Drougtmaster December by Droughtmaster Australia

DROUGHTMASTER DECEMBER 2017

VALE JOHN BOYDELL SUCCESS AT EKKA STUD SALE ROUNDUP

CONTENTS

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P.12

P.19

President’s Paragraph

Vale John Boydell

CEO’s 20 years of service celebrated

New society patron

Alison Atkinson Life Membership

Droughties head to Vietnam

Toogoolawah SHS farewell Hawkeye

Cotter achieving MSA excellence

Royal Brisbane Show success

Cracking result for DN. Sale

Spring Sales Roundup

Mount Hope’s marvellous achievement

Droughties shine on FNQ Show Circuit

Reaching New Frontiers at Mt Brisbane

Hayley is a born giver

Show success for Mackay Christian College

STOP PRESS PRESTIGE DROUGHTMASTER GENETICS AUCTION AT BEEF 2018 The Society will be conducting an auction of prestige Droughtmaster genetics during Beef 2018. This exclusive sale will include registered females, semen, embryos and PTIC recipients. Internet bidding and live streaming will be combined with the traditional auction system to ensure buyers have extensive access to the elite genetics catalogued at this auction.

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Details will be available in early 2018.

FEBRUARY 2018 DIGEST DEADLINES ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND COPY: JANUARY 5, 2018. DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

December 2017

MESSAGES

President’s Paragraph The pickup in the season in a wider spread pattern then we have seen in years has no doubt had a positive effect on the prices of cattle and the success of all Droughtmaster bull sales. The quality of the offerings was outstanding allowing for buyers to choose from a large selection of bulls to suit their budget and specifications. I talked to buyers who had a budget expectation of $5000 to $5500 and they were incredibly happy both with the numbers of bulls they could purchase for this price as well as the quality. I thank all the breeders and the buyers for supporting the Droughtmaster breed with great strength once again. I truly am honoured to be a part of a breed that is growing so strongly geographically as well as developing to suit such a diverse group of markets. The Droughtmaster female has again proven through these tough times to be a resilient but strong animal continuing to provide the best performance possible. The Droughtmaster female is without doubt in my mind the most economic and most productive “oven” in the cattle industry. Whether you are using Droughtmasters bulls or other breeds, the Droughtmaster female is going to give you the best opportunity for success with your breeding program. In my role, I want to continue to develop the breed’s greatest strength, which is its “diversity”. It doesn’t matter if you are a producer chasing a hardy animal with a true tropical outlook and the ability to walk and cover the country and get you calves or wanting to produce weaner cattle with weight, this is all possible through bull selection without losing the great overall traits of the Droughtmaster we have all come to love. The Droughtmaster is an absolute standout among all breeds when it comes to this. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Flynn for his time as president and for the job he has done in maintaining the growth and the stability of the breed. Our society’s CEO, Neil Donaldson has just clocked up 20 years of service to the breed. It has been beneficial for the breed to have had a strong supporter through the tough early development times through to the current growth stages and I am sure you will all join me in thanking Neil for his service to the breed and the industry.

PAUL LAYCOCK President 4

December 2017

Looking Ahead From the cattle perspective, 2017 has ended on a high note with a general break in the season for many producers and continued strong commodity prices generating optimism which in turn gives breeders the confidence to invest in better genetics, which encourages stud-masters to invest in better genetics as well. With strong demand for Droughtmaster genetics clearly evident throughout the year, 2018 looks to be shaping up to bigger and better things. 2017 has however, been a year of mixed emotions with the passing of a number of members and in late October we bid farewell to Life Member and former Executive Secretary of the Society, John Boydell. Obviously the thoughts and prayers of all Members are with John’s family, particularly his children Bill, Louise, Helen and Kate who had to “share” their Father with the Society during their childhood years. . As John’s successor, I appreciate his sterling efforts in the early years which laid the ground work for the future progress of the breed. It was somewhat sobering for me that John passed away just 10 days before I celebrated my 20 year milestone with the Society. While I still have a couple of years before I catch up with John’s record term of employment, I’m sure the era in which he served was far more challenging than mine. It gives me great pride to have helped increase the breed’s popularity and helped the Society achieve financial stability over the past 20 years. It has never been just a job to me – I have always felt a personal pride in the successes of the breed and the Members and disappointment when we weren’t successful (thankfully there haven’t been too many of them). Assisting the breed and the Members reach their full potential has been, and continues to be, my goal. I thank all the people who supported and assisted me over the last 20 years. Thank you to the Staff for all their hard work behind the scenes in 2017. Thank you to the Members who have supported our promotional events and volunteer to help with things like Facebook etc. Last but not least thank you to my family for their continued support.

NEIL ALDSON DONALDSON CEO

DROUGHTMASTER STUD BREEDERS’ SOCIETY ACN 010 129 683 40 Thorn Street, Ipswich, QLD 4305 Phone: (07) 3281 0056 Fax: (07) 3281 7957 Email: office@droughtmaster.com.au

PATRON John Gardner

BOARD PRESIDENT Paul Laycock 0438 788 201 VICE-PRESIDENT Douglas Birch 07 4167 5139 DIRECTORS Far Northern Zone Jeff Williams 0418 755 279 Northern Zone Vacant Central Zone Douglas Birch 07 4167 5139 South East Zone Brian Heck (07) 5484 9183 Southern Zone Sharon Harms 0413 583 084 Far Southern Zone Timothy Lloyd (02) 6724 8362 Western Zone Ken Mutton (08) 9888 1067 National Dean Allen 0427 962 439 Douglas Miles (07) 4934 7645 Kevin Woolcock (07) 49841085 SPECIAL SKILLS DIRECTOR Paul Laycock 0438 788 201 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Neil Donaldson 0428 796 330 OFFICE MANAGER Samantha Horridge REGISTRAR Carmel Bell ACCOUNTS Toni Franklin ADMINISTRATION Leigh Eleison 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 John Boydell with Sunny View Julian, Grand Champion Bull at Taroom Feature Show and Grand Champion Bull at the EKKA in 1984. Bred by Ray and Desley Phillips, Sunny View Stud, Kingaroy, Julian was sold for $14,500 (top price of the sale) to Richard and Joan Apel, Mimosa Stud, Gayndah at the 1984 Rockhampton Annual Bull Sale (now National Bull Sale).

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER 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 Fairfax Agricultural Media Queensland. This publication is protected by copyright and articles or photographs may not be used without authorisation.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Droughtmasters Sevenell Jasper 981 (P)

Thankyou! Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bull Sale equal top price $13,000 11 bulls averaged $5,272 DN Sale Rockhampton 10 bulls averaged $6,650 100% clearance for 2017

Sold to Fossill Downs WA

Best wishes for a safe & happy Christmas See you in 2018!

Lynsey Park Droughtmasters

Lindsay & Lyn Philp & Inga Hayes (07) 4663 1285 - 0428 182 078

Lynsey Park 11/16 (P)

AW3385529

Selling 2 polled bulls > February All Breeds Sale 2018

VALE

John Boydell: A Final Farewell for a Breed Stalwart

large congregation of family, friends and former colleagues were present at St Paul’s Anglican Church in Cleveland on October 30 to pay their respects to former Droughtmaster Australia Society Executive Secretary, Queensland Country Life journalist, author and loving husband and father John Boydell who passed away on October 23 this year. Surviving a stray bullet through the kidney when a 20 year old jackeroo on Clonagh Station, near Cloncurry, John went on to live a long and fulfilling life.

He was raised on Caergwrie, an Allynbrook district property which had been in the Boydell family since 1836. After primary education at Allynbrook, John Boydell attended Kings School at Parramatta for five years and returned to the family dairy farm, working with his brother Dick for a time before taking a job on the Penzer family’s Morton Plains station at Enngonia, near Bourke, which ran about 40,000 sheep.

The early years

After 14 months at Enngonia, John joined the Scottish Australian Co. and was assigned to Clonagh at Cloncurry under manager Bill Armstrong.

Born at Maitland, NSW, in 1930, John was the youngest of seven children of Bill Boydell and the only child of Bill’s second wife Norah.

After recovering from the shooting there, John returned to work at several Scottish Australian properties and later left the

company to farm a property at Bonshaw in partnership with his brother Ted. Falling wool prices after the end of the Korean War saw the end of his farming venture. John served his first spell as Queensland Country Life journalist, leaving after 12 months when his parents retired to the Central NSW coast at Terrigal. He entered a real estate and livestock agency business there, selling mainly holiday houses over five years. John married Ann Gall in 1961 and over the next 11 years they had four children, William, Louise, Helen and Kate. When John’s father died he inherited part of the family farm, moved back for a time then sold his portion to his brother Dick. John then returned to QCL in September 1964 as North Queensland representative based in Townsville. Despite the hardship of driving cars without air conditioning through searing summer heat and over some shocking roads, John still cherished the experiences of those days. “We worked long and hard, but there seemed to be more time for fun in those days,” he declared. But the tropical sun took its toll on John’s health too, aggravating a tumour on his right eye underlid which eventually had to be removed and rebuilt.

The Society years John joined the fledgling Droughtmaster Society as Secretary in June 1974. Former society president Richard Apel recalled John’s first taste of breed politics came when he was informed by a disgruntled member before officially taking up his position that the appointment was unconstitutional! Upon announcing his decision to leave QCL, his former employer, genuinely concerned, asked if he had taken leave of his senses; indicating he had joined a “Cinderella” breed society with very little future. History has proven that even experts do make mistakes,” Richard said. “John was steadfast in his resolve to help build a great ‘Breed Society’ irrespective of major setbacks, not the least of these the great beef cattle recession of the 1970’s.

Just prior to John’s retirement from the Droughtmaster Society in 1996, a bull sculpture was created by society life member and former president Richard Apel which became the centrepiece of the John S. Boydell Perpetual Trophy. John and Richard are pictured with former society president Bruce Campbell with the trophy.

December 2017

“He often downplayed his position by forgoing kudos in favour of the members, the board and the president. “For some members, these actions were mistakenly interpreted as disinterest,

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

VALE bringing about unwarranted criticism which was, at times, taken to heart causing disharmony in some circles.” In the early eighties John far-sightedly suggested to the board that they consider changing his title from secretary to manager, as a means of enhancing the society’s image. This was rejected on the basis, that the action might be the forerunner to a request for a salary increase. “Although hurt, he took this narrowmindedness in his stride and went on to instigate, among many other things, the registration of the Droughtmaster name with the Registrar of Patents and the society’s Incorporation”. Richard said John’s journalistic ability, his early days on his family property and years of hands-on cattle experience made him a formidable secretary. “His connections in the world of journalism were many. He wrote all society editorials (as well as for members), saw to advertising, negotiated the best rates, wrote and did most of the photography for the society’s Droughtmaster Digest. “Often, weekends (if he wasn’t attending one of his beloved rugby matches) found him at the office, working hours far in excess of expectations.” In his time with the society John served under seven presidents and three patrons, Monty Atkinson, Bob Rea and John Stewart-Moore.

chair; then up early for a brisk walk to ‘clear out the cobwebs’.

“If things had kept going we would have had to start building a tunnel in there.

“There was a ceremony to the morning, the making of tea with bread and butter; folded, pressed, and cut into long slivers, offered to whoever else was up at the time. Breakfast was always some form of egg, most often accompanied with bacon. If there was any variation to this it would be porridge, with milk and the other necessity…brown sugar.

“Unfortunately it didn’t, and the man who had never had a filling in his life went to hospital with a toothache, and finally succumbed to the cancer on October 23. Though the decline was gradual the end was unexpectedly fast.”

“This was a particular issue during his recent hospital stays with the supplies having to be rushed in just as quickly as himself.” Bill said it was a routine check that identified the presence of prostate cancer, reasonably early, about five years ago, which was subsequently managed and did not impact his lifestyle until the beginning of this year. “We were walking back from the Grand View Hotel and he commented about his lack of energy with ‘I can’t believe how quick I’m losing my fitness’,” Bill said. While he still maintained a busy daily schedule, approximately two months ago, around Father’s Day, John said he was ‘feeling crook’ and went into hospital. “From that time on he remained close to his bed, sleeping, eating his meals beside it, accepting friends for chats there, and continuing to work on yet another project, this one a final family history. “So it was that one card table appeared beside the bed covered in books, and then another card table.

After his retirement from the Droughtmaster Society in 1995, John continued taking on many projects on a contract basis. He also wrote a book about the history of the breed in 2001 and updated this in 2012. Another book concentrating on the people, generally quite large personalities, involved in the breed called Tsunami in the Bulldust, was published when John was 85 (Editor’s Note: both these books are still able to be purchased from the Society). Bill described his father as a “brave, resourceful, adventurous man who could fix anything, who worked extremely hard, was a talented artist, who also dedicated his life to the community”. “But of all the memories I will cherish and what will stay with me for the rest of my life, it is his handshake, the potential strength could be felt always there, but the other hand was always taken with kindness.” Editor’s Note: The Society and the breed owe John a great debt for his loyalty, his dedication, his commitment and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. In recognition of John’s contribution, the Board of Directors have decided to establish in

He travelled overseas to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and China on breed business and knew almost every road and front gate leading to Droughtmaster properties in tropical Australia. Richard said John’s greatest contribution to the society was his dedication and work behind the scenes. “He took far-sighted action and responsibility, action that averted many a crisis, action that no one knew about, action that needed to be taken on the spur of the moment. “Like all great generals he accepted responsibility for denting the rules irrespective of the consequences, to ensure the advancement of the breed - Droughtmaster.”

