to view the 2015 December Digest

DECEMBER 2015
SPRING SALES ROUNDUP
COMMERCIAL CATTLE SUCCESS
NEXT GENERATION IN FOCUS
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AW1799468
CONTENTS
DECEMBER
2015
P. 32
P. 30
P. 35
P. 12-13
P. 36
4 President’s MESSAGE
4 Looking Ahead
8 Ekka report
10-11 Life memberships awarded
12-13 Taroom breeder onto a winner
14-15 What is DNA?
16-31 Spring selling season results
28 Droughtmaster National hits new highs
32 Tablelands producer invests
in Droughtmasters
34 Boonah Show in the spotlight
34 Maurice Kroll remembered
35 Christmas greetings
36 Amy Birch: Leading the next generation
FEBRUARY DIGEST DEADLINES
Advertising bookings and copy: January 16, 2016
December 2015
3
MESSAGES
Producers to
increase global
Droughtmaster
influence
Looking forward
A
015 has been a shocking year for many beef
producers, however I am hopeful that 2016 will
prove to be a marked improvement for
everyone.
The Society is constantly reviewing the ways our
breed can improve and continue to be one of the
more influential breeds in Australia and become
more influential overseas.
As part of the Society’s Strategic plan we are not only
committed to providing commercial producers with
bulls which suit their requirements and improve their
bottom line, but also ensure that our breed is an
efficient part of Australia’s beef production system. We
encourage the use technologies such as AI, IVF and
ET by our members so they can harness the very best
genetics and fast-track the distribution of these
genetics across a broader base. Our leading studs
understand their obligation to their customers to be
producing genetics which excel in the profit driving
traits of fertility, growth and meat quality. The latest
developments in AI, IVF, ET and DNA technologies
means the production of the most efficient genetics is
within the capabilities of most studs.
To take advantage of the ever evolving DNA
technology we have (as outlined in my column in the
August Digest) committed to an MLA funded
research project which will eventually see tail-hairs
(DNA) producing carcase performance predictions.
This is complimented by our involvement in the
MLA’s Northern Australian Female Fertility Project
which will help us get to the point where tail hairs
(DNA) will help predict fertility potential. Selecting
bulls with fertility and MSA grading in excess of
industry standards will provide commercial
Droughtmaster breeders with a significant advantage.
One of our other main objectives is to increase our
global influence and to that end we are focusing on
the live export feeder trade to Asia with particular
emphasis on Vietnam. We are working on plans for a
tour of Vietnam in the middle of 2016 for
Droughtmaster breeders who are interested in
researching that market. We are also seeking
expressions of interest in a tour of South Africa in
April/May 2016. This is a follow-up to the visit to
Australia by a delegation from South Africa in May
this year. There are now quite a number of
Droughtmaster studs operating in South Africa and
the tour would take in a few of those plus other
significant cattle operations and would include a visit
to a “game reserve” and some other tourist
attractions. Contact the Society for further details.
It was my pleasure during the Royal Queensland
Show in August to present John Bowler, Maruk Stud,
Orange, with a Life Membership which the Board
bestowed upon he and his wife Peg for their services
to the Society and the breed
over the last 25 years.
In closing, I would like to
thank the staff for their
conscientious efforts in their
service to our Members
during 2015.
S 2015 comes to an end the drought
remains an ongoing issue for many
producers through Australia. As I write
this column some rain has fallen in some
areas, but we are still a long way from
breaking the drought. The emotional affect of
droughts has long term ramifications which
will plague rural communities long after the
drought has broken. We all have a
responsibility to support friends and
acquaintances who are affected by drought.
Once the drought breaks the experts are
predicting the cattle market will be in
unchartered territory with demand far
outstripping supply. Unfortunately many
drought affected producers who had to totally
destock are not going to benefit from the
good prices and in fact will be faced with
restocking in the strongest market since the
early 1970’s. The resilience of many
producers will be sorely tested. Some market
analysts are predicting the global demand will
outstrip supply for the next 5 years. This
augers well for our beef industry which has
been struggling to show a reasonable return
on investment for many years. Perhaps we
are finally going to see the producers of
“food” get a good return for their efforts.
