Tablelands Better Beef Open Days 2023

LEADING STUDS

The Tablelands Better Beef Open Days will run across a whole weekend for the first time this year. A record 15 studs will participate with seven to open their gates on Saturday and eight on the Sunday – split into northern and southern zones. The initiative will give visitors more time with seedstock producers to better your beef breeding by providing the flexibility to visit more studs across two days.

FURTHER DETAILS: OPEN DAY PRESIDENT NICK TROMPF 0412 786 719

Tableland Better Beef Open Days

AugUST

ZONE 1 SATURDAY AUGUST 12

1 BEKI SPECKLE PARK

76 Pasetti Rd (East), Kairi Bill & Anne Cover 0417 190 688

2 EULUMA DROUGHTMASTERS

137 Rasmussen Rd, Julatten Gordon Rasmussen 0429 941 218

3 GADGARRA MURRAY GREYS

RN164 Gadgarra Rd, Lake Eacham Terry Leary 0407 111 092

4 KEL-LEE DROUGHTMASTERS

58 Hemmings Lne, Upper Barron Kellie Williams 0417 950 133

5 PINNACLE POCKET SENEPOLS & COMPOSITES

775 Glen Allyn Rd, Malanda Peter Spies 0419 020 046

6 TALLANGALOOK SHORTHORNS & SANTA GERTRUDIS

86 Blake Rd, Barrine

Nick Trompf 0412 786 719

7 TELPARA HILLS BRANGUS & ULTRA BLACKS

157 Marnane Rd, Tolga

Fiona Pearce 0439 774 309

ZONE 2 SUNDAY AUGUST 13

8 FASSIFERN LIMOUSINS

195 Seamark Rd, Tarzali Mo & Charleene Pedersen 0427 330 009

9 FIGTREE GREY POLL BRAHMANS 235 Turner Rd, Tarzali Ron & Jan Collier 0400 348 481

10 LAPUNYAH BRAHMANS

14909 Kennedy Hwy, Millstream Mitch Cole 0427 020 677

11 MAPLE DOWNS

MURRAY GREY & GREYMANS

469 Clarkes Tk, Jaggan Russell Kidd 0457 868 008

12 REEDYBROOK B BRAHMANS 659 Middlebrook Rd, Millaa MIllaa Brian Harriman 0448 671 776

13 RIVERLAND DROUGHTMASTERS

5333 Palmerston Hwy, Millaa Millaa Jillian Little 0429 823 117

14 YANTEE CREEK BRAHMANS 468 Clarkes Tk, Jaggan Debbie Coleman 0427 354 694

15 WARRINA DROUGHTMASTERS

66 Junction Rd, Mungalli Peter Bauer 0428 976 345

Welcome to FNQ’s seedstock capital

WHEN the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day was first launched in 2019, it was the first time a group of stud producers had combined to collectively market their cattle.

The original nine studs had a collective ambition to elevate the status of the Atherton Tablelands as a reliable region where commercial producers could source well bred, quality seedstock to enhance their breeding programs. Our ambition was to highlight the fact that to secure top-end breeding bulls producers did not have to head south, pay big money and then struggle to acclimatise bulls to the harsh climate in the tropics.

As we look forward to our fifth year the event is now known as the Tableland Better Beef Open Days – expanding from a single day in its first four years to a full weekend in 2023.

A record 15 studs will open their gates this year with seven welcoming visitors on day 1 (northern zone – Saturday August 12) and eight on day 2 (southern zone – Sunday August 13).

The innovation has taken place after consistent feedback from many of the hundreds of visitors attending each year that they wanted more time to see more studs.

As we look forward to this year’s Open Days it’s clear the committee’s desire to establish the Atherton Tablelands as the beef cattle seedstock nursery of far North Queensland has been fulfilled.

A number of participating studs have firmly established national recognition, selling stock across the country and at record prices.

Most significantly, not only are we seeing less FNQ producers heading south but we are also attracting

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breeders from southern areas to the Tablelands.

Many Open Days participants continue to strive for rapid genetic enhancement using in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), embryo transfer (ET) and artificial insemination (AI) extensively to enable them to access the best of bloodlines available in Australia and in some cases overseas.

The resultant progeny of these efforts will be on show across the 2023 Open Days – and visitors will have twice the time to peruse across the two days.

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President, Tablelands Better Beef Open Days

Nick Trompf

Twice the time to explore more studs

AFTER four highly successful years the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day will run across a whole weekend for the first time in 2023.

The event’s consistent growth in participating studs, as well as vastly increased visitor attendances (buyers from across QLD and as far away as SA and NSW), has resulted in the organising committee deciding to expand the event to two days.

The 2023 event will be staged on the weekend of August 12-13 with half the participating studs open on the Saturday and the balance on the Sunday (split into northern and southern regions).

With the event having grown from nine studs in its first year to 14 in 2022 (representing 13 different breeds), surveys at last years’s event confirmed that most visitors would attend more studs if the event was spread over two days.

The shift to a full weekend event will give visitors greater flexibility to see more studs by planning an itinerary

across the two days.

Two new studs have joined the Tablelands Better Beef Open Days in 2023 – Lapunyah Brahmans at Millstream and Riverland Droughtmasters at Millaa Millaa – while Yantee Creek Brahmans at Jaggan makes a return.

Plus three new sponsors have come on board – Explore Property, Gener8 Reproduction and Prophurst – with all eight sponsors from 2022 continuing to back the event.

Open days president Nick Trompf said the 2023 event promised to be the most successful yet.