The twilight years In his eulogy for his father, Bill Boydell, said John was a “moderate man”. “We remember him having a single evening “sundowner” and being early to bed which was often preceded by a short sleep in his

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

John celebrating the launch of his book Tsunami in the Bulldust at BEEF 2015 with former Droughtmaster Society patron the late Audrey Perry (who sadly passed away on March 30, 2017)

December 2017

NEWS

Neil’s 20 years of Service Celebrated By Jenny Underwood and Matt Sherrington

roughtmaster Australia Society CEO, Neil Donaldson, was given a lovely surprise on November 3, when a special presentation was held in the office to mark his 20 years of service in the role of society operations manager and CEO. Society president, Paul Laycock, and Southern Zone director, Sharon Harms, presented Neil with a 20 years service certificate with Neil’s family and the Droughtmaster staff also in attendance. On November 3, 1997, Neil joined the Droughtmaster Society as national operations manager with the role eventually evolving into the current title of CEO. In his early career, as an agent for livestock agencies including Mactaggarts (which later merged with Queensland Primary Producers) and Primac, Neil was active in the livestock industry and travelled extensively as a livestock salesman throughout southern and western Queensland to branches at Wandoan, Oakey, Quilpie and Murgon. After six years spent in Papua New Guinea with Primac’s subsidiary company New Guinea Pastoral Supplies, Neil began his employment with Primac at Theodore, which led to a position as branch manager in Eidsvold and later in Biloela. Neil has had extensive experience in a variety of aspects of the livestock industry including the early days of CALM (now known as AuctionsPlus), he was the assistant livestock manager (Feedlots) with AMH, and a had a contract with MLA and Queensland DPI as a consultant on a number of projects. This past work experience demonstrated that Neil was highly credentialed and suitable to take on the role of national operations manager of the Droughtmaster Society in 1997. During the last 20 years, Neil has helped guide the society to financial stability with net assets increasing a hundredfold. Membership has increased by 70 per cent and female inventory by 82pc over the last two decades. When asked about his time with the society, Neil said that he’s “proud of his contribution to the success of the Droughtmaster breed over the last 20 years”. “I derive a great deal of satisfaction from the successes achieved by members and enjoy the fantastic camaraderie which is clearly evident among the members,” Neil said. “As with any organisation there have been numerous challenges to overcome, however

December 2017

D Droughtmaster h A Australia li S Society i CEO CEO, N Neil il D Donaldson ld received i d a warm congratulations from society president Paul Laycock, during a celebration for Neil’s 20 years of service in the role of society operations manager and CEO. Photo by Sharon Harms

the last 20 years have been both exciting and enjoyable,” he said. “Having spent almost half of my working life with the society, I can honestly say the Droughtmasters have been my “other” family.”

Ed said Neil’s achievement in gaining acceptance of the Droughtmaster breed as MSA eligible was the result of “hard work, his knowledge and contacts in the industry and his refusal to lie down”.

Society president Paul Laycock congratulated Neil on the milestone achievement in his career as CEO of the Droughtmaster Society.

“Neil’s organisational skills have always given us confidence that any associated event will run smoothly.

“Your dedication to the breed is gratefully appreciated by the staff and members past and present,” Paul said.

“His integrity and ability to treat people equally and with respect along with his standing in the industry have helped the society enormously. Well done Neil.”

Ed and Carol McCormack have been members of the society since 1969, and have an ongoing association with the society through Clonlara Droughtmasters. Ed said he got to know Neil from when he was with Primac, and then through industry workshops he conducted involving assessment of live cattle in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Current society patron and president from 1998 to 2007, John Gardner first met Neil in the boardroom during Neil’s final interview for his role with the society. “When Neil started we gave him the title of operations manager as we were not sure what he would actually be doing,” John said.

“His background and experience in PNG, as a livestock agent, and in the processing industry combined with his integrity and operating efficiency made him an ideal candidate when the Droughtmaster job came along,” he said.

“I would say the biggest challenge was the members perception of his role, several thought he should sell their bulls. I wanted him to sell the breed and let the agents sell the bulls.

“I think we all appreciate the role of operations manager for a breed society is not easy, and Neil has managed to steer the society to great heights through what have not always been calm waters over the years.”

John said Neil has an innate ability to communicate with a very wide selection of players in the beef industry from individual breeders to peak industry bodies and as such has a wealth of knowledge to support his role.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Thank You Everyone for your valued support in 2017 BUNYA BULL SALE

TOP $11,000 Rifle to By Mingo DM 2 Bulls Average $9,000

DN BULL SALE (100% Clearance)

Royal Sky

TOP $17,000 Royal Sky to Wolfang DM 13 Bulls Average $8,115 $11,000 Reuben to Christmas Creek DM $10,000 Quirt to Westonvale $9,000 Richmond to Euluma DM The Finger Family bought 3 to Average $8500 Congratulations to those who sold bulls with Bryvonlea Genetics - 11 Bulls Avg $22,000

Februa ary All Breeds 3 Bulls For Sa ale 14th Feb 2018 For Sale FAB 2018 ROLEX

For Sale DN. 2018 RAMBO

Dr rou ughttmaster Nation nal Feemale Salee 0th h Ma arch 20118 10

Happy Christmas and a J-BBAS77 ed New Year very blesse blessed to all From the Heck Family

We Welcome Three New Sires

Brian & Yvonne 07 5484 9183, Josh Heck 040 9732 676 www.bryvonleadroughtmasters.com Email: bryvonlea@activ8.net.au

Needmor Digby Billabong Fergus Yaralla Stanford

NEWS

Droughtmaster Society Appoints New Patron

t was with great sadness earlier this year The Droughtmaster Society announced the passing of Mrs. Audrey Perry who had been Society Patron for 12 years. Audrey, with husband Noel, were pioneer breeders who jointly established the Strathfield Stud, one of the 19 Foundation Droughtmaster Studs when the Society became an independent entity in 1962. After due consideration, the Board of Directors resolved to invite one of the Society’s past Presidents, John Gardner, to be the Patron of the Droughtmaster Society. John said it was an honour and a privilege to be invited to be the new Patron. “It’s very humbling to follow in the footsteps of breed luminaries such as Monty Atkinson,

Bob Rea, John Stewart-Moore and Audrey Perry,” he said. John established the first Droughtmaster Stud in Western Australia in 1971. His Sunnyvale Stud was run initially at Kojonup south east of Perth, before moving to Gidgegannup east of Perth in 1996. John was one of the longest serving Presidents of the Society, with his tenure running from 1997 until 2007. John and wife, Julie, dispersed the Sunnyvale Stud upon their retirement in 2013. John and Julie now live in Bunbury, south of Perth, however John maintains a keen interest in the progress of the breed and the Society. Society President, Paul Laycock said as Patron, “John will provide an important link to the early formative years of the breed and the Society”.

J h G John Gardner d iis the h new patron off the h Droughtmaster Society.

SALE PREVIEW

Karragarra to Stage ‘Entire Drop’ Female Sale By Kent Ward

rare opportunity awaits breeders and female buyers in early 2018 when Emerald based Karragarra Stud operated by Wayne and Ingrid York add another milestone event to their operation. The young couple will stage the ‘Karragarra Entire Drop Female Sale’ at the Ag-Grow Stud Selling Complex, Emerald, from 10am on Saturday, February 24, 2018. The catalogue involves all 65, 2016 Spring/ Summer drop heifer calves as well as a selection of 10 joined heifers and three semen packages from impressive sire battery. All females in the sale are eligible for entry into Western Australia.

According to Wayne York, the fixture not only marks a major offering of their genetics that the couple purchased in 2011 with the acquisition of 60 females, but also a feature that is rarely afforded at public auction, adding, “ Our absolute best heifers will be on offer, they represent our foremost, most proven, consistent bloodlines. It’s a chance and a great opportunity for breeders to acquire the very best from the core of our herd, the entire drop, we’ve retained nothing”. Backing the physical product within the catalogue is the rigorous selection criteria maintained by the couple. All Karragarra females are selected and appraised with a heavy concentration on clean navels,

moderate frames, good udders, doing and mothering ability, fertility and soundness. Daughters of leading sires of the calibre of the Glenlands sires, Quill, Pistol, D Pattern and Fernleigh Grande will be on offer. The joined heifers have been paired with sires such as Fernleigh Grande and Glenlands D Ty while semen packages in Karragarra Matador, Glenlands Quill and Fernleigh Grande will be offered. “We’re really excited to be offering the first drop daughters from Fernleigh Grande, which we purchased at the 2015 DN. Sale for $20,000. They are definitely something special and we believe he will leave a lasting impression on our stud moving forward”.

Great Incentive for Junior Breeders By Matt Sherrington

arragarra Droughtmaster Stud principals Wayne and Ingrid York will be offering a special incentive for Junior Members of the Droughtmaster Society at their Entire Drop Female Sale. The Yorks will offer a five per cent discount on the gross for any junior society member who purchases three or more heifers at the sale. Wayne said they decided to offer the discount as they remember what is was like when they were establishing their stud.

December 2017

“We were in our 20’s when we started out in the stud game and we know how hard it can be in the beginning,” he said. “We got a bit of help over those formative from several kind people, and we see this as a way of giving younger Droughtie breeders the same opportunities and assistance we received. “By offering the discount, we hope it will encourage young members to be proactive and get in and have a go at realising their stud ambitions, which will be aided by the great quality heifers we’ll have available from our most proven and high performing bloodlines”

Karragarra Droughtmaster Stud principals Wayne and Ingrid York with their children Easton and Monty.

For enquiries please phone Wayne York on 0458 823 931 or email karragarra@yorkmail.com.au.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Our profound thanks to all buyers and underbidders for your continued trust in the Clonlara brand.

2017 SPRING SALE RESULT

69 BULLS OFFERED ¦ 69 BULLS SOLD ¦ $52,500 TOP ¦ $9500 AVERAGE ¦ 100 PERCENT APPRECIATION

LOT 3

LOT 21

LOT 4

CLONLARA 16220 SOLD TO GLENLANDS D STUD $26,000

CLONLARA 16229 SOLD TO GLENAVON AND MUNDA REDS $52,500

CLONLARA 16193 SOLD TO RONDEL STUD $29,000

Commercially driven. Market proven.

80% POLLED/ SCURRED

PREPARED FOR A WORKING LIFE

MORPHOLOGY TESTED

PERFORMANCE RECORDED

FULLY VET CHECKED

DESIGNED FOR LONGEVITY

VACCINATED: READY TO GO

AW3383254

Gus & Jen McCormack Dilga, Glenmorgan, Qld 4423 ¦ Phone 07 4665 6814 ̶ Mobile 0429 656 814 ¦ Email: clonlaracattle@bigpond.com

NEWS

Alison’s National Sale surprise By Kelly Butterworth

LISON Atkinson, Durack Droughtmasters, Rockhampton, grew up in the lower gulf country in Far North Queensland on “Werrington” Station, which in her words, was in “the middle of nowhere”. After a career spanning more than 50 years with the Droughtmaster breed, it was fitting she would be awarded a life membership with the society at the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale this year – and it was a surprise she said was terrific. As the crowd chatted before the sale started, it was tough to hear what Droughtmaster chief executive Neil Donaldson was saying – and Alison said until she heard her name, she had no idea he was speaking about her. “I knew nothing about it and I couldn’t hear what Neil was saying, I had no idea he was talking about me and at the end I thought I heard him say my name and then the girls were saying ‘Mum, get up there, get up there’, and I was saying ‘but what for?’,” she laughed. “I got awarded the most unbelievable surprise and amazing thrills in my life.” Cattle were her life and her love from day one. She worked at home after leaving Boarding School in Charters Towers at a very young age. During the early 1960’s Alison’s mother, Isabel Lethbridge purchased a registered Droughtmaster bull and five registered cows from her daughter Regina and husband Rob Atkinson snr of Glen Ruth Stud near Mt Garnet, these were the first Droughtmaster cattle in that district at the time. Later in the 1960’s Alison worked for Regina and Rob snr and took a team of Droughtmaster cattle to several shows in the north and then on to the Brisbane Exhibition in 1965. This team did very well in Brisbane and after the show they were auctioned at a special stud cattle sale at the Exhibition Grounds and all three animals set new record prices for registered Droughtmaster cattle at that time. In 1967 she took Droughtmaster teams from Glen Ruth and Mungalla to be shown in North Queensland and Brisbane. Having attended many Droughtmaster and commercial cattle shows over the years, and being involved in them first-hand and as a spectator, she witnessed great success and progress within the breed, and her love for Droughtmaster cattle was born. Alison spent almost 30 years of her married life at Valley of Lagoons west of Ingham in North Queensland. She raised four children while being involved in the running of the property and the Valley Droughtmaster Stud. She was also joint Principal of the Valley Droughtmaster Stud. One of the notable achievements during the 1980’s was an Australian record Droughtmaster price with the sale of Valley Cairo, who topped the North Queensland Droughtmaster Sale in Charters Towers. Durack Stud evolved in 1988 when she bought her first cattle property which was located in CQ. Three years later she sold Durack and bought Orana on the Dawson River outside Duaringa which was in the same district. Her herd expanded and in 1999 she managed to top the National Droughtmaster Sale at Gracemere a few lots from the end of day two with Orana Issac who sold for $26,000 which she said was very exciting.

December 2017

Droughtmaster Society president, Paul Laycock, with Alison Atkinson, Durack Droughtmasters, Rockhampton, who was awarded a life membership with the society during the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale.

Orana was sold after Alison had an accident on a quad bike, after she collided with a bull and needed shoulder reconstruction and had a fractured wrist. Her commercial herd was sold and her daughter Gayle and husband Mac Shann generously offered to care for her stud herd on their property Cantaur Park between Clermont and Moranbah, where her few cows still remain. Soon after the inception of the Monty Atkinson Genetics Sale, knows as MAGS which is held in Charters Towers every November, she was invited to join her family as a vendor and had many successes and topped this sale on several occasions. This year the sale will celebrate its 15th anniversary. Her family continues to have great success with their Droughtmaster cattle at Beef Week in Rockhampton and other prominent Beef Cattle Shows. Alison said despite only having four of her own stud cows left, she won’t be being left behind at sale time. “I’ll still be involved with all my daughters’ cattle, helping them with cattle work and preparing bulls for sale.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

A Great Show of Strength at AgQuip

t was a huge three days in August for the Droughtmaster breed representatives who attended the AgQuip Field Days in Gunnedah.