Hopefully this will allow beef producers to get
ahead financially but also to re-invest in the
industry.
Unfortunately the predictions for good
seasons is not a positive as the market
predictions. We do live on the driest continent
on Earth, so we do have to expect more dry
seasons than wet ones, and that is why our
breed has been so popular. The exceptional
hardiness of our breed is well known, but we
are currently working with MLA to optimise
the fertility and carcase quality in our breed.
Identifying the DNA markers associated with
optimum female fertility and the DNA markers
associated with the best MSA grading in our
breed will provide stud-masters with the
opportunity to fine tune their breeding
programs. While the research will take several
years to complete the outcomes will flow
through the stud herds and eventually into
commercial Droughtmaster herds. We may
not be able to control the seasons, but we
can control our genetics using the latest
genomic (DNA) technology.
As 2015 comes to an end I’d like to thank all
our sponsors (who are too numerous to list
individually) who have supported our sales
and events; the agents who have done a great
job of putting buyers in touch with our
Members and the Society Staff who have
done a great job keeping everything running
smoothly and on schedule. Thank you also to
Members who have volunteered their time
and expertise as
Society Directors and/
or committee persons.
I wish you all a joyous
Christmas and a
healthy, wet and
prosperous 2016.
MICHAEL FLYNN
neil donaldson
2
President
4
December 2015
CEO
DROUGHTMASTER STUD BREEDERS’ SOCIETY
ACN 010 129 683
40 Thorn Street,
Ipswich, QLD 4305
Phone: (07) 3281 0056
Fax: (07) 3281 7957
Email: [email protected]
Patron
Audrey Perry
Board
President
Michael Flynn (07) 4654 5223
Vice-President
Steve Pickering (07) 4168 6249
Directors
Far Northern Zone
Jeff Williams 0418 755 279
Northern Zone
Vacant
Central Zone
Vacant
South East Zone
Brian Heck (07) 5484 9183
Southern Zone
Michael Flynn (07) 4654 5223
Far Southern Zone
Timothy Lloyd (02) 6724 8362
Western Zone
Vacant
National
Steve Pickering (07) 4168 6249
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 Maher
Registrar Carmel Bell
Accounts Toni Franklin
Administration Leigh Eleison
Technical Officer Paul Williams 0427 018 982
DIGEST PRODUCTION
Editor: Kate Stark
Editorial & Advertising
Fairfax Agricultural Media Queensland
PO Box 586, Cleveland 4163
Phone: (07) 3826 8200
Fax: (07) 3821 1236
www.droughtmaster.com.au
DECEMBER 2015
SPRING SALES ROUNDUP
COMMERCIAL CATTLE SUCCESS
NEXT GENERATION IN FOCUS
Photo courtesy Jenny
Underwood, “Eversleigh”,
Hughenden
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The opinions expressed in the Droughtmaster Digest are not necessarily
the opinions of the Droughtmaster Stud Breeders Society Ltd, or of Fairfax
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and articles or photo­graphs may not be used without authorisation.
AW1799448
NEWS
Best of
the West
By Bronwyn Betts
W
est Moreton Anglican College
(WestMAC) located close to Ipswich, is a
co-educational college with a student
population in excess of 1300.
The College has a fully operational farm and offers
studies in Agriculture including the recently
introduced Certificate III in Rural Operations.
The College’s Cattle Show Team is well regarded in
the wider community, with positions on the team
eagerly sought after by students.
The Cattle Show Team has been operational since
2005 and this past year, 70 enthusiastic students
from both the Middle and Senior Schools prepared
and exhibited both British and tropical stud beef
cattle and led steers at several agricultural shows.
The WestMAC Cattle Show Team exhibited a record
number of stud and prime cattle during the 2015
show season and received many accolades.
At the 2015 Royal Queensland Show, the team
exhibited 55 head of cattle, including a number of
Droughtmasters, and received many individual and
group awards, the most exciting of which was to be
named top Queensland school in the Champion
School Award and second overall in the competition.
The competition involves a culmination of points
6
December 2015
Students from WestMAC Cattle Show Team (including years 7 to 12) attended the 2015 Royal Queensland Show with
their teachers Darren Elliot, Jason Beattie and Shannon Lynes.
awarded in four key areas: junior judging; junior
paraders; team judging; and herdsmen.