“Similar events in southern states run over multiple days to maximise flexibility to allow visitors to attend more studs by minimising drive time between each property,” Mr Trompf said.

“So, unlike last year when some attendees rushed to see as many of 14 studs all open simultaneously, this year they can take their time with seven open on Saturday August 12 and another eight open on Sunday August 13.”

Make the most of your two days

In its fifth year, the Tablelands Better Beef Open Days is a collaborative effort which will see 15 studs open their gates – seven on Day 1 (Saturday August 12) and eight on Day 2 (Sunday August 13).

The move to two days this year gives you more time to plan ahead so here is a list of tips for the event.

WHAT YOU WILL SEE

Each stud will have on display bulls and females, including sale animals and breeding stock.

EVERYONE WELCOME

There is no need to book and register in advance to attend properties. You are free to travel at your own leisure.

the studs

BREEDS FEATURED IN 2023

PLAN AHEAD

Plan your itinerary in advance using the maps in this guide (these are also available on the Tableland Better Beef Open Days Facebook page.

AMENITIES AND FOOD

Not all studs have bathroom facilities available so please take this into account. Snacks and refreshment are typically offered, although alcohol is not provided. Please take care to travel safely.

BIOSECURITY AND SAFETY

Please respect biosecurity measures such as parking in designated areas and using footbaths where provided. Safety is paramount – ensure you do not enter pens/paddocks with stock without being escorted by property owners.

a world record $150,000.

COVER PHOTO: Telpara Hills Mach Five 920R4 was on display at the Open Day last year and later sold at the Telpara annual sale for

1 BEKI SPECKLE PARK

76 Pasetti Rd (East), Kairi

Bill & Anne Cover 0417 190 688

2 Euluma Droughtmasters

137 Rasmussen Rd, Julatten

Gordon Rasmussen 0429 941 218

3 GADGARRA MURRAY GREYS

RN164 Gadgarra Rd, Lake Eacham

Terry Leary 0407 111 092

58 Hemmings Lne, Upper Barron

Kellie Williams 0417 950 133

5 PINNACLE POCKET SENEPOLS & COMPOSITES

775 Glen Allyn Rd, Malanda

Peter Spies 0419 020 046

6 TALLANGALOOK SHORTHORNS & SANTA GERTRUDIS

86 Blake Rd, Barrine

Nick Trompf 0412 786 719

7 TELPARA HILLS BRANGUS & ULTRA BLACKS

157 Marnane Rd, Tolga

Fiona Pearce 0439 774 309

4 KEL-LEE DROUGHTMASTERS

Hybrid vigour pays off

Live weight: 740kg. Dressed weight: 420kg. Dressed: 55.4%. Age: 2yo.

Dentition: Two teeth. Breeding: Shorthorn x Brahman.

This two-year-old bullock is proof in the pudding when it comes to showcasing the benefits of using Shorthorn bulls over Brahman-based cow herds.

Melrose Station at Morinish near Rockhampton has been producing a string of of these quality steers and F1 females since it began integrating bulls from Tallangalook Shorthorns on the Atherton Tablelands into its Brahman breeding program.

The Mills family bought Melrose Station in 1893. Today it is run by fifth-generation descendant Jeff Mills and wife Karen and is a 600-head operation.

After many years of breeding Brahman cattle (including 20 years running a stud), the Mills introduced Shorthorns into their herd over the past decade in pursuit of greater market flexibility.

The Mills have long believed in investing in quality sires and have paid up to $13,000 for Tallangalook bulls.

Mr Mills said they now had a strong contingent of 80 Shorthorn cross breeders within their herd.

“This crop of calves from the Shorthorn cross breeders that are coming through are the best crop of calves we’ve had here,” Mr Mills told the Queensland Country Life in a recent feature article.

The bullock pictured above suffered a dog bite as a young calf soinstead of sending him to the meatworks, the Mills turned him out with the breeding herd to fatten for their own use.

“He just got better and better - when he was butchered I was amazed at how much he dressed,” Mr Mills said.

Records broken in 25th year

THE past year has one of milestones for Tallangalook Shorthorns and Santa Gertrudis.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Tallangalook sold its highest number of bulls and achieved its highest prices since its foundation in 1998.

Tallangalook Santa Gertrudis bulls have sold to $20,000 while Shorthorn and Shorthorn composites peaked at $15,000.

At the same time, herd bull buyers have been able to secure affordable sires from $5000.

Buyers from as far afield as Beaudesert, Rockhampton, Georgetown and Cooktown – plus across the Atherton Tablelands – have taken home Tallangalook bulls.

A key driver in these purchases has been pursuit of maximising hybrid vigour, with the bulls primarily joined Brahman-infused cow herds to boost weight gain and meat quality and open more market options.

The widespread interest is recognition of Tallangalook’s long-held focus on breeding functional, fertile cattle featuring medium maturity pattern, easy doing and non-negotiable quiet temperament.

Many buyers were repeat customers, having enjoyed previous success using Tallangalook genetics.

The addition of a Santa Gertrudis program in the past five years has given extra choices to Tallangalook buyers. The expansion was accelerated by the purchase of almost 60 females from the renowned Rosevale herd at Jandowae, near Dalby, along with top sires Greenup Noble Q206 (half share $20,000), Rosevale Reunion R130 ($32,000) and Rosevale Saloon S472 ($27,000).

Rosevale has a relentless focus on fertility and undertakes extensive analysis, using EBVs for almost 30 years as well as genomics (more recently) to ensure the phenotype of their herd is backed by extensive and accurate data.