The team worked flat out under the guidance of Mark, Lyn and Todd Heyman preparing for the Droughtmaster Steak BBQ which was staged to compliment the cattle display. The Heitiki and Clayfield studs exhibited cattle with Neil Donaldson on hand to talk to people about the breed. Neil said there was “strong interest in the breed due to the dry conditions being experienced in NSW at the time”. Nolans from Gympie supplied 300 kilograms of succulent rib fillet which was cut up, cooked and served by a fantastic team of volunteers. Over the three days they served 2360 steak burgers and 574 sausage sandwiches. Neil thanked all the members of “Team Droughtmaster” who put in a great effort during the event.

“T “Team Droughtmaster”” at A D August’s ’ C Commonwealth B Bank AgQuip Field Day.

“Many of them travelled a long distances to assist and quite a few weren’t members of the Society either which makes the effort all the more commendable,” he said.

Droughties Head to Vietnam

roughtmaster beef from Wayne and Sandra Birchmore of “Bernborough” and “Kiriwina”, Winton, will be on the menu in Vietnam after the family bid farewell to a consignment of 470 kilogram steers in mid-November from the Port of Darwin. Darwin-based Frontier International put together a shipment which consisted of approximately 2600 medium to heavy steers, weighing between 450kg and 650 kgs. Because of the extremes in climate and high humidity in Vietnam, Frontier International will only purchase Bos Indicus cattle such as Droughtmasters. Cattle were sourced from the Cloncurry, Richmond and Alice Springs regions, and the steers were quarantined at an export facility south of Darwin for approximately eight days where they were fed a combination of quality hay and a pelletised fodder. The voyage to Vietnam aboard the purpose built MV Greyman Express, took close to seven days, with the cattle being discharged at Hai Phong

F Frontier i IInternational i l bbought h the h shipment hi ffrom W Wayne and d Sandra Birchmore of “Bernborough” and “Kiriwina”, Winton, which consisted of approximately 2600 medium to heavy steers.

south-east of Hanoi upon arrival. They were then inducted into a feedlot/ holding facility and over a 45 day period were slaughtered at the client’s’ approved abattoirs or sold into the local wet market.

Great Show of Support for Bilo Men’s Shed Evening

heifers to be auctioned. Both heifers sold to lucky bidder Jodie Higgs for $2000 each.

The support from the community was overwhelming during the night, with a huge list of donated items auctioned off and attendance at the dinner exceeding expectations.

Randall Spann from the local Elders office ensured the heifers received plenty of promotion prior to the fund-raiser and from all accounts did a sterling job being the auctioneer for the night; he was ably assisted by his wife, Kylie, who was one of the main organisers for the evening.

n August, Elders, in conjunction with “Very Vintage” at Biloela, hosted the second annual Men’s Shed Charity Dinner and Auction.

In all more than $14,000 was raised from the evening. The Spann Family from Minlacowie and Wingfield Droughtmaster Studs were very involved in the fund-raiser donating two stud

December 2017

The Men’s Shed movement has now become one of the most powerful tools in addressing health and wellbeing and helping men to once again become valued and productive members of their community.

T S The Spann F Family i ffrom Mi Minlacowie i and Wingfield Droughtmaster Studs were very involved in the fund-raiser donating two stud heifers to the auction. Both heifers sold to lucky bidder Jodie Higgs.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

Toogoolawah High Farewell Hawkeye By Helen Walker

highlight of October’s Shepherdson & Boyd Toogoolawah Store Sale, was the selling of a registered Droughtmaster bull on behalf of the Toogoolawah State High School and the McConnel family, Mt Brisbane Droughtmasters. The Droughtmaster bull named Hawkeye sold for $5600 to local beef producer David Deane of Redlin Grazing. Hawkeye was selected from Mt Brisbane as a weaner in 2016, with the students preparing and exhibiting him over the past two years. A bus load of students made the morning trip to the Toogoolawah saleyards to watch their first animal sell, which was met with a mixture of emotions as the students had become particularly attached to Hawkeye. Former Toogoolawah High School student and auctioneer Jack Fogg had a steady stream of bids from the opening $4000 bid. Half of the sale proceeds remain with the school and will be used to further enhance their Agricultural program. Toolgoolawah SHS registered a Droughtmaster stud in 2016, and since then has already enjoyed much success which includes taking home Supreme Exhibit at this year’s Droughtmaster Gatton Futurity Show with a young heifer owned by the school, Mt Brisbane Heidi, and then taking out the Champion Schools in the Schools Judging competition at the Ekka this year.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

I was a mixture It i off emotions i as the h T Toogoolawah l h students d said id farewell to Hawkeye, at the Toogoolawah Saleyards, as they had become particularly attached to Hawkeye.

Co-owner the Hawkeye, Don McConnel, Mr Brisbane Droughtmasters said they were delighted to see the bull sell so well and are pleased the money can go towards the school’s ag program. “The temperament of this bull has seen the kids have a lot of fun with him and get them interested in pursuing careers in the beef industry,” he said.

December 2017

COMMERCIAL

Cotter Achieving MSA Excellence By Andrew Mole

But he said between there and Kinbombi and Johnstown (near Goomeri) he is determined to return his herd to purebred as fast as he can. “Right now I would say we have about 200 Whiteface left in the herd, and that will be down to 100 by the end of the year,” he said. “In two years I expect to be about 80 per cent Droughtmaster but am still headed towards 100 per cent – I don’t think anything beats a pure line whatever the breed.” The country run by Mr Cotter and his wife Ellen covers 6070ha of ironbark and applegum across the three stations and their natural bluegrass, wild oats and spear grasses are renowned for their cattlefattening ability. “It gets good weight in the cattle in a good season and it’s always been thought of as pretty handy cattle country – we’ve been here too long to say otherwise,” Mr Cotter said.

The criteria for the awards include outstanding compliance rates to MSA specifications as well as high eating quality performance.

“With our Droughtmasters we are only interested in quality genetics – it costs the same to run outstanding bulls as it does to run duds and as we use about three per cent bulls we need to know they have the traits and the structure to work in our country,” he said.

“We target the Jap Ox market provided we have the seasons to back us up so for our turnoff to rank in this program was pretty amazing,” Mr Cotter said.

“When we are deciding where to buy our bulls, we judge the success of a stud’s genetics when we see the herd from which the bulls are coming.

“But really, we are just a small part of it all – the credit goes down to every link in the chain because if you get one thing wrong you are in trouble,” he added.

“Anyone can win a pen of three or have a single star bull, but we are commercial and we want to see all our cattle at the same standard, which is what we are getting.

“It starts with the Droughtmaster genetics we have been getting from Glenlands, mostly, and Vale View, is managed by the blokes who work with us, the drivers who truck the stock to JBS Dinmore, the yard staff there and right through to the kill floor.

“With Droughtmasters and with all the assistance we get from everyone who has a hand in our end result , we are getting uniformity.”

J h C John Cotter said id iit was a ““reall surprise” i ” when h the h certifi ificate turned d up to say Ki Kinbombi b bi Station had ranked in the top 100 of Queensland’s and the NT’s producers for the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program for the 2017 excellence in eating quality awards.

ohn Cotter might be winning applause from MSA for the carcase quality of his Queensland herd but says he is under no illusions as to what it really takes to get a good product from paddock to plate. His family has been farming in the South Burnett since the 1890s and launched its grazing career with the then traditional Hereford herd. Until, fed up with the constant war with ticks, Mr Cotter started experimenting with a variety of Bos Indicus breeds to cut down on the cost – and risk – of chemicals and repeated expensive and stressful musterings as part of the chemical strategy. That meant trialling Santas, Brangus and Droughtmasters; a process he began about 10 years ago and which the Droughties won hands down. But at that point Mr Cotter is prepared to step back and hand out plaudits to all the people he sees as critical in his success. “We got a real surprise when the certificate turned up to say Kinbombi Station had ranked in the top 100 of Queensland’s and the NT’s producers for the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) program for the 2017 excellence in eating quality awards,” he said. And that was being ranked against almost 3000 producers who consigned cattle to the MSA program from his region.

December 2017

“Everyone plays a hand, if the cattle get stressed you end up with dark cutters and that means discounts and you get hit where it counts most – the bottom line. “Which is why we want to make sure everyone understands just how many people all producers need to thank for the success of their business.” Mr Cotter said he first introduced Droughtmasters at his property Fat Hen near Kilkivan – the cattle he refers to as his multicultural herd.

M C Mr Cotter said id h he first iintroduced d d Droughtmasters at his property Fat Hen near Kilkivan.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

EKKA REPORT

Yaralla Claims Top Honours in Paddock to Palate By Shan Goodwin OR the producers who claimed the top places this year in what is arguably one of the most comprehensive cattle competitions, the RNA Paddock to Palate at the Royal Queensland Show, the process was all about demonstrating the commercial relevance of their breeding programs.

There is no better way to prove you are on the right track than to come out on top of a competition like this one. Blackwater feeder steer and bull producers Ken and Kerry McKenzie, Yarralla Droughtmasters, claimed the crown in the 100-day export section with Droughtmaster cross steers. The results of the prestigious competition, presented by lot feeding industry leaders Mort and Co, were presented at the Ekka in August. A massive 1000-plus head of cattle from a multitude of breeds and crosses contested the 2017 event, which offered a prize pool of $60,000. It’s a three-phased competition, comprising of weight gain, carcase and eating quality. It was the first time the McKenzies have entered the Paddock to Palate and they were thrilled with the outcome. Their win in the overall competition complemented a win in the feedlot weight gain section by Rob and Donna Atkinson with their Droughtmaster cross steers (as reported in the August edition of the Digest).

Th overall The ll winners i off the h export section i off the h 2017 Ekk Ekka Paddock to Palate, Kerry and Ken McKenzie, Blackwater, with Mort and Co’s Berry Reynolds and Duncan Sturrock.

“Entering this competition is about validating the commercial attributes right through the whole package and seeing how you are travelling against others.” The McKenzies run 1600 breeders and sell around 50 bulls a year. The Yaralla Droughtmasters are not new chums when it comes to winning commercial cattle competitions having been crowned Grand Champion Pen at 4 of the last 5 Australian Beef Cattle Championships which are held in conjunction with the triennial Beef Expos in Rockhampton. Having achieved so much success “on the hoof” in the past, winning the coveted “hoof and hook” crown in the RNA Paddock to Palate Competition justifies and reinforces the reputation bestowed upon these cattle and their breeders in the past.

11 BULLS AVERAGED $7181.00

We would like to wish all buyers past and present, under bidders, agents and fellow stud masters a safe and happy festive season and thank them for their continued support in 2017

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December 2017

EKKA REPORT

A Most Memorable Ekka for Glenlands By Lucy Kinbacher

HEY are one of the most successful Droughtmaster breeders in the state and have won hundreds of broad ribbons in the show ring but this year’s Royal Queensland Show was one of the most memorable for the Childs Family, Glenlands Droughtmasters, Bouldercombe.

Minlacowie Ursula 8416 owned by Cebella Droughtmasters.

The family won seven of the ten champion ribbons on offer in the Droughtmaster ring at Ekka this year, judged by Renee Rutherford, Morinish, and Associate Remy Streeter, Marlborough.

They hope to exhibit her as a cow and calf unit at Beef Australia next year.

They also won the pair of bulls, breeder’s group and progeny stakes group.

Vanetta was also named junior champion female at the Droughtmaster feature show in Gympie earlier this year and the interbreed junior champion female as well.

Their 22-month-old senior champion bull, Glenlands J Velocity, claimed the grand champion bull ribbon ahead of their own junior champion bull, Glenlands J Voltage.

Grand champion Droughtmaster bull, Glenlands J Velocity, held by Jason Childs and with judges Renee Rutherford and Remy Streeter and trophy donors Bob Baker and Robert Murray, Elders.

The dominant performance was a fitting tribute to stud principal, Bruce Childs, who passed away in May, aged 72.

Velocity weighed in at 918 kilograms with a P8/Rib Fat depth of 17/12mm and the biggest eye muscle area for the Droughtmaster bulls of 142 sq cm.

His son, Jason Childs, said the family were “absolutely stoked” with their results.

Jason said he would also head to Beef Australia next year.

“I think he was watching over us,” he said.

“He is just hitting his straps,” he said.

“The senior bull is a bull that has got good bone to fleshing ratio, he has a good sheath and he is smooth over his hindquarter,” she said.

It was their 18-month-old junior champion female, Glenlands Vanetta, who went on to take out the grand champion female title over the senior champion cow and calf,

Judge Renee Rutherford, Morinish, said both the junior and senior champion bulls were great representations of the Droughtmaster breed and were a

While only 62 Droughtmasters paraded before the judge and associate, the quality was outstanding, which made the task of judging a real challenge.

very similar type and style, making their decision difficult.

NEWS

It’s Droughtmasters for Ease By Helen Walker

hen professional Rugby player Alex Gibbon, and his fiancee Paige Hodkinson decided to venture into the cattle business two years ago it was the Droughtmaster breed they chose.

They have bought cows and calves from the Rocky View Droughtmaster Dispersal at the Cream of the Crop sale, and at the National Droughtmaster Female Sale.

Alex said he was initially attracted to the Droughtmaster breed due to their low maintenance and ease of calving.

As well, they were active buying heifers at the Joppa Dispersal sale at Gympie which carried a heavy Glenlands influence through their bloodlines.

