson, Toogoolawah State High School. TRUVALLE JUNIOR HERDSMAN AWARD Presented to the junior exhibitor who displays a strong work ethic and dedication to the welfare of their animals, and who has worked tirelessly and to the best of their ability to prepare their cattle for exhibition. Awardee: Drew Weller, Downlands College. RAY AND DESLEY PHILLIPS YOUTH ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD Presented to a competitor who competes in both the Junior Judges’ competition and the Junior Parader competition and displays enthusiasm, passion and skill that is worthy of recognition. 2022 Awardee: Riley Orphant, Seymour R Droughtmasters.