Tallangalook will have an array of Shorthorn, Santa Gertrudis and composite bulls on display or for sale at the 2023 Tablelands Better Beef Open Days. Sires and breeding females will also be available for inspection.

Visitors are welcome at 86 Blake Rd, Barrine, for Day 1 of the Open DaysSaturday August 12.

Tallangalook Tyrone T26 - sold for $20,000 at 13 months to Cooktown. EBVs highlights include top 5% domestic and top 10% export indexes in the Santa Gertrudis breed.

Structurally sound and functional droughtmasters

KEL-LEE is a family owned and run operation situated at Upper Barron on the Atherton Tablelands, approximately 14 kilometres from the township of Atherton. Set on 126 acres on the Barron River, Kel-lee runs 40 head of breeders plus progeny, selected young bulls, replacement heifers, and steers year-round.

The Kel-lee herd was started in 1991 based on Stedon, Mungalla, Kirknie and Bernleigh bloodlines. With Glenlands, Wylandra, Wingfield, Vale View, RSVP, and numerous other leading genetics added through the increased use of AI. With the continued addition of new bloodlines, Kel-lee feel they have gained

a real depth in our maternal lines with our females, and value the strength and power they add to our breeding program. With over 30 years of in operation, we strive to produce quiet, quality, structurally correct and functional cattle with longevity, softness, and fertility to boot.

We aim to produce bulls and females that will go on and produce progeny, straight out of the paddock, either stud or commercial, that will suit the varying markets from the domestic butcher trade to the later Jap ox market. Bulls and females are sold at society sales or privately out of the paddock throughout the year.

We enjoy promoting our cattle through showing at local shows and field days including Townsville, Malanda, Atherton and Cairns and the FNQ Field Days and often attend Beef Australia where we have had great success over many years.

Jeff, Kellie and Amy Williams look forward to opening their gates and welcoming guests to view their cattle and have a chat on Sunday, August 14 as part of the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day.

Kel-lee Droughmasters is located at 58 Hemmings Lane, Upper Barron. For more information phone 0417 950 133.

Kel-Lee Droughtmasters strives to produce quiet, quality, structurally sound and functional cattle that thrive in the harsh NQ climate.

Our family look forward to seeing you for the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day!

Naturally polled, elite genetics and good temperament Murray Greys

AT Gadgarra Murray Grey Stud we have been breeding quality purebred Murray Grey Cattle for more than twenty-four years.

We choose Murray Grey cattle because of their temperament, ease of calving, strong maternal traits, fertility, carcass quality and (because) they are naturally polled.

Over the years elite genetics have been carefully selected and sourced from Murray Grey Studs from all over Australia from as far away as Western and South Australia, NSW and Tasmania.

Our strong focus on temperament,

structure, feet, strength in topline, udder attachment, tidy sheath, high milk figures, low birth weights as well as true to type of the breed while maintaining carcass traits that have industry relevance has never wavered. Local cattle breeders have been extremely happy with the hybrid vigour our bulls have put into their calves from breeds such as Droughtmasters, Brahman, Angus, British Whites, Composite and Dairy cows. Almost all of them have become return buyers.

It is our belief at Gadgarra Murray Grey Stud that strong cow families are the foundation to breeding quality bulls and females.

Our recent purchase of two outstanding bulls, Onward Rawhide in late 2022 from Onward Murray Grey Stud NSW and top price Murray Grey bull, Snowstorm at the prestigious Monterey Sale WA in March this year, will complement our battery of matrons perfectly.

We welcome visitors to Gadgarra Murray Grey Stud on Saturday, August 12 at RN 164 Gadgarra Road, Lake Eacham to see our wonderful breed of cattle for yourself.

For more information contact Terry Leary on 0407 111 092 or email gadgarra_greys@bigpond.com

This year is the time to build with Telpara Hills

THIS year is the smart year to build a quality herd with Telpara Hills Brangus and UltraBlacks.

Last year was truly incredible, with Telpara Hills setting a new world record price for a Brangus bull selling to a single buyer for $150,000. The bull, Telpara Hills Mach Five 920R4 was sold to Will Caldwell and family of NSW, who are large-scale Angus breeders that have expanded into UltraBlacks.

“Our sale in 2022 was mind-blowingly good and we are incredibly thankful, however we believe this year the prices will be more affordable,” explains Stephen Pearce, manager of Telpara Hills. “If we were building a commercial herd, we would try and build now. The Tablelands Better Beef Open Day is a no-pressure way to have a look around at all the 106 bulls and 40 females we will have on offer for sale in September.”

Anthony Ball, agent for Elders explains, “After record prices in 2022, the market has seen a correction in prices. World demand for protein suggest that markets will improve, so producers are looking to

value add to their existing operations.”

“The great advantage of using quality Brangus and UltraBlacks from Telpara Hills is that there are many more options for producers to diversify into a range of domestic and international markets. Great quality is always in demand from butchers, restockers, feedlotters, exporters, and local sales.”

Local butcher Doug Cross confirmed this demand. “With the launch of our Tablelands brand, Altitude Beef, we are working to build partnerships with producers who value better meat quality. The beef we see out of steers sired by Telpara bulls is top notch.”

“Last year we entered into the MSA competition and a Telpara steer graded at the top 1% of the MSA system, which is incredible. That type of quality is what I want to offer my customers at Cross Custom Meats.”

Telpara Hills’ sale is the largest singlevendor stud Brangus sale in Australia and prides itself on offering exceptional quality in large numbers. 106 Brangus and Ultrablack bulls will be offered this

year, plus 40 stud heifers.