“Basically, because I’m away playing Rugby a lot of the time I know they can fend for themselves,” he said.

However it is this year’s calf drop that the couple is eagerly awaiting.

Two years ago the couple registered the Stonebridge Droughtmaster prefix, and these days run 185 head including 35 registered stud cows on 340 hectares near Mallanganee, in northern NSW. Alex who lives in Brisbane, has just finished playing for Australia in the Rugby Sevens, and previously played for the Queensland Reds, but the couple regularly travel to Stonebridge Farm whenever they can. To get established, the couple have selected bloodlines based heavily on the Glenlands and Billabong prefixes.

December 2017

“This drop will be own matings, and already we have had 15 calves born, and are expecting another 140 to be born,” Alex said. “Our goal is to breed quality Droughtmaster bulls backed by good EBV’s. “We have been looking heavily at the EBV’s when selecting and buying cattle,” Alex and Paige also showed two bulls at the Brisbane Royal show for the first time this year, which were presented by Nudgee College on their behalf, with pleasing results. They claimed a second and third ribbon under judge Renee Rutherford.

At home on the farm: Rugby player Alex Gibbon and fiancee Paige Hodkinson with their beloved Droughtmaster breeders at Stonebridge Farm, Mallanganee.

The couple sell their commercial steers finished for the domestic market through both Casino and Beaudesert saleyards. Next year will mark the start of sale bulls with two bulls by Billabong Yukon, and three by Craiglea Henry coming through the ranks.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

2017 Joining Sires

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EKKA REPORT

Nindethana Hits the Jackpot By Lucy Kinbacher

HEY may be only his first calves but already RSVP Jackpot is living up to his name.

A team of three calves sired by the $25,000 bull sold to Bronwyn Betts, Nindethana Pastoral, Samford in 2015 placed second in the progeny stakes behind Glenlands Droughtmasters, Bouldercombe. Show ribbons were in the calves blood with Jackpot the reserve junior champion bull at Beef 2015. While they didn’t take out a grand champion on the day, Ms Betts was just as excited to take out a ribbon in the group classes.

“The breeder’s group and progeny stakes are the classes that mean a lot to me because it gives some indications of the direction you are going in,” she said. Nindethana consists of 70 breeders run across three single sire herds on owned and leased property. One particular property they lease is a former CSIRO grass research station. “Because of its history it has had a lot of different grasses,” Ms Betts said. “It’s like a smorgasbord for those cattle.”

B Bronwyn B Betts, Ni Nindethana d h P Pastoral, l Camp Mountain, with calves by RSVP Jackpot and handlers Amy and Megan Birch and Graham Brown, RSVP.

Small Stud’s Big Win By Lucy Kinbacher

HE may only have six Droughtmaster breeders to her name but that didn’t stop Shannon Lynes, Cebella Droughtmasters, Pimpama from winning the senior champion female title at Ekka.

Droughtmasters, in which she has won her class every year.

Ms Lynes was the only breeder to claim a champion ribbon ahead of Glenlands Droughtmasters, Bouldercombe during the stud judging.

Ms Lynes established her Droughtmaster stud in 2010 after showing Minlacowie cattle whilst attending Beenleigh High School.

It was the 35-month-old cow Minlacowie Ursula and her seven-month-old bull calf who won the cow class 30 months and under 48 months before beating Glenlands Tranquillity and her heifer calf for senior champion cow. It was Ursula’s third appearance at the Royal Queensland Show, after Ms Lynes purchased her as an eight-month-old heifer directly from the Spann family, Minlacowie

She was also named champion tropical breed female at the Boonah Show and grand champion female at Marburg Show this year.

Her entire breeder herd of three females and three bulls are also her show team and are run on about 20 hectares of lease country at Glamorgan Vale. “It’s my hobby,” Ms Lynes said. “I like experimenting with genetics.” The females are artificially inseminated to increase the diversity of genetics in Ms Lynes’ herd.

Her first foundation cow was also from the Minlacowie stud.“I thank them immensely because I started ahead of a lot of people with the magnificent cow they gave me,” she said. Now a school teacher at West Moreton Anglican College, Ipswich, Ms Lynes said it was a special moment to claim a championship at the Ekka. “I was very happy and really excited with how she looked and couldn’t have asked for much more,” she said. “I don’t have a large herd which makes it even more special because I don’t have the ability to select a team. “I’m competing against the bigger studs who select from all of their calves to make a show team where as mine are born into the show team.”

Shannon L Sh Lynes and d El Elsie i W Wright i h parade d the h senior i champion h i D Droughtmaster h cow Mi Minlacowie l i U Ursula l and dh her bbull ll calf. lf

December 2017

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SALE REPORT

Sire Helps Breed Sale Toppers By Lucy Kinbacher

DECISION to push their budget in 2010 and buy a bull with the ability to change their Droughtmaster stud for the better has well and truly paid off for Noel and Robyn Geddes, Oasis, Emerald. The Geddes family purchased Lamont Inmate from Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Droughtmasters, Clermont seven years ago for $23,000 and it was the Mac and Gayle who brought a grandson of Inmate, Oasis Dundee, for the top price at the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale of $135,000. Like the Geddes family, Gayle did push the budget when she secured the 22-month-old polled AI son of Oasis Winchester while her husband Mac was away on a fishing trip. Dundee weighed in at 862 kilograms with a P8 and rib fat score of 12/8, scrotal circumference of 40 centimetres, and an eye muscle area of 138 square centimetres. Ms Shann said it was the first Oasis bull they had purchased and he was well worth the money they had paid. “It’s not very often you find an animal that has got everything you are looking for,” she said. “It was just his muscling and sire appeal we liked most.” The couple have about 1000 Droughtmaster stud and commercial breeders on their property, Cantaur Park with Dundee headed straight for the stud females.

Oasis Dundee with Adam, Archie and Noel Geddes, Oasis Droughtmasters, Emerald, and Gayle Shann, Lamont Droughtmasters, Clermont.

The top price sale was just the start of a successful day in the ring for the Geddes family with Noel and Robyn’s draft of 10 bulls averaging $33,050. Of those ten bulls, two direct sons of Lamont Inmate averaged $15,000 while the three sons of Oasis Winchester averaged $62,666. Oasis Winchester was sold in 2013 for $60,000 to Wirraway Droughtmasters and has been welcomed back to Oasis in partnership with Needmor Droughtmasters. Noel and his son Adam couldn’t believe the results and said before the success of Inmate’s progeny they used to gross $135,000, not make it with one bull. Adam said Dundee was impressive right from a calf.

“We loved how thick he was, his bone and masculine head,” he said. “He is the most correct and best bull we have ever bred.” Last year was also a successful year for the stud who sold Oasis Viking, a son of Lamont Inmate, at the Droughtmaster National Sale for $45,000 to Hamadra Droughtmasters. The pair agreed that Lamont Inmate had set their stud up for success. “He has turned it all around,” Noel said. “It only takes one good bull,” Adam added. The success continued on day two with Adam selling four of his bulls to a top of $75,000 for an Oasis Winchester son, Oasis A Thurston, purchased by Munda Reds, Western Australia.

Droughties Dazzle at National By Kelly Butterworth

T was all smiles at the end of the Droughtmaster National Sale for chief executive Neil Donaldson on September 13 after a “phenomenal” two days. Mr Donaldson said he was very pleased for vendors at this year’s National Bull Sale which saw 488 of 521 bulls sell for a 92 per cent clearance, gross of $4,767,500 and an average price of $9710. After a tough season for a majority of graziers, Mr Donaldson said the results were fantastic. “We were expecting things to be a bit tougher, obviously a lot of areas in Australia are in the grip of a dry season,” he said. “Overall buyers have a bit of money in their pockets from selling bullocks and they all realise you’ve got to have a good bull in the

December 2017

paddock to get calves, so that was driving people to get in and buy.” He said the catalogue offered plenty of options for all budgets. Almost 55% of bulls sold for $7000 or less and the median price was only $6500 so the National Sale really provides bulls to suit everyone’s budget. “It was very pleasing to see the top end of the catalogue achieve remarkable results. “While they weren’t new records it was certainly pleasing to see the confidence that people have for the beef industry in northern Australia. “The commercial breeders are the bread and butter for any breed and we’re very conscious of looking after them by making sure the bulls are affordable.

Droughtmaster chief executive Neil Donaldson was all smiles after the National Sale wrapped up.

“Obviously some of them have to buy big numbers of bulls and they can’t afford to be spending $20,000 or $25,000 on a big number of bulls. “We really appreciate their support.” Mr Donaldson said there was a 10% increase in the number of bulls offered this year and thanks to the increasing popularity of the breed and the exceptional quality of the bulls on offer at the National, there was a 12% increase in buyer numbers this year.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Garthowen Xavier 2 Ticks Box By Kelly Butterworth

IVE years ago the Kinbacher family, Garthowen, Biggenden, purchased a new sire in Jembrae Fenton from the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale for $31,000. This year, the family doubled their previous sale record when one of Fenton’s sons, Garthowen Xavier 2, sold for $78,000. Xavier 2 was purchased by the McCormack family, Clonlara Droughtmasters, Glenmorgan. The 22-month-old bull weighed 804 kilograms with an eye muscle area of 135sq cm and a scrotal circumference of 43cm. The McCormack family purchased the Kinbacher’s top priced bull at last year’s sale for $34,000 and Gus McCormack said he knew he wanted Xavier 2 in his stud herd. “He ticks all our boxes – he’s good underneath, has good bone, a good strong, polled head,” he said. He said while he was hoping to not have to pay $78,000 for the bull, he knew he wanted to take him home. “I liked him and I got beaten on a bull earlier in the sale, so I had my back up a bit,” he laughed. The Kinbacher family operate on 2023 hectares and have 60 Droughtmaster stud breeders. Garthowen co-principal Simon Kinbacher said after purchasing Jembrae Fenton, the small stud had seen a strong turning point.

Brother and sister duo Simon and Lucy Kinbacher, Garthowen, Biggenden with purchaser Gus McCormack, Clonlara Droughtmaster, Glenmorgan and second top priced bull of the sale, Garthowen Xavier 2.

“This is our third drop of sons of his and they have been averaging around $20,000 for about 15 sons,” he said. “He’s sort of clicked with the right cows with a good polled head and tidy sheath on all the bulls.” Mr Kinbacher said Xavier 2 was a personal favourite of his. “He was a good calf, heap of bone and a good sheath and he was polled, which is what they’re all chasing at the moment and he is a very quiet

temperament bull with everything going for him,” he said. “We had a fair bit of interest in him before the sale and we were hopeful that he would go well.” The Kinbacher family had a fantastic sale after selling eight bulls for a solid $25,000 average with Xavier 2 topping the lineup. The family’s second top priced bull was Garthowen Xbow 2 who sold for $44,000 to Telemon Droughtmasters, Hughenden.

Jersey Plains Buys Big Again By Kelly Butterworth

HE Droughtmaster National Sale wrapped up this year with a familiar ring as Jersey Plains once again topped the list of volume buyers. Jersey Plains’ David Corbett, Chumvale, Cloncurry was busy doing the buying and took home 23 bulls averaging $4652. Last year Mr Corbett was also the volume buyer and took home 27 bulls averaging $5407. He said he liked to buy at the National Sale because it was convenient to have so a large number of bulls from more than 100 studs in one place at the same time each year. He said he had intended to buy about the number of bulls he did and was impressed with the quality of the yarding.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

When selecting bulls, Mr Corbett said he was looking for the same as most people . “We’re wanting a good working animal with a tidy sheath, a bit of bone and a strong masculine head,” he said. The bulls will go back into Mr Corbett’s substantial commercial Droughtmaster herd at home near Cloncurry. He also runs other herds on various blocks around Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Boulia. Also buying big at the sale were Greg and Tammy Sibson, Blue Valley Cattle Co, Collinsville. The Collinsville couple went home with 21 bulls averaging $5380.

Volume buyer David Corbett, Chumvale, Cloncurry with Landmark’s Trent McKinlay with some of the bulls Mr Corbett took home.

December 2017

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SALE REPORT

Records Broken at Fitzroy By Jodie Rintoul

With two of the $13,000 equal top-priced Droughtmaster bulls sold by the Farmer family, SC Grazing, Yaamba, Queensland, are buyer Keith Anderson (back left), Hugh and Steve Farmer and Jim Smith and Karen Anderson, Jubilee Downs Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, Fitzroy Crossing.

GROSS just shy of the magic $1 million mark, an average of more than $5000 and a complete clearance of nearly 200 bulls made for a record-breaking occasion at the Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos Indicus Bull Sale held in August. Good buying support from throughout the Kimberley and down through the Pilbara and even further south, as well as the Northern Territory, pushed prices to a sale high $13,000 on three occasions in the Droughtmaster run. All up 198 bulls representing five breeds were offered and sold by Landmark in just over three hours of selling for a mighty average of $5008, which was up $223 on last year’s sale. The sale gross of $991,500, smashed last year’s gross figure – to ensure this year’s sale now goes down in history as the record highest gross achieved at any bull sale in WA. Landmark auctioneer Tiny Holly said it was a rock-solid sale from start to finish. “It was a full house in the stands and there were also a number of bids made over the phone,” he said. “It was clear everyone was keen to get their hands on the genetics available, with competitive bidding throughout.” Two of the Droughtmaster bulls to hit the $13,000 top price were sold by Steve and Claire Farmer, SC Grazing, Yaamba, Queensland.