The WestMAC student were thrilled with their
achievements this year and particularly excited to
take out first place in the herdsmen competition
which, according to their teacher Miss
Shannon Lynes, was testament to the hard work of
the ten students that cared for the animals during
the nine day show and the many other students that
worked behind the scenes.
EKKA
SHOW
REPORT
Ekka Droughtie females ‘faultless’
By KATE STARK
T
HE sun shone brightly on the first day of stud
cattle competition at the Royal Queensland
Show with more than 60 head of high-quality
Droughtmaster cattle making their way into
the ring.
Judging the event was Clermont breeder and
Droughtmaster diehard Shane Perry, who was assisted
by Associate Judge Amy Birch, “Rosevale” Eidsvold.
Kicking off the event with the younger cattle, Mr Perry
awarded junior champion heifer to Nindethana Fairibel.
Exhibited by Bronwyn Betts, Nindethana Pastoral P/L,
Camp Mountain, the young heifer by Bryvonlea Malachai
and out of Nindethana Daisibel was named by the late Betty
Baker and presented the Betty Baker memorial trophy by
Bob Baker, Wundaburra, Dayboro.
Mrs Betts said she was overwhelmed by the victory as
Fairibel came from Wundaburra genetics and had a close
connection to the family. “It’s been very emotional.”
The 19-month-old heifer will go on to be joined with
Nindethana’s recently purchased bull RSVP Jackpot.
Reserve junior champion female went to Farogan Valley
Aura, exhibited by Nick and Sarah Hughes, Farogan
Valley Droughtmasters, Upper Kandanga, with Mr Perry
noting it was important to maintain lean heifers in order
to keep fat from being retained by the udder.
“Breeders need to keep them lean and mean because
once that fat goes on that udder, it stays there for life and
can really affect the potential milking ability so it’s best to
keep that in check,” Mr Perry said.
Junior champion bull was awarded to RSVP Knockout,
exhibited by Steven Pickering, RSVP & Sylvan Springs
Droughtmasters, Camp Mountain, with reserve awarded
to Carnudge Dominator, exhibited by Greg and Linda
Nugent, Carnudge Droughtmaster Stud, Laceys Creek.
As he looked out upon the class exhibits, Mr Perry noted
the future of the breed was in good hands if this was the
set standard.
“This type of cattle are bred for easy care and the
exhibits are not extreme in any way and that’s exactly
what we want,” Mr Perry said.
“The champion will certainly go on to do something for the
breed and the reserve will be a massive bull.”
Winning exhibitor Steven Pickering said he was always
happy to win but for him, the competition was really about
studs showcasing the breed and benchmarking their cattle.
“Knockout will hopefully go on to be sold at the national
sale next year and we really look forward to seeing his
progeny,” Mr Pickering said.
Champion senior female was Bundy Crystal, exhibited by
Peter Fleming, Bundy Droughtmasters, Bundaberg.
Mr Perry said it had been some time since he had seen
such an outstanding line-up of females.
“I can’t fault them, the champion has a calf at foot and is
already back in calf which is exactly what we want from
our breeders.”
The 32-month-old Bundy Crystal by Rondel Korageous
and out of Vale View Sequence has had a streak of
wins at 2015 shows including grand champion at Gin
Gin. Exhibitor Peter Fleming said he couldn’t believe
the win with his passion for breeding cows shining
through on the day.
“We’ve been in the commercial business for 20 years
and have only been showing for the past six years and
we really enjoy getting to catch up with the other
breeders and it’s a very supportive community.”
Mr Perry said the senior champion bull exhibits were
heading in the right direction for the breed. “It’s been
a privilege to judge these exhibits and the smoothness
throughout the bulls and the very feminine females
are a credit to the breeders,” Mr Perry said, before
awarding Condamine Ivanhoe senior champion bull.
Exhibited by Gregory and Dal Kroll, Condamine
Droughtmaster Stud, Chinchilla, the 34-month-old bull
is by Condamine Commodore and out of Condamine
Faith. Reserve was awarded to RSVP Jackpot, exhibited
by Nindethana Pastoral P/L and RSVP Droughtmasters.