“We are excited to offer our first large set of UltraBlacks alongside the Brangus this year. We think they are really special and a great option for cattle operations looking for Angus-style cattle that work well in the tropics,” explains Stephen Pearce. “I think people are going to be surprised by how appealing they are.”

The stud invites prospective buyers or anyone interested in just having a look, to visit their large display at their Tolga bull depot, located at 157 Marnane Rd, Tolga. The stud will have all the sale animals on display for the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day on Saturday, August 12 as a preview to their annual sale, Saturday, September 16.

For more information contact – Stephen Pearce on 0439 532 132, Fiona Pearce on 0439 774 309, Brittany Pearce on 0417 755 896 or Elders Agents, Anthony Ball on 0428 275 499 and Andrew Meara on 0427 210 634.

Catalogue and videos available on their website at www.telparahills.com.au

Fiona Pearce and family of Telpara Hills invites you to inspect the 40 exceptional Brangus and UltraBlack heifers and 106 Bulls that will be on display at the Telpara Hills Bull Depot, 157 Marnane Rd Tolga on Saturday, August 12. She is pictured here after the Telpara Hills sale last year, and notes that a half-sister to the photographed heifer will be on offer at their sale on September 16, 2023. INSET: The record-breaking bull in 2022.

Speckle Park – it’s the CARCASE that counts

FOLLOWING the overwhelming response at the 2022 Open Day, we are again honoured to participate in the Tablelands Better Beef Open Days in 2023.

This year, Beki will present our first stud bulls for sale on the day along with some commercials. We will have our first ET calves on display and a couple might just be for sale. Pricing is based on current market rates.

The Speckle Park revolution has gone from strength to strength in Australian carcase competitions including the Stan Hill Memorial Perpetual Trophy at the Sydney Royal Show 2023 for the Interbreed group of 3 Steers. Commercial producers are seeing the real benefits Speckle Park can bring to their herds. These include superior high yielding carcases, soft flavoursome meat, fast growth rate, gentle temperament, high fertility, strong maternal attributes, the ability to thrive in a range of conditions and excellent food conversion.

We continue to search for and trial quality seedstock that suit the northern climate. Fortunately, ET has given us the ability to see how different bloodlines perform when born and raised in the North. We

will have some sired by Wattle Grove Smoke and Mirrors L275 (pictured), Hillview Gerry (Spots N Sprouts Stands Alone x Three Ways Graceland), JSF Unmarked 2D and Dorroughby Q26.

We continue to have a strong focus on animal health and welfare in our herdhappy and healthy cattle are productive cattle.

We invite you to visit Beki on Saturday 12 August between 9am and 4pm and see our registered, pure and a small number of cross bred calves that demonstrate how well Speckle Park offspring can do in FNQ.

Remember it is the CARCASE that counts.

Find us on Facebook @bekispecklepark

Wattle Grove Smoke and Mirrors L275 (photo credit Wattle Grove)

Celebrating a milestone in 2023 – diamond anniversary

EULUMA Droughtmaster Stud –founded in 1963, still going strong. Droughtmaster, Australia`s own beef breed, created from adversity by pioneering pastoralists.

Gordon Rasmussen`s "Euluma Droughtmaster Stud" overlooks the rolling hills at Julatten, 50km north-east of Mareeba. "Euluma" was founded in 1963 by his late father Jack, using at the time some of the beef industries finest bloodlines including Cherokee Cody, Woondoo Commander, Mungalla Alistair and Kengoon Afro Kaiser, son of Truevale Fabian. Upon the premature death of his father in 1984, the stud continued to be run by Jack`s two sons, Doug and Gordon co-jointly, until Doug`s retirement in late 2009.

"Euluma" is home to 700 Droughtmasters, with 300 breeding cows in five single sire herds. On average only 20% of bull calves are kept entire with the remaining sold as store steers to mostly return buyers. As a general rule the better weaner heifers are selected to replace the stud`s aged breeders and to other beef producers wanting quality replacement breeders. Some bulls are prepared on property at "Euluma" for local on property sales,

others are sent south to Carmila in Central Queensland to be prepared for the National Sale in September held at Gracemere. Paddock sales of bulls, heifers and cows are available at most times throughout the year.

“As a stud breeder I am a seed stock producer, I aim to provide the commercial beef producer with bulls and females that not only SURVIVE, BUT THRIVE with as little inputs as possible and produce the best beef possible for the consumer.”

The "Euluma" Droughtmaster line has evolved over 60 years of meticulous selection to now provide functional,

practical beef cattle, highly adaptable to the sub tropical and tropical Australian environment.

At "Euluma" important traits selected for are fertility, calving ease, maternal instincts, weight gain, parasite resistance, docility, environmental adaptability and meat quality.

"Euluma’s" mission statement – to breed the perfect "Beef Machine" for the Northern and Central Australian commercial beef industry.

"In short, we at "Euluma Droughtmasters" strive to breed quality genetics, irrespective of the season or grazing conditions."

Pinnacle Pocket Senepols suit northern conditions

PETER Spies established the first registered Senepol stud north of Rockhampton and the only registered Senepol stud in Far North Queensland in 2006 and plans to open his operation to the public for the second time in this year's Better Beef Open Days.

Pinnacle Pocket Senepol and Composites stud principal, Peter Spies believes bulls bred in the north that don't need to adapt to our conditions provide a better options for northern graziers.

Mr Spies said Pinnacle Pocket Senepols and Composites had enjoyed considerable success on the show circuit since 2009, including Supreme Champion Beef exhibit Cairns Show 2010 and Grand Champion bull at the Atherton, Malanda and Cairns Shows in 2011.