December 2017

After some quick-fire bidding on both the bulls, which showed plenty of depth and muscling in the ring, it was the Anderson family, Jubilee Downs Pastoral Co Pty Ltd, Fitzroy Crossing, who prevailed. The first of the sires to hit the mark was a 22mo scurred classy bull by Comanche Enzed. It had EBVs of +15 for milk and +15, +18 and +27 for 200, 400 and 600-day weights. The other SC Grazing sire to sell at $13,000 was a 19mo, polled son of Comanche 4449. It had EBVs of +15 for milk and +15, +22 and +30 for 200, 400 and 600-day weights. The third bull to hit the $13,000 price tag was sold by long-time vendors Lindsay and Lyn Philp, Sevenell & Lynsey stud, Bell, Queensland. This upstanding sire was one of the very last Droughtmasters offered but it didn’t disappoint, creating plenty of interest, before being also knocked down to the Anderson family, Jubilee Downs Pastoral Co Pty Ltd. The 23mo polled bull is a son of Konjuli Golden Eye (P). Not only did the sale’s equal three toppriced bulls come from the Droughtmaster section of the sale it also had the second largest offering of bulls. Six studs offered and sold 51 Droughtmaster bulls for an average of $4975, which was down $530 on last year’s sale topping

average of $5505 when 52 sires were offered and sold. Steve and Claire Farmer, SC Grazing, not only sold two of the equal top-priced bulls, they also recorded the second best stud average in the sale at $6583 for its team of nine bulls offered and sold. WNM MacDonald Pty Ltd was the volume buyer in the SC Grazing run, securing five sires to a top of $6250 and an average of $4850. The Sevenell & Lynsey Park stud also had more success than just selling the third Droughtmaster sire to hit the $13,000 mark – it finished its run with an average of $5273 over its offering of 11 bulls which all sold. The Rodlyn stud offering of 11 sires all sold to a top of $8500 and an average of $4818 and again WNM MacDonald Pty Ltd was a powerful bidder. The Charleville-based Valera Vale stud offering was made up of 11 sires and all found new homes selling to an average of $4725. Mally Plains stud, Eidsvold, and the Wynwood & Windy Gully stud, Bell, offered four and six Droughtmasters respectively. The Eidsvold-based stud sold its four at an average of $3750, while Wynwood & Windy Gully cleared its six at an average of $3542 after finding strong support from buyers.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Salters Stellar Glen Fosslyn Sale Result By Lucy Kinbacher

ECURING Droughtmaster genetics for both commercial and stud herds saw buyers from across the state purchasing cattle from the Glen Fosslyn Annual Sale at Roma in late August. Cameron and Cheryl Salter, Glen Fosslyn, Surat, offered bulls described as among their “best ever draft presented in the stud’s history” at their sale and, for the first time, females and semen packages. Forty-three bulls sold for, an average of $5186, with a top of $16,500 and a gross of $223,000. Seven of their ten heifers sold to average $1964 with a top of $3,000. Five of the heifers were purchased by stud owners. Two of the three semen packages sold, both going to Richard and Adele Acton, Ambleside Droughtmasters, Thangool, for an average of $33.75/straw and a top of $45/straw. Lot 18, Glen Fosslyn Kurtz, topped the draft at $16,500 and was purchased by Gav and Lisa Kleidon, Etloe West, Guluguba. At just 24-months-old, the polled son of Carlton Goanna weighed in at 758 kilograms with a 122 EMA, P8 and Rib fat scores of 9/6 and a scrotal circumference of 139.5cm. His semen motility was 70 per cent. The Kleidon’s shifted their operation from backgrounding to commercial breeding six years ago and now have a herd of 60 Droughtmaster breeders.

Kurtz will be used to breed quality replacement females as well as growthy steers. Mr Kleidon said while European cattle were often the breed of choice when it came to steers, Droughtmasters were universal and he had liked them since his youth. “Down the track we may look to put a European type bull over them to go into a cross breeding program but we need a little more country yet to do that,” he said. “We just kept scanning through (the bulls) and always just kept ending up going back to him.” In the heifer draft, it was Jim and Rebecca Farqhar, Calco Droughtmasters, Rolleston, who purchased the top price heifer, Glen Fosslyn Jewel 13 for $3000. They also purchased Glen Fosslyn Mildred 5 for $2000. Stephen and Todd Cormack, Perola Park and Oakwood, Wallumbilla, secured two Glen Fosslyn females, Glen Fosslyn Geraldine 9 for $2750 and Glen Fosslyn Gwendolyn 7 for $1500.

They now have 12 stud females, including their Glen Fosslyn purchases, with the aim of selling stud bulls. Both females they bought were either polled or scurred which Todd said was something they were looking for in both their commercial and stud operations to eventually remove the need to dehorn. He said the Droughtmaster breed was proving a successful cross for their operation and their temperament and mothering traits were particularly notable. “They certainly go well in our country,” he said. Bulk buyers on the day included the Bryant Family, Mitchell, who purchased six bulls averaging $5166 and the Murray Brothers, Eromanga, who bought five bulls averaging $3400. A.J McIntosh Family Grazing, Glenmorgan, took home four bulls averaging $4375 along with LRC Grazing, Roma, whose purchases averaged $4250.

The Cormack family have been long time supporters of the Glen Fosslyn cattle and integrated Droughtmasters on their property in 2005 after having a purebred commercially recognised Hereford herd for about 70 years.

Stud principal Cameron Salter thanked the support of repeat buyers who have invested in Glen Fosslyn genetics.

They fell in love with the breed so much that in April this year they established their own stud, Black Gully Droughtmasters.

“It is always pleasing to see new buyers taking advantage of our quality cattle at affordable prices,” he said.

He said the sale results reflected seasonal conditions

The top price bull of the sale Glen Fosslyn Kurtz, with stud principal Cameron Salter, Landmark selling agent Jake Smith and buyers Gav and Lisa Kleidon, Guluguba.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

December 2017

SALE REPORT

Record Set for Artesian Sale By Kelly Butterworth

The $34,000 record setting Medway Xcursively with vendor Hamilton Donaldson, his daughter Mikeely Donaldson, and Landmark’s Trent McKinlay.

ctober’s Artesian Droughtmaster Bull Sale held in Blackall saw a record top price of $34,000 achieved.

They grossed $74,500 for an average of $6208 with their top priced bull costing $11,500.

Mr Donaldson said while he had expected Xcursively to top the Medway line, he didn’t think he would sell for as much as he did.

Lot 89 Medway Xcursively was sold over the phone to the Carrington family, Rondel Droughtmasters, Anrod, Winton.

Heading home with eight bulls was A and H Howard, Locharnoch, Jericho, who grossed $57,500 for an average of $7187, and a top price of $14,000.

“He’s always been a good calf and has developed up nicely during the sale preparation, he’s really gone ahead,” he said.

The sale averaged $7305 and grossed $526,000 with 72 of 81 bulls sold for an 88 per cent clearance. Xcursively, a 24-month-old bull with an EMA of 132cm sq and scrotal circumference of 44cm, was as impressive in the books as he was in the flesh. The two second top priced bulls each sold for $18,000. Glenlands D Valuator, 23 months old, sold to Ross Kiernan, Bygana Station, Clermont. D Valuator weighed 740kg with an EMA of 114cm sq and a scrotal circumference of 42cm. Locarno Loctite sold soon after to Clarke and Tait, Hobartville, Alpha. Selling for $17,000 was another Locarno bull, Locarno Ladbroke which sold to the Needmor family trust, Rookwood, Gogango. The bulk buyer of the sale was the Scholes family, Lighthouse, Blackall who went home with 12 bulls.

December 2017

With seven bulls in tow was Stuart Donaldson, Mt Ball, Rubyvale who grossed $27,500 for an average of $3928 and a top spend of $6000. With six bulls apiece were Ross Kiernan, Bygana Station, Clermont (gross $66,000, average $11,000, top price $18,000), and Malden Grazing, Malden, Alpha (gross $28,000, average $4666, top price $7000). Each going home with four bulls were Clark and Tait, Hobartville, Alpha (gross $40,000, average $10,000, top price $18,000), the Godwin family, Tanderra, Springsure (gross $29,500, average $7375, top $10,000) and Hugh MacDonald, Bloomfield, Blackall (gross $17,000, average $4250, top $5000). Top priced bull vendor Hamilton Donaldson, Medway Droughtmasters, Bogantungan said the sale was a great success. “It was an extremely good sale considering conditions out here in the west,” he said.

“He’s a good long bull, good natural thickness and a tidy underline plus he’s nice and sound through his legs and feet.” To take out the new record for the sale was an added bonus to a great sale. “If they can crack a few good seasons out here it will make a big difference to the outlook of the locals.” he said. With the average up on last year by about $100, he said there was no doubt offering multiple lines of bulls was appealing both to the repeat buyers and new buyers on the day. Each vendor at the sale nominated one bull from their draft to be sold for charity with 10pc of the bull to be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. RFDS chief operation officer Andrew Barron was at the sale and was overjoyed to accept the cheque at the end for just under $4000. The top price RFDS bull to sell was Ken and Kerry McKenzie’s Yaralla 74/6, who made $10,000 to the Godwin family, Tanderra, Springsure.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Droughtie Bull Tops Monto All Breeds By Kelly Butterworth HE Monto All Breeds bull sale held in September topped at $8000 with a gross of $289,500, an average of $4386 and a clearance of 81 per cent.

The top priced bull was Caldy Diesel, offered by Jason and Gerry Barnard, Caldy Droughtmasters, which sold over the phone to the John Atkinson, Glenavon, Yaamba. Diesel weighed 829kg and boasted an EMA of 141sq cm, a scrotal circumference of 38cm, and a rib fat measurement of 8mm. Mr Barnard said he was thrilled to see the bull top the sale, and said Deisel was his personal favourite of the seven bulls he took to the sale. A total of 13 Droughtmasters sold during the sale for a 100pc clearance, a gross of $75,750, and an average of $5826.

The top priced $8000 bull of the Monto All Breeds Sale,Droughtmaster bull Caldy Diesel with vendors Gerry and Jason Barnard.

Juggernaut Storms Roma By Lucy Kinbacher

uyers from across Queensland and northern New South Wales secured Droughtmaster genetics from the annual Roma Tropical Breeds Sale in October, which reached a top price of $30,000. In total, 120 of 131 bulls sold for a 92 per cent clearance and an average of $5596. Eversleigh Juggernaut, offered by Roger and Jenny Underwood, Pine Hills, Wallumbilla topped the sale when he was purchased by Michael and Tracey Flynn, Valera Vale, Charleville for $30,000. At just 20-months-old, Juggernaut weighed 790 kilograms with an eye muscle area of 144cm sq and P8 and rib fat measurements of 11 and eight millimetres. Valera Vale stud principal Michael Flynn said they expected Juggernaut to make more than he did. “When we bought him we broke all our rules,” he said. “We don’t buy bulls that aren’t morphology tested and poll gene tested but he was that good of a bull we couldn’t pass him up. “He was really a complete package for us, clean poll, reasonable Brahman content, flatback, long, great muscle pattern and a good sheath and great temperament.” Not only was the $30,000 price a record for the Underwoods in their second Roma appearance, it was a sweet reward having moved to Wallumbilla when they sold their Hughenden properties in November 2015 following years of drought.

December 2017

Juggernaut was a son of Clonlara 06101 whom the Underwood’s purchased in 2007 from the McCormack family’s on-property sale for $15,000, the equal top price of the sale. The Clonlara bull spent most of his time as a single sire in the Underwood’s herd and had up to 50 breeders running with him, even as they battled drought. “This bull (Juggernaut) just reminds us a lot of him,” Mrs Underwood said. “Juggernaut’s mother got in calf as a young heifer and has just been a consistent breeder ever since. She has been joined to him (Clonlara 06101) for basically all her life.” The Underwoods sold a total of 10 bulls to average $9050 and had received strong enquiry for their bulls, thanks largely to social media, Mrs Underwood said. Second top price of the sale was, Karragarra Natural, offered by Wayne and Ingrid York, Emerald, which sold for $14,000 to the Carrington family, Rondel Droughtmasters, Winton. Natural was a 22-month-old who weighed 743 kilograms with P8 and rib fat depths of 14 and 10 millimetres and eye muscle area of 126cm sq. This year’s sale, which saw only Droughtmaster bulls catalogued, was slightly down on last year’s average. Droughtmaster Australia CEO Neil Donaldson said the breed’s offering had increased by 30 per cent this year so a softening in the average was to be expected but the strong

Roma Tropical Sale top price bull Eversleigh Juggernaut with the Valera Vale stud managers Lucy McGuire and Robert Haigh, vendors, Jenny and Roger Underwood and Elders selling agent Andrew Meara.

clearance was a clear indicator that vendors were offering the type of bulls that buyers liked. “Bulls went to all over the state, down into the south east corner, up to the central region and out to north west and western Queensland and even a few went into New South Wales,” he said. “It was a great cross section of buyers and quite a few new buyers plus all the regulars. We had 15 per cent more bid cards. “It was really pleasing to see a lot of bulls going into the Taroom and Wandoan area where where demand hasn’t been as strong in the past.” Repeat buyers Clark and Tait, Barcaldine Downs Pastoral Co, walked away with seven bulls from the sale to average $5571. Reynella Grazing Co, Reynella, Charleville, weren’t far behind them, purchasing six bulls to average $6583.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Vendors Hit the Bullzeye at Capella By Kelly Butterworth

HE Bullzeye Droughtmaster bull sale was held in Capella in October, and saw 96 of 100 bulls sell for a an average of $8651. The top priced bull of the sale was lot 51, Rondel Unspoken, which sold for $22,500 to Ken and Kerry McKenzie, Yaralla, Blackwater. The second top priced bull was lot 10, Sugerland Honda, which sold for $22,000 to the Piggott family, Aldinga, Rolleston. The dual third top priced bulls were both Hamadra bulls, Hamadra Grinder and Hamadra Gunsmith, which both sold for $16,000 to Clark and Tait, Hobartville, Alpha. Top priced bull, Rondel Unspoken, weighed in at 846kg at 22 months as a milk tooth calf, with a scrotal circumference of 41cm and an EMA of 143cm sq. There was plenty of high points throughout the sale, with 31 bulls selling for $10,000 or more. Spending up big was Clark and Tait, Hobartville, Alpha, who went home with six bulls grossing $77,000 for an average of $12,833.