Grand champion and senior champion Droughtmaster bull
Condamine Ivanhoe, exhibited by Greg and Dal Kroll
(pictured second from right), Condamine Droughtmaster
Stud, Chinchilla, with judge Shane Perry, Stratfield
Droughtmasters, Clermont, Aylah Knight, Miles, and sponsor
Edwina Windley, Kengoon, Kalbar.
Champion junior Droughtmaster bull was RSVP
Knockout, exhibited by Steven Pickering (right), RSVP &
Sylvan Springs Droughtmasters, Camp Mountain, and
sashed by Jenny Underwood, Eversleigh, Hughenden,
pictured with Graham Brown, RSVP & Sylvan Springs.
Fairytale win for Nindethana
T
he Betty Baker memorial trophy, presented to the
junior champion heifer at the Royal Queensland Show,
was awarded this year to Nindethana Fairibel, a 19
month old heifer exhibited by Nindethana
Droughtmaster Stud.
A very emotional Bronwyn Betts was overwhelmed when
Fairibel was awarded the trophy, not simply due to the heifer’s
success, but the relationship she shared with the late Betty
Baker and Betty’ unique connection with this little heifer.
Fairibel’s grand-dam, Wundaburra Miribel was bred by Bob
and Betty Baker of Wundaburra Droughtmaster Stud and
purchased by Nindethana Droughtmasters at the Cream of
the Crop sale in November, 2009.
Betty had a great affection for Miribel and continued to be
involved with her progress and that of her progeny.
Betty passed away on 14 February 2014 after a short illness.
Just prior to her death, she selected the name for Fairibel
and urged Bronwyn to take Fairibel’s Dam, Nindethana
Daisibel back into the show ring with her young calf.
Bronwyn was determined to honour Betty’s wish and was
thrilled when Fairibel was awarded the trophy that had been
established in memory of Betty Baker. The trophy was
presented by Bob Baker.
8
December 2015
Junior champion Droughtmaster heifer was awarded to Nindethana Fairibel, exhibited by Bronwyn Betts
(middle), Nindethana Pastoral P/L, Camp Mountain, pictured with handler Lawrence Sehmish-Lahey, Gatton,
and Bob Baker, Dayboro.
NEWS
John and Peg Bowler
Life Membership
I
N recognition of selfless contribution to the breed and the
Society over more than 25 years, John Bowler along with
wife Peg were awarded Life Membership in August.
They joined the Society on July 6, 1989 when they
established their Maruk Stud at Orange in NSW.
John had two stints on the Board as the Far Southern Zone
Director, the first from 1995-2001 and the second from
2005-2010. He also served as Acting Chairman of the
Board for a short period in 2008. John was also Chairman
of the Society’s Technical Committee for many years which
allowed the Society to harness his expertise as a senior
agricultural officer with NSW Department of Agriculture.
The annual Droughtmaster display at Agquip Field Days at
Gunnedah in NSW was managed by John over the last 20
plus years. John introduced the cooking of steak burgers
and spent countless hours organizing everything prior to the
event as well as peeling hundreds of onions and cooking
thousands of steaks over the years.
While John was spending time in his role as a Director, his
wife Peg was picking up the slack and making sure
everything remained on track with their cattle operation.
Peg was also in the thick of the organising, preparing and
cooking for the Droughtmaster display at Agquip.
John and Peg made selfless contributions to the
betterment the Society, the Far Southern Zone and the
breed, above and beyond the expectations of a Society
Director and their spouse.
10
December 2015
Life Membership awarded
to commercial breeders
D
URING the Droughtmaster National Bull Sale
at Gracemere in September, Life Membership
of the Droughtmaster Society was awarded to
John and Annette Henwood from Fossil
Downs in Western Australia.
John, wearing his distinctive cloth hat, is a familiar
figure at the annual sale generally sitting in the front
row in the centre of the selling complex, with former
Elders agent, Ed Chambers beside him.
This is the first time that Life Membership has been
awarded to a commercial breeder which is an honour
in and of itself and demonstrates the remarkable
contribution that the Henwoods have made towards
the development of the breed in Western Australia.