The stud prioritises polledness, a tidy sheath, scrotal circumference, a slick coat, fertility, temperament and structural correctness when selecting the and replacement heifers for retention in the herd.

“When setting up my stud, I chose two breeds that suited this area – Senepol and Droughtmaster and aimed to produce very functional, well-muscled bulls with a large scrotal circumference that were ready to go to work and cover their female herd,” Mr Spies said.

With its sleek red coat and naturally polled head, the Senepol is still relatively new to Australia, but is used extensively in Bazil, South Africa and the southern United States, and has been used by Australian Agricultural Company in their composite breeding program since 1996 to produce their signature “1824” retail beef brand.

“Their ability to marble from an early age and their beef tenderness is ranked alongside the Angus and Shorthorn,” Mr Spies said.

“I read an article about a mob of milk-tooth 14- 17 month old heifers that were fed for 72 days, averaged a carcase weight of 250kg and an Ausmeat marbling score of 1.3 during chiller assessment.

“I don't finish my bulls on any grains or silage, as I believe cattle need to thrive and grow in the environment they are destined to work in.

Graziers don't want a fat, lazy bull, that takes time to be let down.

“Ideally, a bull should have a head like an aristocrat, a back like a billiard table and a butt like a Dutch lady, but the biggest northern profit driver is still fertility, so they also need early scrotal development to produce early-breeding daughters.

“The stud herd is run on high rainfall country at Glen Allyn, east of Malanda on the North Johnstone River.

Ticks and buffalo flies are a constant challenge here, so we apply strong selection pressure on our breeders for fertility and insect resistance.

“We follow best practice commercial husbandry, including early weaning, controlled mating and pregnancy testing, ensuring our cows produce a calf every year, to maintain our annual branding rate of 90 per cent plus.”

Senepols have been a fixed breed since the 1900s. They were developed from crossing a native Bos Taurus breed from Senegal, North-West Africa with the English Red Poll on the island of St Croix in the Caribbean.

They combine traits of heat tolerance and the ability to thrive on poor quality pasture with carcase quality, high fertility, feed efficiency, good temperament and the maternal and milking ability of the Red Poll.

“To date, Senepols are the only breed available in Australia that are carriers of the slick coat gene, identified by Dr Tim Olsen of the United States,” Mr Spies said.

“Smooth-coated animals are known to carry less tick burden in tick country, further improving the breeds' naturally high level of tick and buffalo fly resistance.”

An agricultural consultant in soil science and agronomy, Mr Spies uses a combination of strategies to grow his Setaria, Brachiaria, Glycine and Shaw creeping Vigna legume pastures, including applied biology and good soil bacteria and incorporating legumes and soil improvers for high weight gains.

“I use lime to correct the PH and P-solubilizing bacteria, nitrogen fixing bacteria and Endophytic Trichoderma to balance the soil's high iron and PBI (Phosphorous buffer index) to improve the grass's growth and vigour, root development and disease resistance,” he said.

“I apply molasses and some catalytic micronutrients such as silica, molybdenum and zinc to stimulate the soil biology and my summer grasses with ryegrass, chicory plantain and white and shaftall clover for winter bull feed.

“That is our Pinnacle Pocket difference –our bulls are paddock-raised and sold out of the paddock to keep the cost down for buyers.

“Southern Senepol seed-stock operations can't replicate our northern conditions to select for the tick, fly, nutrition, heat and humidity and southern imports struggle to adapt to our conditions.”

Previously employed by Queensland DPI and DNRM in land management for seven years, Mr Spies now works for Thomas Elder Consulting, a collaboration between Elders and leading Australian universities, delivering a data-driven agronomic and livestock production service to farmers.

“Our stud and herd bulls are available for inspection on-farm and are sold with fertility guarantees based on a vetperformed Bull Breeding Soundness Evaluation,” he said.

“We are a Pestivirus-free tested herd and our cattle are a pleasure to work with,” Mr Spies said.

Come and visit the herd for yourself. Phone Peter on 0419 020 046 or by email info@pinnaclepocketcattle.com

Pinnacle Pocket Cattle stud principal, Peter Spies.

8 FASSIFERN LIMOUSINS

195 Seamark Rd, Tarzali

Mo & Charleene Pedersen 0427 330 009

9 FIGTREE GREY POLL BRAHMANS

235 Turner Rd, Tarzali

Ron & Jan Collier 0400 348 481

10 LAPUNYAH BRAHMANS

14909 Kennedy Hwy, Millstream

Mitch Cole 0427 020 677

11 MAPLE DOWNS MURRAY GREY & GREYMANS

469 Clarkes Tk, Jaggan

Russell Kidd 0457 868 008

12 REEDYBROOK B BRAHMANS

659 Middlebrook Rd, Millaa MIllaa

Brian Harriman 0448 671 776

13 RIVERLAND DROUGHTMASTERS

5333 Palmerston Hwy, Millaa Millaa

Jillian Little 0429 823 117

14 YANTEE CREEK BRAHMANS

468 Clarkes Tk, Jaggan

Debbie Coleman 0427 354 694

15 WARRINA DROUGHTMASTERS

66 Junction Rd, Mungalli

Peter Bauer 0428 976 345

Delivering Droughtmasters that excel

THE Riverland Droughtmaster herd is backed by over 65 years of dedicated Droughtmaster breeding and production of stud and herd bulls.

The stud’s breeding programme is focused on structural soundness, fertility, performance, and docility, traits that directly influence the profitability of our clients’ cattle. Environmentally adapted, the herd is bred to excel in a range of challenging conditions. They have proven they can handle harsher times and the droughts of Central and Western Queensland as well as the often-wet conditions of the Atherton Tablelands.