T priced Top i d bull b ll R Rondel d lU Unspoken k with ith purchaser h K Ken M McKenzie, K i Y Yaralla, ll Bl Blackwater, k t vendor Zach Muntelwit, and Landmark Biloela’s Ross Jorgensen.

The bulk buyer of the sale was Sam and Lizzie Bradford, Arcturus Downs, Springsure, who purchased eight bulls grossing $48,500 for an average of $6062. Heading home with four bulls was Phil Hodgkinson, Carmel Downs, Clermont, who grossed $38,500 for an average of $9625. Another buyer of with four bulls was JD and JL Jones, Kaarima, Clermont, who grossed $19,000 for an average of $4750. Also spending up big was Janibee Pastoral,

Capella, who took home three bulls grossing $30,500 for an average of $10,166. Ken McKenzie, Yaralla, Blackwater, said he bought Rondel Unspoken because he was chasing a “polled bull with plenty of scale to put a bit of lift in my cattle, and he fits the bill”. “On today’s market, that’s not a silly price for a stud bull,” he said Unspoken will be going into the Yaralla stud herd of 180 breeders. The operation also has a commercial herd with 1600 breeders.

To all that have supported us during 2017: buyer, bidders, agents & friends, we thank you and wish you a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.

NINDETHANA ND AN PA S T O R A L

PTY LTD

D ro u g h t m a s t e r S t u d ( N o . 3 1 5 )

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

PADDOCK INSPECTIONS & SALES A l w a y s We l c o m e B ro n w y n B e t t s & M i c h a e l H a w k i n s CAMP MOUNTAIN QLD 4520

Tel: 07 3289 1554 Mob: 0408 700 510 Email: nindethana.droughtmaster@gmail.com

www.nindethanadroughtmasters.com December 2017

SALE REPORT

Clayfield Headline Grafton Sale Result

well presented lineup of young bulls with excellent pedigrees was offered by six NSW studs during the fourth annual Grafton Droughtmaster Bull and Female Sale held in July. Seasonal influences saw only 12 of the 21 bulls on offer sold. Bulls averaged $4250 with the top bull selling for $7500. Clayfield Jinker, a 22 month old weighing 770 kg with an EMA of 128, offered by Clayfield Stud principles Janet and Lindsay Allen sold to Andrew and Katrina McIntyre from Glen Innes. Second top price was $5500, which was paid for Lot 2 a 26 month old sire weighing

774kg with an EMA of 124 offered by the Carter family’s Cedar Springs Stud. Clayfield Stud topped the stud section for bulls and females. There was a high demand for females and a strong sale for all 173 females on offer which achieved a total clearance. Sale toppers included a PTIC registered heifer from Lindsay and Janet Allan, Clayfield Stud at $2200, cows and calves at $1840 from Ed Withers, PTIC heifers at $1800 on account of Paul and Wendy Carter and Sons and unjoined heifers for $1500 sold by Nick Fuller.

Auctioneer Mitch Donovan, buyers Katrina and Andrew McIntyre, Eastern River, via Glenn Innes, and vendors Janet and Lindsay Allen, Clayfield Stud, Curlewis, of the $7500 Clayfield Jinker.

Gamble Pays off at Valera Vale Sale By Sally Cripps

gamble to offer 20 more bulls than last year paid off for Michael Flynn and family when they recorded a 99 per cent clearance at their annual Valera Vale bull sale in September. The ED Cattle Co, Longreach, topped the on-property sale in the Charleville district in terms of price paid and nearly in the number purchased. Represented by Frank and John Atherton, the company paid $9000 for Valera Vale 16466, a 23-month-old bull sired by Clonlara 13310, and for Valera Vale 16079, 22 months old and sired by Amavale Bradman. Both bulls were homozygous polled. The first bull had an eye muscle area of 130 square cm, a daily weight gain on grass of 0.84kg/day, and a 1.82kg gain a day on silage. The second, the younger of the two, had an eye muscle area of 124 square cm, a daily weight gain on grass of .85kg/day, and a 1.97kg gain a day on silage. They were part of a draft of 29 bulls the Athertons paid an average price of $5120 for. Frank Atherton said they would both be put into their commercial herd of Droughtmaster Angus cross cows waiting for rain on country in the Hughenden, Torrens Creek, Muttaburra and Longreach areas. “It’s the first time we’ve been to the sale here but we thought they were a nice line of bulls,” he said. “Their figures were pretty even and they all had a good temperament.”

December 2017

Purchaser of the two top priced bulls, Frank Atherton, Hughenden, with one of the Valera Vale stud managers, Lucy McGuire, and the two bulls.

While most of their country was “pretty dry”, Frank said they were keen to inject fresh blood into their herd. The Flynn family averaged $4352 for the 141 head sold, servicing customers from Beaudesert – RH and DC Bruxner, DJ Kassulke, and AJ Bush and Sons – to Western Australian clients in the Argyle Cattle Co, Rachlan Holdings, and WNM MacDonald P/L. Michael Flynn said there had been a good mix of new and repeat buyers. He said there was understandably less local support than usual, but with people feeding cattle, they needed to ride out the drought first. “It was game to put up 20 more bulls but I liked them all,” he said.

“And I don’t like people to come and not get a bull if they want one.” He said the Western Australian purchasers needed to put together six deck road trains, which was evident in the 32 head put together by the Argyle Cattle Co, for an average of $3484. Fellow Western Australians, the Smoothy Cattle Co, bought 17 head for an average of $3058, while Nebo’s CR and JR New outlaid an average price of $3884 for 13 head. Michael said he was very happy with how the bulls presented. “I think they’re getting better every year,” he said. “We are especially pleased to have pulled off a sale in these conditions”, referring to the extreme drought still plaguing many parts of the state.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

EVERSLEIGH SLEIGH

Juggernaut 2017 ROMA TROPICAL SALE $30,000 TO VALERA VALE STUD

Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout the year. Roger and Jenny Underwood • Eversleigh & Wallace Vale Droughtmasters, ‘Pine Hills’ Wallumbilla | Ph 0488 417 385 or 0428 417 120

WWW.EVERSLEIGHDROUGHTMASTERS.COM.AU

SALE REPORT

Bunya Reaches $12,500 Peak By Jane Lowe

his year’s Bunya Bull sale yielded solid results with a rise in average and clearance figures and a top price of $12,500 when it was held at the Coolabunia sale complex at Kingaroy in early September. Nineteen month old Nindethana Incredible (P) – a heifers first calf - lived up to his name topping the sale at $12,500. Bronwyn Betts and Michael Hawkins, Nindethana Pastoral were very excited to top the sale as this was the best sale result for Nindethana Droughtmaster Stud. Nindethana Incredible had further success when he was paired with Nindethana Isaac to be judged reserve champion pair of bulls at the Bunya sale. Nindethana sold a total of six bulls to average $7250. Les and Tom Howard, Benjamin Droughtmaster, North Aramar near Maryborough purchased Incredible after a few sleepless nights waiting for the sale. “I had been looking for a bull like for a long time” Mr Howard said. He said he was chasing a light honey coloured bull as he believed it would be more heat resistant and this bull also had a tidy sheath.

B Bronwyn B Betts and d Mi Michael h lH Hawkins, ki Ni Nindethana, d h with i h bbuyer T Tom H Howard, d Benjamin Droughtmasters and the Bunya Bull Sale topper Nindethana Incredible (P).

The Howards went on to purchase another three bulls for an average of $5625 to run with their Droughtmaster stud cows, Don and Robyn Roberton, By-Mingo Droughtmaster, won champion pair of bulls with By-Mingo Parker and By-Mingo Paris both 24 months and selling for $9000 and purchased by Trott Family Grazing to put over their predominantly Droughtmaster commercial herd. The Robertons then went on to sell the equal second top priced bull By-Mingo Payne (P) selling for $11,000 to Karen and Neil Gibson, Hillside, Boompa near Biggenden, Mr Gibson said he was chasing bulls with good hindquarters, good temperament, polled and clean coated to put over his

Droughtmaster commercial heifers in forest country. By-Mingo sold a total of four bulls for a solid average of $9500 Brian and Yvonne Heck, Bryvonlea Droughtmasters, Glastonbury recorded the equal second top with their bull Bryvonlea Rifle (P) a 21 month bull $11,000 purchased by Don and Robyn Roberton, By-Mingo Droughtmasters. Robyn said they were looking for a naturally quiet temperament, polled, good balanced bull with lovely soft fleshiness and fertile female line. Long term supporters of the sale Mt Brisbane Pastoral Co, Mt Brisbane, Esk purchased eight

New Sale Record Set at Clonlara By Peter Lowe

ULTIPLE records were smashed at the McCormack family’s Clonlara Droughtmaster bull sale held at Dilga, Glenmorgan in September. Their 28th annual fixture will be remembered as one of the best, on-property private Droughtmaster fixtures to date after posting a $9500 record average overall, a Clonlara Droughtmaster $52,500 record top price and for selling a Clonlara composite for $18,000 record money. What is more remarkable, they have maintained their total clearance result while taking their Droughtmaster average to a new $9776 level. Clonlara co-principal Gus McCormack was humbled by the outstanding sale result and thanked the buyers for their belief and confidence in his breeding program. Sole selling agent Elders with guest auctioneer Wayne York sold 58 Droughtmaster bulls for a $9776 average and 11 two-yearold red composite bulls for a $8045 average to stud and commercial operators.

December 2017

Astute judge John Atkinson, Glenavon, Yaamba had plenty of competition from the underbidders Ross, Michelle, Simon and Lucy Kinbacher, Garthowen Droughtmaster stud, Biggenden to secure the $52,500 record– priced Clonlara bull, Clonlara16229 (P). The Kinbacher family was bidding on the phone through Simon who reached his limit at $50,000 and conceded the bull was heading to West Australia. Mr Atkinson bought the 22-month-old, 780kg son of Clonlara Ace (P) in partnership with Michael Thompson, Munda Reds, Gin Gin, West Australia. Clonlara 16229 is headed to Rocky Repro, Alton Downs, for collection and afterwards to West Australia with the Atkinson family retaining full rights to the semen. Peter and Deleece Carrington, Rondel Droughtmasters, Anrod Station, Winton paid the $29,000 second best money for Clonlara 16193 (P), a two-year-old son of

Cl l Clonlara co-principal i i lG Gus M McCormack, C k buyer John Atkinson, Glenavon, Yaamba and guest auctioneer Wayne York with the $52,500 record-priced bull Clonlara 16229 (P).

Locarno Gus with excellent growth figures and a tidy underline. The Childs family, AC Cattle Company, Dianne Downs, Theodore bid $26,000 for the double polled Clonlara 16220 (P), a first-crop son of Glen Fosslyn Houston (P) with excellent fertility attributes and tremendous depth and softness. There were plenty of regular buyers in attendance with Jon Warby, DOCE Pty Ltd, Roma operating on the top end of the market with a quartet of quality herd improvers for a $9500 average which included a big, longbodied son of Locarno Gus at $10,500.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Thank you We would like to thank everyone who has been a part of another Successful Year here at Wajatryn. We have enjoyed catching up with a lot of Good people and Genuine Cattlemen and Women throughout the year. Our Auction Sale bulls Averaged $15,536 and topped at $40,000 for Wajatryn Knightly selling to Rondel Stud, Winton. Eddington Stud, Julia Creek purchased $28,000 Wajatryn Kingston & $21,000 Wajatryn Killamanjaro. R & L Walker, Dingo, $24,000 Wajatryn Keg.

FULL BUYERS LIST ON OUR NEW WEBSITE WITH SALE BULL VIDEOS Paddock Sales as always are the bulk of our business. Bulls selling from $4,000 - $10,000 on property. From a Single Bull locally to Deck lots to the Territory. 80% of our 2017 bulls going to repeat buyers. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE IN OUR CATTLE.

WAJATRYN

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Looking Forward to 2018 and First calves by New Sires, $38,000 Redskin Harley (Sc). Billabong Yukon (Sc), Wajatryn JackDaniels (Poll) Wajatryn Knox (Poll). Exciting First Sons selling in 2018 will include those by True Blue Lordz (Poll), and AI progeny of $40,000 Wajatryn Justice (Poll) and Calaanah Abraham (Poll). Our Proven Sires continue to be represented in 2018 draft of bulls.

WE WELCOME YOU HERE AT WAJATRYN TO INSPECT OUR CATTLE 6 WAJATRYN BULLS, HIGHLANDS SALE, CLERMONT, 17TH MARCH, 2018. Also selling in 2018 at DN Sale, Rockhampton • Paddock Sales Year Round - JBAS – 7 WA Eligible

Visit our Website www.wajatryn.com or on Contact Warren and Carolyn Kenny, Gayndah 07 4161 1279

SALE REPORT

Big Victory for Central Reds By Kelly Butterworth

HE Central Reds Droughtmaster Sale was a popular affair in Emerald in early September, with plenty of people packing into the stands for the annual sale.

Also buying up big were John and Kate McLoughlin, Springsure, who went home with eight new bulls grossing $40,500 for an average of $5062.

The sale saw 55 bulls offered to sell 50 for a gross of $288,000, and a clearance of 90 per cent.

It was a three way tie for the second top priced bull, with two of Mr Ford’s purchases and one of Mr and Mrs McLoughlin’s all selling for $11,000.