Research shows the couple buying from the National
Sale as early as 1985 an amazing 30 years ago. Many
others would have been purchasing as long or longer but
there would be no one who would have tackled the journey
from West to East in their own vehicle year after year.
In the early days of his bull buying John was happy to
purchase the average priced bulls but over the years
he came to realize the genetic gains of the better bull.
Over time, as he learnt more and more about our
breed, he saw the value of the extra length and muscle
in his steers and therefore sought out the bulls with
the length, muscle and scale, which he felt would
throw those attributes on to their progeny and at the
are now some of the very best Droughtmaster cattle you
same time handle the Kimberley conditions which
could hope to see.
weren’t always kind. That his cattle have done this and
John and Annette have done the breed proud. Following
more, pays credit to his sire selection.
the recent sale of Fossil Downs to Gina Reinhardt, all
No one was more proud than he when his
Droughtmaster members wish the Henwood’s good
consignments of steers were loaded onto the ships
health and the happiness and trust their retirement is
along with admiring comments from agents and stock
all they wish it to be - even though those who know
handlers alike. Many were the phone calls to talk about
John well, will know that it won’t be retirement - just
what he has achieved with his latest shipment; the
the next chapter in what has been a life well lived.
tremendous weights and the
comments from the purchases on
their arrival at their destination.
He was so proud to see the proof
of the better bull purchases in
their progeny and to see the
monetary gains when the
progeny were sold.
John and Annette are justifiably
proud of their cattle which draw
compliments from all parties in
the Live Export supply chain and
are keenly sought after by
overseas buyers.
From what was a herd of
Good friends of the Henwoods, Pam and Derrick Spann with John Henwood on
Kimberley Shorthorn some 20
the occasion of John and Annette being awarded Life Membership at the 2015
years ago, the Fossil Downs cattle
Droughtmaster National sale.
December 2015
11
COMMERCIAL
CATTLE
Handling ease PROVES crucial
for Williams family
By Lucy Ziesemer
W
ITH storm clouds sending teasing
rumbles across the hills and a gentle
northerly providing some relief from
the steamy weather, the relaxed feel at
the Williams home matches that of their
Droughtmaster herd.
Ian and Ros Williams, together with their son Shane
and his wife Belinda, operate both Broadmere and
Lakefield properties near Taroom and place strong
emphasis on temperament for ease of handling.
While he wasn’t always a Droughtmaster breeder,
Ian adopted the breed for its drought tolerance, quiet
temperament and market suitability.
In their family run operation, the ability to handle
cattle safely and efficiently is paramount to delivering
a quality product with minimal external help.
Ian said the decision to increase weaner handling
time has made a huge difference at Broadmere and
weaning calves in a cabled yard separate to the
main cattle yards has been beneficial.
“If weaners race and hit the cable it hurts them quite
a bit and it really teaches them to respect fences,”
Ian said.
12
December 2015
The main thing is
teaching them not
to be scared of you.
There’s nothing
worse than cattle
running off water
when you drive
around and it has
paid off handsomely
for us.
“We feed them for a week in the yard, then start
letting them out into laneways during the day and
also work them through the crush.
“The main thing is teaching them not to be scared of
you. There’s nothing worse than cattle running off
water when you drive around and it has paid off
handsomely for us.”
Ian said temperament is also a deal breaker in
choosing replacement heifers for his 1000 head of
breeders.
“I don’t care how good a heifer is, if she fizzes up in
the yards, she’s out,” he said.
When it comes to choosing bulls, Ian said he prefers
softer, lighter coloured polled sires that are not
necessarily the biggest, to decrease calving
problems in maiden heifers.
To further enhance Broadmere’s ease of
management, the 18,000 acre property is fenced
into 15 paddocks with laneways to each.
Ian said this system has been a ‘godsend’ for his
operation and has revolutionised mustering for the
family.
“Shane and I can go out and muster a paddock
quite easily without getting out of a jig-jog,” he
said. “Mustering can be tedious when you’re
galloping all day.”
Previously, all cattle were finished on Broadmere but
Ian said due to improvements in the market he
started selling steers to various feedlots and
occasionally through the saleyards.