Preference is given to females that exhibit parasite resistance, calving ease, sound udders and good re breed rates, and we continue to put reproductive pressure on females with an annual pregnancy test and culling. Bulls are required to have optimal scrotal size and motility and morphology at a young age to identify those that have early sexual maturity combined with good performance data. A thinner tropical hide and its associated light sheath is preferred.

Riverland cattle are selected for a docile temperament and have been for

a long time. As one of the most desired attributes of a purchased bull it makes for an easy move into their new herd and a safer working environment. Preference is for easy-doing, low maintenance cattle which in turn breed females with better conception rates and steers with improved performance.

“Our focus has always included commercially relevant traits in our stud cattle – growth, fat cover and weight for age. We invest in the best available genetics for our sires, seeking

a balance of fertility and carcass traits, and superior growth in a structurally sound package”.

Grass fed stud and herd bulls are motility and morphology tested and are usually available throughout the year, with selected stud bulls offered at auction in October. Females are occasionally available by private treaty.

“We look forward to being part of the Better Beef Open Days, with stud breeders, heifers and bulls on display on Sunday 13 August”.

Fassifern’s focus on quality cattle

FASSIFERN Limousin Stud has been operating on the Atherton Tablelands for the last 21 years. Over the last few years, a small stud Droughtmaster herd has also been established. Genetic diversification through the use of artificial insemination (AI) has allowed each cow to be matched individually to selected bulls that will maximise their full potential. Many hours are spent researching genetics both in Australia and overseas.

Our breeding program is strongly focused on docility, polledness, softness (fat), muscling, structure, growth and milk production. We pride ourselves in performance recording for both herds and being part

of Breed Plan for the Limousin herd. The majority of the Limousin breeding herd are French Pure or high grade Limousins. The stud is continuing to develop new bloodlines, including a few black Limousins.

The Droughtmaster herd is primarily based on Glenlands and Warrina bloodlines, with the introduction of Minlacowie, Clonlara and Billabong AI sires. Fassifern Droughtmasters also purchased a new half share sire, Annandale Acres Canvas, from the 2022 February All Breeds Sale.

The herd is vaccinated for Pestivirus, 7-in-1 and 3 germ tick fever. All bulls are vaccinated against Vibriosis. The Limousin stud is now DNA tested free for Proto (Protoporphyria—light

sensitivity), and most are DNA tested for the F94 muscle gene. A number of homozygous polled bulls are available now.

Cross breeding with Limousins increases hybrid vigour, resulting in higher growth rates, increased muscling, better dressing percentages and therefore, higher returns for producers. Composite Limousin/ Droughtmaster bulls and females will be available in the future with breeding in progress.

Visit the quiet, quality cattle at Fassifern Limousin and Droughtmaster Stud as part of the Tablelands Better Beef Open Days.

FASSIFERN

Limousin and Droughtmaster Stud

Quiet, quality assured cattle with a commercial edge.

BAH the brand to buy for better beef

STUD principal Brian Harriman, is a third generation cattleman, born and bred at Reedybrook Station. The Harrimans are an established family around the Tablelands and multi generation ABBA members.

The BAH brand came into being when Brian was in his early teens and old George Harriman (Brian’s grandfather) gave him some brahman cattle to start his herd.

Brian became a member of the ABBA with the breeder prefix ‘Reedybrook B’ and as the saying goes, ‘the rest is history’.

Reedybrook B Brahman Stud moved onto the Tablelands in 2019 and the stud now operates across two properties on the Tablelands and one on the East

Palmerston, spanning 850 acres and a herd of approximately 550 head. A focus on quality manifests itself in the foundation herd and the quality of bulls and heifers currently in use. Little expense is spared when purchasing stud stock and Reedybrook B Brahman Stud comprises some of the better known Brahman breeders including Ooline, NCC, Lanes Creek, Palmvale, Peter Tuxworth, Lancefield, Elmo and Fenech Brahmans to name a few. With AI capacity, the stud does implement AI programmes with purchased semen, which provides greater genetic diversity and flexibility.

As producers of prime beef, size and carcass weight is an important consideration when breeding, along

with temperament and our dressed weights at JBS Townsville shows an average carcass weight of 320 KG for bullocks between 27 – 36 months and an average carcass weight for cows of 285 KG between 4 and 8 teeth. Our stud does not HGP cattle and we do not supplement feed.

Reedybrook B Brahman Stud offers registered bulls, herd bulls, commercial heifers and registered heifers for sale when stock is available and with close proximity to the Tablelands and FNQ our stud is a great starting point for world class Brahman cattle.

Visit Reedybrook B Brahman Stud at 659 Middlebrook Road, Millaa Millaa on Sunday 13 August, 2023. Phone Brian on 0448 671 776 for more information.

View the cattle and meet stud principal, Brian Harriman from Reedybrook B Brahman Stud.

REEDYBROOK B

REEDYBROOK B

REEDYBROOK B

REEDYBROOK B

REEDYBROOK B

Brahman Stud

Halgenaes

Brahman Stud

Brahman Stud

REEDYBROOK B

Brahman Stud

Brahman Stud

Brahman Stud

The brand to buy for better beef!

The brand to buy for better beef!

The brand to buy for better beef!

The brand to buy for better beef!

O ering low maintenance tick and fly resistant proven paddock ready performers bred from the best Brahman genetics available globally.

O ering low maintenance tick and fly resistant proven paddock ready performers bred from the best Brahman genetics available globally.