Also included was a small heifer offering from the Fernleigh stud, which saw one of the six heifers sell for $3000. It was Wolfang Victory who stole the show in the bulls, selling for the top price of $12,000 to Rick Ford, manager of WNM MacDonald’s, Fossil Downs Station, Western Australia. Victory, a 24 month old bull sired by Wajatryn Eruption and out of Wolfang 11351, was a polled bull weighing 800kg. He boasted an EMA of 134sq cm, a 3.7pc in the IMF, and a scrotal circumference of 39cm. Victory was one of 11 bulls sold to Mr Ford, making him the volume buyer of the sale with a gross of $76,000 for an average of $6954.

Mr Ford went home with Mostyndale 669, an 830kg bull with an EMA of 136sq/cm, and a scrotal circumference of 41cm, and also on the truck was Mostyndale 666, who despite his ominous name proved to be an impressive bull at 18 months of age weighing 660kg with a scrotal circumference of 40cm and a 90 per cent semen motility. Mr and Mrs McLoughlin paid $11,000 for Wolfang Viral, a 25-month-old bull weighing 775kg with an EMA of 134sq cm and a scrotal circumference of 46cm. Mr Ford, who manages the 404,685 hectare (one million acre) station, said he was chasing polled cattle with good morphology results.

T priced Top i d bbull ll W Wolfang lf Vi Victory with ih Elders’ Brian Wedemeyer, purchaser Rick Ford, Fossil Downs, Western Australia, and vendor Greg Edwards, Wolfang.

”He was just a solid bull, a good top line, had a bit bigger hump than I’d usually chase but he had good numbers and stacked up,” he said. Top priced vendor Greg Edwards, Cooeeall, Wowan, said he was one of the founders of the sale and was thrilled to see the new September date taking off. He said Victory was a great bull who he expected to top his draft, and was happy to see him top the sale.

He said Victory was an easy pick from the sale.

First Rate Figures for Performance Plus Sale By Martin Bunyard

ulls sold to a top of $27,000 and females to $5250 at the Performance Plus Droughtmaster Sale which was held at Toogoolawah in late August. The impressive line up of 49 bulls sold to an average $9551 with the 30 females coming in at $3108. The combined High Country and Vale View sale hosted by Paul and Lisa Laycock and Dave and Colleen Smith, resulted in a 100 per cent clearance. The sale topper at $27,000 was the 22-monthold, 765kg High Country First Rate, which was bought by Ben Wright and Olivia Dewar on behalf of Munda Reds, Gingin, Western Australia. The stand out homozygous poll bull had a 130sq cm eye muscle area, an 11mm P8, 7mm rib, a 37cm scrotal measurement. “First Rate showed incredible length with the perfect underline, strong homozygous polled head, thickness and softness with a brilliant temperament,” Mr Wright said. Munda Reds principal Michael Thompson said he was targeting DNA tested PP bulls with a high morphology as part of an effort to breed the horn off his northern herd. “We have to breed bulls that can walk for a living,” Mr Thompson said. “They have to be able to produce an animal with tight sheath

December 2017

Th $27 The $27,000 000 P Performance f Pl Plus sale l topper Hi High hC Country Fi First R Rate with ihS Steph h Laycock, buyers Ben Wright and Olivia Dewar, Munda Reds, Gingin, WA, and auctioneer Jack Fogg.

and good feet because they need to cover up to 10km a night. And we have to get the horn off them. Every calf we have to dehorn is costing us money.

Cow and calf units sold for $4000 and $5000 respectively. The top priced pair went to Major Droughtmasters. The 28 weaner age and joined females averaged $3044.

Vale View Yorrick sold for $18,000 to Ivanhoe Droughtmasters, Wee Waa. The 906kg, 32-month-old had a 138sq cm EMA and a catalogue leading 42.5cm scrotal.

The top priced $5250 female went to repeat buyers sisters Kellie Williams, Kel-lee A, and Amy, Baron Valley stud, Malanda. Kellie said they were attracted by the length and the completeness of the future breeder.“It’s likely we will either flush her or use her in an IVF program,” Kellie said. The heifer is also a possible starter for Beef 2018 in Rockhampton.

The 25-month-old poll High Country Finnick went to Ivanhoe Droughtmasters for $19,000. The 22-month-old poll Vale View Zaim to Fernleigh Droughtmasters for $16,500.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

SALE REPORT

Organisers “Over the Moon” with CAP Sale Result By Julie Sheehan

nterest from Western Australia assisted in September’s CAP Droughtmaster bull sale continuing the solid results seen through the central Queensland bull selling season achieving a gross of $395,000 with a 93 per cent clearance and a $5025 average. Top price of the day was Glenavon Springbok offered by Atkinson and Company, sired by Hamadra Dodger, which sold for $15,000 to Karen Geddes, CMC Droughtmasters, Telemon, Springsure. Ms Geddes, who also offers bulls at the sale said that they liked Springbok’s muscling, sire appeal and in particular his bone. Ms Geddes said her priority in selecting bulls for their stud was based on bone, muscling and temperament plus whether they carry poll genetics or not is a secondary consideration for them. Michael Thompson, Munda Reds, Munda Station, Gin Gin, Western Australia took home the second top price sire for $13,500.

Gl Glenavon S Springbok i b k the h $15 $15,000 000 top price i bbull ll off the h CAP sale l with i h vendor d JJohn h Atkinson and purchaser Karen Geddes, CMC Droughtmasters, Springsure.

Glenavon Toronto, also by Hamadra Dodger will be used in the Thompson’s Munda stud with Mr Thompson pleased to take home this lightly coloured youngster which he was keen to source due to the bull being a polled sire. Mr Thompson said they were chasing this sire for “his double poll genetics, as we are wanting to take our herd in Western Australia in that

direction, trying to alleviate the job of dehorning and the setbacks that animals get from it.” Munda Reds operation consists of 1500 registered stud Droughtmaster cows at their property in Gingin, Western Australia plus an Accredited Commercial Droughtmaster Herd of close to 7000 head with approximately 300 bulls running with them.

Glenlands Record $10,030 Average By Kent Ward ew breed records were again established at the annual Glenlands Droughtmaster Sale, Bouldercombe, in September.

A record average of $10,030 was set against a total clearance in a near $1.5M gross for the Childs family, Glenlands Stud. In all 149 bulls hit $65,000 top to average $10,030, a $127 increase over the 2016 result. Twelve 12 led bulls averaged $24,042, topping at $65,000 while 142 registered bulls averaging $10,127. Seven purebreds made to $13,000 to average $8072. Commercial interests continued to cement the fixtures reputation with Jim Gorman’s, Seamark Pty Ltd., Cliffdale, Theodore and Vermont Park, Nebo taking 38 bulls (25 percent of the catalogue) for a $6368 average. At $65,000 Glenlands Vintage (P) topped proceedings selling to Hastings and Sandra Donaldson’s, Medway Stud, Bogantungan. Losing bidders, Angus and Donna Deane, Malboona, Corfield, then secured a pair of leds to average $35,000. These topped at $50,000 for Volume (P) (19-months) along with the $20,000 Vin (P) (22-months). Allan Matson, Ebony Hills Stud, Nobby took two for a $43,250 medium, including the $57,500 Vanstone (P) (24-months). His other

December 2017

purchase was the 22-month, $29,000 Vaas (P). At $32,500 the 28-month, Unlimited (P) sold to Gray and Liz O’Neill, Nyanda, Rolleston while Fred Noffke, Keronga, Rolleston bought five to average $13,600 topping at $28,000. John and Marni Baker, Booroondarra, Middlemount selected a pair to average $16,500 topping at $20,000. Michael and Angela Corones, Maclands Droughtmasters, Bororen, picked out the $21,000 Vans (P) while Andrew Schwartz, Juanita Pastoral Company, Springsure outlaid $16,000 for a 20-month-old. Luke and Alyce Tincknell, Cambridge Downs, Springsure parted with $19,000 for 23-month -old while the Winten family, Kalbar, Alpha selected a single $15,000 entry. Richie and Gaye Luck, Junee, Dingo took a trio to average $12,667 topping at $14,000 twice. Steve Smoothy, Lynwood, Theodore took two for an $11,500 medium while Andrew and Kathy Hawkins, Mowbray, Springsure also took two to average $10,250. Brett Nobbs, Inverrio, Duaringa secured a $14,000 entry while John Beitz, Middle Ridge, Amby selected a $13,000 individual. Robert Kirk, Gayndah returned taking a $12,000 Quartermaster son.

The $65,000 Glenlands Vintage (P) after the record breaking Glenlands Droughtmaster Sale, Bouldercombe, September. The 19-month-old 858kg, 138EMA entry is pictured with Jason Childs, Glenlands Stud and purchaser Hastings Donaldson, Medway Stud, Bogantungan.

Will and Ingrid Haviland, Sugerland Stud, Eungella picked out a $13,000 poll while, John and Ellen Cotter, Kinbombi Station, Goomeri took two to a top of $14,000. Colin and Linda Hewitt, Hewitt Australia picked a pair to average $10,500 while Ross Kiernan, Bygana, Clermont bought 11 for a $9864 average. Paul and Wendy Pownall, Tecoma, Monto ended with seven to average $8572.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

December 2017

SALE REPORT

Great Desire Shown for Piggott Droughties By Kelly Butterworth

he Piggott Droughtmaster Sale held in September saw a top price of $17,500 reached in Springsure, with an impressive average of $7845, and a clearance of 100 per cent. The sale saw 68 bulls sold for a gross of $533,500.

had good sperm morphology test results, good temperament, and he liked the Bos indicus content of the bulls. Second top priced bull was Aldinga Heigh-Ho, a 22 month old bull who sold for $17,000 to the Carige family, Baralaba.

Aldinga Hundred was the top priced bull, selling for $17,500 over the phone to Michael Flynn, Valera Vale Droughtmasters.

The volume buyer of the sale was Rick Ford, manager of WNM MacDonald’s Fossil Downs Station, Western Australia, who purchased 13 bulls.

Also on the phone were the underbidders, Eric and Marina Wall, Springsure.

The bulls grossed $107,500 for an average of $8269.

The 22 month old bull sired by Redskin Casper and out of Aldinga 25 was a polled bull weighing 752kg with an EMA of 123sq cm and a scrotal circumference of 40cm.

Also buying big at the sale was the McLoughlin family, who went home with eight bulls grossing $49,000 for an average of $6125.

Mr Flynn said he purchased Hundred and a second bull, Aldinga Hip Hop ($5500) because they “come from a herd that selects for fertility by seasonally calving in a real world environment”. He also said he appreciated the bulls were structurally correct, tested Homozygous Poll,

Local Springsure cattle company Creek to Creek purchased six bulls for a gross of $48,500 and an average of $8083. Terry Piggott, Aldinga Droughtmasters, said he was thrilled with the result of the sale. “It was a very strong sale from the start to the finish, a very, very good average, repeat

H l Pi Hayley Piggott, Aldi Aldinga D Droughtmasters, h with top priced bull Aldinga Hundred who sold for $17,500 over the phone to Michael Flynn, Valera Vale Droughtmasters.

buyers, new buyers, and we’re just so happy with the result,” he said. He said he did expect Hundred to top the sale. “He’s a very good bull, a little bit higher content, but a very even, soft, easy doing bull.” he said.

Quality Females for Every Budget

March 10 2018 www.dmnfemalesale.com.au 42

December 2017

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

COMMERCIAL

Droughties Proving Their Worth at Mount Hope By Matt Sherrington

ommercial Droughtmaster producers Leon and Ree Price and their family are well-known around Roma for consistently producing even lines of heavy steers at their property north west of Wallumbilla. The Price family purchased “Mount Hope” in 1955 and recently Leon and Ree have added to the acreage by acquiring a couple of neighbouring holdings as they became available enabling them to expand their operations to close to 34,000 acres. The family run the aggregate primarily as a breeding block with the fattening process assisted by seasonal oats and leucaena. Mount Hope is situated on undulating land which encompasses diverse terrain ranging from softwood scrub country through to forest type country. “We have approximately 1200 acres of cultivation which is sown to oats, and at present we have access to associated CSG water which is irrigating 180 acres of leucaena. Regrowth control is ongoing with the ultimate goal of improving soil and pastures,” Ree said.

Leon’s parents Trevor and Muriel commenced operations at Mount Hope using Hereford as their base herd and later added Afrikander and Belmont Red genetics. “We introduced Droughties close to 30 years ago, and we’ve found them to be very resilient; they don’t mind walking for water, and they produce well regardless of weather,” she said. “They suit the variable country we have, the cows are big framed so they don’t have any trouble calving, and the calves generally tend to hit the ground running.” She said their quiet docile nature is also a crucial trait to have in their cattle as they’re a “family-run operation”. “Over the years the selling program has changed from offering weaners to presenting the steers for sale at the Roma Saleyards to the feed on market. A combination of improved pastures and oats assist in getting them ready for market. She said depending on the state of the season, Mount Hope comfortably runs 2000 head of cattle including 1000 breeders.

“We’d be lucky to have any breeders more than 10 years old here at the moment, we’ve destocked quite a bit due to the dry. But it’s also one of our farming practices that we never overstock. She said all the cows at Mount Hope are homegrown, only the bulls are purchased externally to help improve the genetic diversity of their herd. “We usually go to the Droughtmaster National Sale and pick up new bulls there so we constantly have fresh bloodlines in the herd.” The Prices took home eight bulls at the DN.Sale this year, which Ree said are all “going well”. “They aren’t out with cows yet as they’re still acclimatising, but we’ll aim to have them in with the females by December 1.” She said when they attend stud sales they look for bulls that are “true to type”. “We chase those qualities that make Droughties unique.”