Non-replacement heifers are spayed and finished
on-property, giving the Williams’ the option of
destocking dry cattle in drought weather and
allowing breeders to spread out.
Ian said a lot of the heifers fit into the graded MSA
market but it was some times difficult to achieve
considering the number of discounts available to
processors.
Pregnancy testing is only carried out on replacement
heifers and cows that haven’t raised a calf at
weaning in May and any empty cows then sold.
Ian said despite being almost 12 months behind,
this method is another way of decreasing labour
intensive work at Broadmere.
“It’s such a big job (pregnancy testing) and it’s not
as though we’re missing out that much because that
empty cow becomes just like a store bullock to us,”
he said.
“She’s putting on weight and she’s worth $1400
now, that’s record money.”
With Broadmere being 80 per cent blade ploughed
black soil and sown to buffel grass and green panic,
the Williams’ Droughtmaster herd are well-grown
and adaptable.
Ian said Droughtmaster versatility is highly suitable for
the country and climate at Broadmere and he enjoys
supplying a consistent line of cattle to the market.
“People say we’re mad breeding here in this quality
country but you try and buy good cattle from the
yards, there’s always a tale to them,” he said.
“Droughtmasters are the flavour of the month, they
do the job well here and I’ll keep breeding them at
Broadmere well into the future.”
The Prime Producers
Sale
Thursday, September at Heitiki Delungra
We would like to wish everyone
a Very Merry Christmas and Safe New Yearr
Thank you/congratulations to
Gail and Mack Shann, Lamont Stud
on the purchase Heitiki Indigo.
CONTACT
Tim 0429 318 096 or AH 02 6724 8362
[email protected]
AW1798228
Also thank you to the under bidders.
It is a privilege to bred and
offer such a bull”
J.S., M.A. & T.S. Lloyd 'HEITIKI' DELUNGRA
(02) 6724 8225, (02) 6724 8362 | Email: [email protected]
December 2015
13
TECHNICAL
Understanding Genomics
G
ENOMICS is a term used to describe the
analysis of the function and structure of a
genome, being the complete set of DNA
within a single cell or organism.
Within the beef industry, genomics is still an ever
expanding technology, with a range of potential
applications available within a beef enterprise, plus
many more under development.
Some of the most common current applications of
genomic technology include:
• Parentage Verification
• Management of Genetic Conditions
• Change in Qualitative Traits
(e.g. coat colour/polledness)
• Genetic Improvement in Production Traits
DNA Structure
DNA looks like a long twisted ladder, or double helix.
The sides of the ladder are made up of alternating
sugar and phosphate molecules. The rungs connect
to the sugar molecules and are known as
nitrogenous bases. It is the bases which provide the
key functionality of DNA and exhibit variation
between individuals.
There are approximately 3 billion base pairs in
bovine DNA. There are four different bases, Adenine
(A), Thyamine (T), Gaunine (G) and Cytosine (C).
Each rung of DNA is made up of two bases linked
together, either G to C or T to A. The sequences of
these base pairs make up the ‘message’ of DNA,
and differences in sequences provide the basis for
variation between individuals.
Assessment of
Breed Composition
What is a Gene?
A gene is a base pair sequence at a particular location
on the chromosome which codes for a specific
product. It is estimated there are between 22,000 and
28,000 genes in the beef animals. Genes are
separated on chromosomes by areas of ‘non-coding
DNA’ for which no function has been identified, but
still makeup part of the animal’s genotype.
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an exceptionally
important molecule found in the nucleus of all bovine
cells. It is often described as the ‘blueprint’ of an
organism because it codes the instructions for how
that organism will develop, function and appear.
In plants and animals, DNA is bundled into
chromosomes. Beef cattle have 30 chromosome
pairs, each pair including one chromosome inherited
from the sire and one from the dam. Because the
progeny inherit chromosomes from both parents, the
DNA ‘blueprint’ is passed on from one generation to
the next.
What is an Allele?
For each gene there may be 2 or more variations,
known as alleles, which can result in different
phenotypes or observable characteristics. For
example one of the genes influencing coat colour
has three alleles, the “e” allele for red coat colour,
the ED allele for black coat colour and a “Wild type”
E+ allele. Which alleles the animal has, and how
those alleles interact with each other determines the
coat colour of the animal.