O ering low maintenance tick and fly resistant proven paddock ready performers bred from the best Brahman genetics available globally.

Offering low maintenance tick and fly resistant proven paddock ready performers bred from the best Brahman genetics available globally

O ering low maintenance tick and fly resistant proven paddock ready performers bred from the best Brahman genetics available globally.

Offering low maintenance tick and fly resistant proven paddock ready performers bred from the best Brahman genetics available globally

Please ring Brian Harriman with or to arrange a private inspection of our stud stock!

Please ring Brian Harriman with or to arrange a private inspection of our stud stock!

Please ring Brian Harriman with any inquiries on 0448 671 776 or to arrange a private inspection of our stud stock!

Please ring Brian Harriman with any inquiries on 0448 671 776 or to arrange a private inspection of our stud stock!

We visitorswelcome to the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day VIEW OUR CATTLE AT THE SALESYARDSMAREEBA ON

We welcome visitors to view our cattle on Sunday 13 August

We welcome visitors to view our cattle on Sunday 13 August

Vis us at 659 Middlebrook Road, Millaa Millaa

We visitorswelcome to the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day VIEW OUR CATTLE AT THE SALESYARDSMAREEBA ON SUNDAYAUGUST14TH

We visitorswelcome to the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day VIEW OUR CATTLE AT THE SALESYARDSMAREEBA ON SUNDAYAUGUST14TH

We visitorswelcome to the Tablelands Better Beef Open Day VIEW OUR CATTLE AT THE SALESYARDSMAREEBA ON SUNDAYAUGUST14TH

Vis us at 659 Middlebrook Road, Millaa Millaa

SUNDAYAUGUST14TH

Please ring Brian Harriman with any inquiries on 0448 671 776 or to arrange a private inspection of our stud stock

Please ring Brian Harriman with any inquiries on 0448 671 776 or to arrange a private inspection of our stud stock

PALMVALE ANTHEM PALMVALE CONNIE

Halgenaes Simon

Palmvale Miss Regal 4225

Elmo J Rambler

PALMVALE ANTHEM PALMVALE CONNIE

Simon

Palmvale Miss Regal 4225

Elmo J Rambler

Thriving breeding program results in award winning bulls

MAPLE Downs Murray Grey stud is a family-owned business, located just outside of Malanda. Between the two properties, the family run a breeding herd, a replacement herd, commercial cattle, and stud and herd sires. Currently, there are plans in place to begin a season of embryo transplants later this year.

Our breeding program is seasonal, and accomplished by the use of Artificial Insemination, where they choose bulls from studs such as Woodburn (TAS), Lindsay (VIC) and Onward Murray Grey (NSW) studs to better the quality of our animals. Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) are thoroughly examined when considering bulls to use with females.

“Our first purchase of females was in 2016, with two heifers coming from Victoria. From there, our breeding herd has expanded, to encompass genetics from the leading Murray Grey studs in Australia. A number of calves in specific family lines now demonstrate Maple Downs breeding for their Dam and Sire.”

The Murray Grey breed originated in Australia, and is derived from Short Horn cattle and the Angus breed. Displaying the best of both of these breeds, Murray Greys are recognised internationally as high yielding carcass animals with exceptional eye muscle and optimum

fat coverage.

Murray Grey cattle display a number of sought after attributes including early maturing, high fertility, tremendous weight for age and are also naturally polled.

“Although we have only been in the stud game for a short time, our breeding program is thriving. Bulls bred from our own Maple Downs bloodlines have been recognised and awarded champion status or higher at a number of shows in North Queensland.”

Recently, comments were passed on our cattle to say “this bull has a soft easy doing, early maturity pattern, thick muscle from his topline down his hindquarter. A bull that is structurally correct and walks out on great bone. This bull is a bull that can go out and make a difference in the Murray grey breed and also in commercial breeding.”

Maple Downs participates at the local shows every year, and will be attending larger cattle displays such as Beef Australia, and the Brisbane Ekka.

The core focus for breeding at Maple Downs is directed at breeding hardier cattle that will do well in any climate, particularly in the tropics, which is why we breed sleeker coated Murray Grey’s. In addition, they have a strong focus

on structurally sound cattle, easy doing and muscular carcass attributes and temperament.

“We believe these are important characteristics to display as they will boost productivity in both stud and commercial situations.”

“We have also had great success crossing Murray Grey cattle with a variety of breeds to improve their commercial Quality. Crosses such as Droughtmaster and Charbray have proven great results with adding extra value to these tropical breeds, using the weight for age and carcass superiority of the Murray Grey.

Currently, we are breeding Greyman cattle, by breeding Brahman females with Murray Grey bulls. This is the first year our Greyman cattle have been displayed on the local show circuit, and we are seeing incredibly promising results.

Currently, bulls are sold privately, but Maple Downs is eager to begin participating in bull sales around Australia.

The Kidd family looks forward to seeing you at the 2023 Tablelands Better Beef Open Day at our home farm on Sunday 13 August, at 469 Clarkes Track, Jaggan – see you there.

Pictured is the Maple Downs Q-Snorter. With a core focus on breeding hardier cattle, Maple Downs also have a strong focus on structurally sound cattle, easy doing and muscular carcass attributes and temperament.

Quality, tropical Bulls at Warrina

ESTABLISHED in 1987, Warrina’s selection criteria has focused on highly fertile, medium framed, docile, polled Droughtmasters suitable for all northern conditions and markets.

While concentrating on quality above quantity, Warrina Bulls area tropically adapted, easy doing, well-muscled cattle with tidy underlines.