Prices Have Cancer Support Fundraising Target in Sight By Matt Sherrington

n the last eight years the Price family has become equally well-known for supporting families touched by cancer, with their annual Get Pinkt Family Fun Day receiving consistently strong support from the local community and beyond. Ree said the idea for the day came about after a brainstorming session between friends who participated together in the local Relay for Life. “We thought we’d create our own fundraising event and that’s how we came up with the Get Pinkt idea,” she said. “When we started out our aim was to raise $100,000 or run it for ten years whichever came first and it looks like we will reach our goal next year as we’re only $8,000 shy of our target.” “We are a very small farming community so we are really amazed at these figures.

Man Creche (Boutique Bar)! BBQ and market stalls, the entertainment line up will include the Whisky Mountain Boys. She said it has been “very rewarding” to be able to be involved in the event. “Cancer is an insidious disease which does not discriminate. We have been able to direct the proceeds to help people locally as well as the organisations which are involved in research and the care of our people when Leon and Ree Price, Mount Hope, attending treatment - The Queensland Wallumbilla are expecting to achieve Cancer Council, Mater Miracles foundation.” their target of reaching $100,000 in Never a pair to sit still, Ree and Leon are about to embark on a new venture which combines their beloved Mount Hope, family, and their great ability to make people feel welcome, with The Barn at Mount Hope now available for hire for events eg weddings, parties, corporate functions etc. set in their beautiful rural homestead gardens.

She said the other amazing thing is the number of visitors that have jumped on board to help make the weekend one of the iconic events in the Wallumbilla area.

Ree said Droughtmaster Society Members and other breeders are invited to attend the Get Pinkt Family Fun Day on Saturday, April 14, 2018. And campers are welcome if you would like to make a weekend of it!

The final event will take place on April 14, 2018. Along with the usual fun and games for all members of the family, Kids Zone,

To find out how you can support the 2018 Get Pinkt Family Fun Day please call Leon

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

fund-raising for cancer support, during their eight annual Get Pinkt Family Fun Day being held on-property on April 14, 2018.

Miniature donkeys Monty and Cedric and their wranglers Cooper and Ollie (Leon and Ree’s grandsons) are the stars of the show at The Barn at Mount Hope which is now available for hire for social events like weddings and parties.

December 2017

SHOWTIME

Droughties Shine on FNQ Show Circuit By Julie Brotherton

• Grand Champion Bull: Kel-lee A Outlaw

With the exception of Innisfail, cool, clear skies welcomed exhibitors at the Malanda, Atherton, Cairns and Tully Shows. Droughtmaster cattle dominated the Broad Ribbon Winners, especially at Cairns which was an “all Droughtmaster” affair.

• Junior Champion Female: Warrina Alicia

fter a light but extended wet season, the drizzle finally cleared just in time for the Far North Queensland Show season in July.

Studs represented this year were: Barron Valley, Hilltop, Kel-lee, Kel-lee A, Malanda High, Tully High and Warrina (Ravenshoe High).

• Calf Champion Female: Warrina Bella • Senior Champion Female: Vale View X Factor and calf • Grand Champion Female: Vale View X Factor and calf • Supreme Champion Stud Beef Bull (Interbreed): Kel-lee A Outlaw

Cairns (Interbreed) Judge: Lawson Camm, Cambil Brahmans, Mt. Julian, Proserpine

Results are as follows:

• Champion Bull Calf under 12mths: Warrina Bundy

Malanda (Tropical)

• Champion Junior Bull under 21mths: Warrina Amazon

Judge: Don McConnel – Mt. Brisbane Droughtmaster Stud

• Grand Champion Bull: Warrina Bundy

• Junior Champion Tropical Breed Bull: Kel-lee A Outlaw

• Champion Heifer Calf under 12mths: Warrina Bella

• Senior Champion Tropical Breed Bull: Chilverton 6122

• Champion Junior Heifer under 21mths: Warrina Alicia

• Champion Tropical Breed Bull: Kel-lee A Outlaw

• Champion Senior Cow: Vale View X Factor and calf

• Calf Champion Tropical Breed Female: Warrina Bella

• Grand Champion Female: Warrina Bella

• Junior Champion Tropical Breed Female: Warrina Alicia

• Supreme Champion Stud Exhibit: Warrina Bella

• Senior Champion Tropical Breed Female: Vale View X Factor and calf • Champion Tropical Breed Female: Warrina Alicia • Supreme Champion Bull of Show: Kel-lee A Outlaw

Tully (Interbreed) Judge: Shane Perry, Strathfield Droughtmasters, Clermont • Champion Bull Calf: Warrina Biff

Atherton (Tropical)

• Champion Junior Bull: Warrina Amazon

Judge: Dougall McDougall, Vale Royal, Biloela

• Grand Champion Bull: Warrina Amazon

• Calf Champion: Warrina Bundy

• Champion Heifer Calf: Warrina Bella

• Junior Champion Bull: Kel-lee A Outlaw

• Champion Junior Heifer: Warrina Alicia

• Senior Champion Bull: Chilverton 6122

• Grand Champion Female: Warrina Alicia

NATIONAL JUNIOR JUDGING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Handler Russell Kidd, Kellie Williams and judge Don McConnel with Kel-lee A Outlaw, which won Supreme Champion Bull at the Malanda Show.

Supreme Champion Stud Exhibit of the Cairns Show Warrina Bella with handler Sasha Burns.

Tully Show judge: Shane Perry with Grand Champion Bull, Warrina Amazon with handler Alyssa McNamara and Grand Champion Female Warrina Alicia with handler Lacey West.

December 2017

A bi big congratulations t l ti tto A Amy Bi Birch h ffrom Birch Droughtmaster Stud at Eidsvold, who after winning the Queensland title of Champion Junior Judge went to Melbourne Show to compete in the National Finals of Junior Judging and came home with a third place.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

NEWS

Reaching New Frontiers at Mt Brisbane

ollowing enquiries to Droughtmaster Society CEO Neil Donaldson by Frontier International, the McConnel Family from Mt Brisbane Droughtmaster Stud near Esk kindly agreed to host a Chinese delegation comprised of customers of Frontier International, a company which exports large numbers of cattle to China and other countries. Traditionally, thousands of dairy cows have been imported into China, but they are now moving towards importing beef breed females to join in China, with the progeny going into their feedlots. The delegation, led by Ben Clifford from Frontier, included Ding Jin, vice-general manager of Beijing Xiong Te Animal Husbandry and colleague Alex Sicong Wang, the company’s Intel Trade Department manager. Newly appointed general manager of Food Leaders Australia, Bruce McConnel, was also present as was new general manager of the Santa Gertrudis Society, Stephen Ware. The delegation was interested in looking at red cattle, particularly Droughtmasters, so the pen of young bulls, weaner steers and newly joined maiden stud heifers presented by the McConnels fitted the bill perfectly. Don McConnel had kill sheets and photos of both grass fed and grain fed Mt Brisbane cattle to show to the group.

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

Chinese delegation members Ding Jin, vice-general manager of Beijing Xiong Te Animal Husbandry and colleague Alex Sicong Wang, Intel Trade Department manager, with Mt Brisbane’s Don McConnel.

December 2017

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NEXT GENERATION

Hayley is a Born Giver

Katherine’s Grand Droughtie Plans

t wasn’t just a trip to Rocky to attend the annual Droughtmaster National Bull Sale that was foremost in Hayley Piggott’s mind. Top of her list was to donate blood for the first time at the Rockhampton Red Cross Blood Collection Centre. Hayley, whose family run Aldinga Droughtmasters at Rolleston, was keen to donate and become a Droughtmaster Bleeder, part of the Red25 initiative. She found the whole experience fulfilling and was appreciative of the support she received from the Blood Bank staff.

ike many schools throughout Australia, Murgon State High School has Ag Studies as a part of its curriculum. At the school’s recent speech night presentations, Katherine Rose was presented with the Excellence in Agriculture Award.

H l Pi Hayley Piggott tt ffrom Aldi Aldinga Droughtmasters donated blood for the first time at the Rockhampton Red Cross Blood Collection Centre, while attending the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale.

It seems that Hayley is a “born giver”, as in November Hayley is undertaking a trip to Ethiopia to volunteer at the Hamlin Fistula Clinic. For some time now she has been fundraising and preparing herself for the trip. Hayley’s interest in the work of Dr Catherine Hamlin and the clinic began when she was a young girl and read a book given to her by her Grandmother called “Hospital By The River”. You can follow Hayley’s journey and donate to this worthy cause through her Facebook page Hayleys-EthiopianTrip-125977527948044/

The Excellence in Agriculture Award Murgon S M State High Hi h School S h l is presented to the student who student Katherine Rose participates enthusiastically in their with her awards including agriculture subject, represents the the perpetual Excellence in school in agriculture-based activities Agriculture Award which is including shows, works well as a proudly supported by the six team member, shows an interest in Droughtmaster studs. the ongoing development of the Agricultural Department and displays dependability and responsibility. The award has been presented since 2007 and is supported by 6 Droughtmaster Studs - Mt. Brisbane, Rocky View, Tajana, Brigalow Park, Wundaburra and Amavale. Katherine was thrilled to receive the award and felt it was a great honour given her background in agriculture. In May this year, Katherine formed her own Droughtmaster Stud “Amavale K” Stud and her ambition is to breed good quality cattle. Next year, Katherine plans to further her studies in Agriculture at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus.

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Droughtmaster Digest for February 2018 Breeders Bulletin Board Deadlines:

February - August - December 2018

All copy by the Tuesday 9th January 2018 - ad copy to be built and Friday 12th January, 2018 - for complete/camera ready material.

All bookings to: Julie Sheehan

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Booking & Copy Friday 5th of January, 2018 Total cost for 3 issues in 2018 $150 inc Margaret Ward margaret.ward@fairfaxmedia.com.au December 2017

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NEXT GENERATION

Maddison Hopf and Bailey McQuaker with MCC Kenworth and MCC Mack which receiving second and third prize respectively in the Heavyweight Led Steer class at the Mackay Show.

Show Success for Mackay Christian College

orking in partnership with local industry is extremely important for any school, and in particular, Mackay Christian College according to agriculture coordinator Stephanie Banditt.

past have donated semen straws for our AI program.

Stephanie said the college operates a fully functioning agricultural centre offering education on cropping, cattle, goats and poultry.

At the Mackay Show, in the Led Steer section, MCC Kenworth and MCC Mack (both Droughtmasters donated by Lisgar) received second and third prize in the Heavyweight Steer class.

“The college also owns and operates our own Droughtmaster herd, Quarry Hill,” she said. “The herd consists of five Droughtmasters (soon to expand to eight), which all go to local shows with the cattle show team.” The college also operates a mini feedlot comprising of four steers plus steers owned by other people. “With the mini feedlot, we teach the process of farm to plate with the college steers involving excursions to commercial feedlots, sales and a slaughterhouse as well as mimicking a feedlot diet and lifestyle for the steers in the ag centre.” Stephanie said the college’s partnership with Lisgar Droughtmasters is crucial for the future of their herd and educational experiences for students. “Lisgar, for the last three years, has donated two steers to our mini feedlot and in the

DROUGHTMASTER DIGEST

“We’re very grateful for their generosity and would like to take the opportunity to extend our thanks publicly to Lisgar.”

MCC Kenworth’s liveweight on day of slaughter was 697kg, with a dress weight of 364.5kg, while MCC Mack’s liveweight on day of slaughter was 597kg and his dress weight was 343kg. The college is currently training next year’s steers, Road Runner and Wile E Coyote (it is a ‘Looney Tunes’ theme this year) which were also donated by Lisgar Droughtmasters. It is anticipated that these steers along with others, will travel to Rockhampton Beef Week next year with the cattle show team.

Sarah Drake and Haylee Connal holding the Reserve Junior Champion Female and Second in Class ribbons for Quarry Hill Opal at the Mackay Show.

“Quarry Hill Droughtmasters will also be there with Quarry Hill Boron, the college bull, and two of our heifers, Quarry Hill Opal and Quarry Hill Nephrite.

The college works closely with local industry to deliver a wide variety of learning opportunities.

“Tara View is another stud that partners with Mackay Christian College and are passionate about educating students in the agricultural industry. Many thanks to Jeff, Elly and Chris.

“We’re looking forward to working with our current and potential sponsors in the upcoming years. See you all at Beef Week!”

“As they say ‘teamwork makes the dream work’.

December 2017

2018 Calendar of Events JANUARY

SEPTEMBER

27 Malanda Female Sale - Malanda

01 Bunya Bull Sale - Coolabunia 03 The CAP Sale - Rockhampton

FEBRUARY

04 Central Reds Bull Sale - Emerald

14 All Breeds Sale - Rockhampton 24 Karragarra “Entire Drop” Female Sale - Emerald

05 Piggott Sale - Springsure 07 Valera Vale Sale - Augathella

MARCH

11/12 National Bull Sale - Rockhampton

03 Futurity Show - Gatton

19 Clonlara Sale - Glenmorgan

10 National Female Sale - Gympie

21 Glenlands Sale - Bouldercombe

17 Highlands Sale - Clermont

OCTOBER

APRIL

05 Diamantina Sale - Winton

06 X-Factor Sale - Muchea, WA 11 Bos Indicus Group Bull Sale -

08 Artesian Sale - Blackall Narngulu WA

May

12 Bullzeye Bull Sale - Capella 13 ScenicRimDroughtmasterSale - Boonah

6 - 12 Beef Australia Expo - Rockhampton

19 Tropical Breeds Sale - Roma

JULY 14 Grafton Invitational Sale - Grafton

NOVEMBER 09 MAGS Sale - Charters Towers

AUGUST

24 Cream of the Crop - Coolabunia

09 RNA Stud Cattle Judging - Brisbane 09 Droughtmaster Australia AGM - Brisbane 24 Fitzroy Crossing Sale - WA 25 High Country Sale - Eskdale

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