What is a Gene Marker (or DNA Marker)?
A gene or DNA marker is a known, heritable base
pair sequence which is associated with a particular
gene. The DNA marker sequence does not
necessarily have to be part of the gene that codes
for the trait but only associated with it, therefore the
value of the genetic marker will vary. There are
several types of DNA markers, but those most
commonly being used in the beef industry are
microsatellites, SNPs (pronounced “snips”) and
Indels.
Key Terms
Trait – Attribute or characteristic of animals that
can be measured and improved genetically (for
example, growth rate, fertility, carcass or meat
quality)
December 2015
What is a Microsatellite?
A microsatellite is a repeat of a particular base pair
sequence at a specific location in an animal’s DNA,
for example CACACACA. The number of base pair
repeats differs between animals. Microsatellites form
the basis for traditional DNA parent verification,
which use multiple microsatellites to determine a
calves’ parentage through the exclusion of possible
candidates which do not have the same
microsatellites.
While early DNA technology only evaluated an
animal’s DNA for a relatively small number of SNPs,
SNP chips now routinely evaluate animals at many
thousands of individual SNPs. For example, DNA
chips with 7,000 (i.e. 7K), 50,000 (ie. 50K) or
800,000 (ie. 800K) SNPs on them are now available.
Allele – one form of a gene or a genetic locus
Homozygous – animal carries identical alleles
for a gene
Heterozygous – animal carries different alleles
for a gene
Genotype – the full genetic makeup of an
animal including dominant and recessive alleles
that may not be expressed
Dominant – an allele is dominant over another
so that the phenotype of the dominant allele is
always expressed over the recessive allele
Phenotype – the observable characteristics or
traits of an animal that result from the
interaction between the animal’s genotype and
the environment
Recessive – an allele is recessive, so that the
phenotype is only expressed when two copies of
the allele are present (i.e. it is homozygous).
Locus – the specific location of a gene or DNA
sequence on a chromosome
14
What is a SNP?
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are
markers where there is a difference in a single base
pair. For example, in the figure below, the top
animal has a “C & G” base pair at the particular
location in the DNA, whereas the bottom animal has
a “T & A” base pair.
Carrier – animal which is heterozygous and
‘carries’ a recessive allele which is not being
expressed phenotypically
What is an Indel?
An Indel is an insertion or deletion of a particular
base pair sequence at a specific location in an
animal’s DNA. Indels are often associated with
recessive genetic conditions.
What is a Genomic Prediction Equation?
As each production trait is influenced by many
genes, inferring genetic merit for a particular trait
requires the accumulated effects of many markers.
Genomic Prediction Equations take the genotype of
an animal as collected using dense SNP chips (e.g.
50,000 SNPs), to estimate the animal’s breeding
value based on the known effect of each SNP on the
trait of interest.
slaughtered a range of measurements taken on the
carcasses in the abattoir as well as meat samples
taken and sent to lab for further meat quality
measurements. The aim is to use this data
combined with genomics to identify the markers that
are related to improving meat quality and MSA
compliance.
It is important to note this cannot be done without
the continuing measurement of phenotypic data by
breeders to increase the accuracy of genomic
information.
Ultimately in years to come, producers will be able to
send off a tail hair from a sire and get a fertility
performance prediction for his daughters and a
carcass quality prediction for his sons.
For further information regarding the application of
Genomic technology, please contact Paul Williams
at TBTS.
How Droughtmasters will benefit from
Genomics.
MLA is funding a project “Enabling genetic
improvement of reproduction in tropical beef breeds”
(Repronomics) led by David Johnston, which is
looking at putting into practice the findings from the
Beef CRC that reproductive performance is under
significant genetic control and can be improved
rapidly by selection. The aim is speed up this
process by the use of genomics in the selection for
reproduction. The sires of all the project animals
which includes primarily Droughtmasters and
Brahmans have been genotyped with DNA SNP
Chips.
The Second Project is the Northern BIN Project
which involves the Droughtmaster and Brahman
steer progeny from the Repronomics Project. The
steers are to be finished on grain and when
December 2015
15
NEWS
Strong Fitzroy bull
sale hits $7250 top
By Jodie Rintoul
T
HE annual Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos
Indicus Bull Sale was a resounding success
and up on last year when all the important
figures are compared.
