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.