As the Stud is located in the Wet Tropics, where conditions and climate are often extreme, replacement females are selected on stringent fertility performance and must be able to resist waves of Tick, Buffalo Fly and thrive in Tropical conditions while still producing Progeny capable of competing favourably against the best Cattle from Sub-Tropical and Temperate zones.

Apart from selecting for superior physical and performance traits, we recongise that consistency comes from “Depth Of Breeding” and our breeders carry the best genetics. Only the best of our male calves are

kept for Sale Bulls which are mostly marketed privately, off grass, at 24 to 30 months.

We believe that this best provides buyers with peace of mind of obtaining

Bulls of high quality that are truly sound, ready for work and not overfed.

Peter Bauer and Julie Brotherton look forward to seeing you at Warrina, located at 66 Junction Road, Mungalli.

Breeding Brahmans for performance at Yantee Creek

MY name is Debbie Coleman, Principal of Yantee Creek Brahmans. I am passionate about everything Brahman. In my mind nothing else compares. Nothing makes me happier than seeing those big floppy ears coming towards me whenever I am in paddock and the surprises you get with each new calf and the throwbacks to old blood lines.

Yantee Creek Brahmans was started by a true cattleman, William (Billy) Wallace, and has been a registered stud for over 30 years, originating from the Wallace family's old bloodline style Brahman cattle.

I have been involved with the stud for 15 years now and running the stud myself for the last 5 years. On Bill’s passing, my focus has been to keep his and my dream alive. While trying to bring the herd up to what people are looking for with polled cattle, but not sacrifice bone and debt in doing so.

Current sires are as follows from the Hallifax stud. Grey bull Halifax Noel PS, HFX1168M The red bulls are Brahrock Red Scout both PP Bulls Yantee Creek Mr Ferraro 27/20. I have just put a grey bull in with grey herd called Rockstar63 so looking forward to seeing that progress later in the year.

Many cows go back to old blood lines including Barcelona, Ambassador, Manso and Avondale, fairy springs . Brahrock Boy Scout and BIG Buckeroo were bulls bred by Bill’s sister Laura Wallace and used by Yantee creek for a 5 year period so a large percentage of the breeding herd are from this line. Younger breeding heifers are from couple of Bungoona bulls.

I have had another move and direction change in my life and I now lease and am living at 468 Clarkes track Tarzali, I have the whole herd with me at Clarkes track so have had to downsize to fit them all in.

Breeding Brahmans in the wet has a lot of challenges. They do not like the wet, but the Brahman breed do acclimatise over an 18-month period and then thrive.

In saying that, I have found the last year very wet and particularly challenging with calving in the rain not the best so trying to not have calves born in winter now, then we get a long wet summer. Bit of a hard juggle. Brahman cattle have good tick resistance for the tropical climate and find ticks no problem.

Debbie looks forward to showcasing the cattle and welcoming all visitors to 468 Clarkes Track, Malanda.

Grey Poll genetics progress at Figtree

THE Figtree Poll Stud continues to progress its’ Poll Genetics. The latest stud sires are doing what we hoped in adding some thickness to the length and frame that we have in abundance. Take a look at the pics of some of the calves at 6 months.

The stud was established by Norm and Val Tuxworth of the Cairns based trucking firm. They foresaw, earlier than most, the increased importance to the Cattle Industry of Polls. They spared no expense in investing in quality grey poll genetics from leading studs.

Ron and Jan Collier took over the stud after selling their New England holdings where they were large scale Angus breeders for the B3 market. They wanted to return home to Far North Queensland which is home to the family.

Each year Ear Notch samples are sent away for DNA Poll Testing. The Collier’s generally succeed in having around 75% returned as Homozygous Poll ( PcPc ). An outstanding result for a Poll Seedstock producer as they are. If you haven't had a chance to read up on Homozygous Poll bottom line means even mated to Horny cows, very rare to have a horned calf. A huge plus for many reasons. We have not dehorned in years. What a relief.

Poll genetics are complicated, still not plentiful and present a challenge to stud masters to do it well. Avoiding single trait selection for a balanced animal and keeping a strong poll pedigree, but not staying in too close require research and skill.

We are working hard to keep all other important traits moving forward in the herd. Our females have plenty of scale and frame. We don’t want to get them any bigger/high maintenance – very

inefficient. Now we are attempting to add a good shot of width and muscle.

Polls are sometimes criticized as lacking Bone. Usually people assess Bone on the easy to see foreleg and comment on leg thickness.

In the Collier’s view the length of Bone is more important as it determines muscle length and thus saleable meat yield. Fertility is another particular focus as it is the biggest profit driver of all. The days to calving interval and age of first calf are available for each female. We scrutinise this data carefully. The summer calf drop usually gives 40-50% of the calves in the first 21 day cycle of the joining.

We were particularly proud of this result in our Tropical Brahmans as 60% is considered the benchmark in

British Breeds in temperate and kinder climates.

Our cattle are well handled and pattable in the paddock. They would have to be seriously mishandled to stir up. They are used to bikes and our working Kelpies – regrettably we no longer use horses.

Bulls and Heifers generally available. Paddock sale bulls are in condition score 3-4. They are not sale prepped fat. We regard this practice as a regrettable, apparent requirement of multi vendor Bull Sales.

Ron and Jan look forward to welcoming you to ‘Figtree’ at 235 Turner Road, Tarzali on Sunday, August 13. For more information phone 0400 348 481 or 0455 670 007, or email ronandjancollier@ bigpond.com

Another new Stud Sire at Figtree.

One of Figtree’s best Maiden Heifers.Thickness adder Stud Sire. Calves.