Good buying support from throughout the Kimberley
and down through to the Pilbara pushed prices to a
sale high of $7250 on three occasions in the
Droughtmaster offering, which got the sale off to a
flying start.
All up 175 bulls representing six breeds were
offered and sold for a strong average of $4066,
With the two $7250 top-priced Droughtmaster bulls sold
by the Sevenell & Lynsey Park stud, Bell, Queensland,
and purchased by Fossil Downs station, Fitzroy Crossing,
at the Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos Indicus Bull Sale
were Landmark Broome branch manager Ken Bryant
(left), buyer John Henwood, Fossil Downs and Landmark
State livestock manager Leon Giglia.
which was up $222 on last year’s sale when 147
bulls were offered and sold.
All six breeds attracted strong competition from
more than 20 registered buyers which helped the
sale, conducted by Landmark, achieve a 100 per
cent clearance.
Landmark State livestock manager Leon Giglia said
it was a very good sale with more bulls offered and
sold and the average up on last year.
“There were also more registrations than last year
with buyers coming from as far south as the Pilbara
through to Kununurra,” Mr Giglia said.
“It was strong sale but when you reflect on the
returns pastoralists are receiving for their cattle the
result was one that could have been expected.
“The result is a clear demonstration that pastoralists
are keen to reinvest in their herds.
“The quality of bulls would be one of the better
presentations of Bos indicus type bulls offered for some
time and this was also reflected in the end result.”
Eight Droughtmaster studs offered and sold 54 bulls
at an average of $4227. Sevenell & Lynsey Park
stud, Bell, Queensland, led the charge for the breed
and sold two of the sale topping $7250 bulls.
Fossil Downs station, Fitzroy Crossing, secured the
two well-muscled sires and another four
Droughtmaster sires.
It paid $5000 and $4500 for sires from the Valera
Vale stud, Charleville, Queensland; $4500 for a bull
from the Alma stud, Bell, Queensland; and $4250
for a sire from Redline Droughtmasters, Eidsvold,
Queensland.
With the third Droughtmaster bull offered by SC Grazing,
Canoona, Queensland, to sell for a sale high $7250 at
the Fitzroy Crossing Invitation Bos Indicus Bull Sale were
Landmark Broome branch manager Ken Bryant (left),
Landmark State livestock manager Leon Giglia and
buyers Keith Anderson and Adam Smith, Jubilee Downs,
Fitzroy Crossing.
The third bull to make $7250 was a classy
Droughtmaster from SC Grazing, Canoona,
Queensland, when it was knocked down to Jubilee
Downs Pastoral Company, Fitzroy Crossing.
Another 10 bulls headed to Jubilee Downs from the
Droughtmaster line-up including two sires from the
Sevenell & Lynsey Park stud at $7000 and $5000,
and two sires both at $4750 from the
Wynwood & Windy Gully stud, Bell, Queensland.
Warrawagine station, Marble Bar, was the biggest
buyer in the Droughtmaster run and purchased 17
bulls including three from Valera Vale stud at $5250
and $5000 (twice).
Other significant Droughtmaster buyers were Camp
Cattle Co and Gogo station with seven and five bulls
respectively pencilled next to their names.
Quality and temperament pay
dividends at Performance Plus sale
T
HE Droughtmaster selling season started
on a high with the second annual
Performance Plus Droughtmaster Sale
setting the pace.
Good seasons locally and the cattle market on a
high, saw commercial and stud producers grab
the opportunity early in the bull selling season to
bid up on the quality offering.
With 97 bid cards it was standing room only and
buyers came from as far south as Tenterfield,
north to Malanda, Clermont, Baralaba, west to
Springsure and St George and also a very
supportive local contingent.
The top priced bull was an embryo calf Vale View
XXXX sired by Vale View Ripper selling for
$20,000 to Glen and Margaret Hogan; Payola
Stud at Coondoo. The 24mth old boasted
exceptional figures to back his excellent structure,
bone, faultless temperament and weight for age,
a milk tooth calf, weighing in at 874kg, with
scans of 9/6 and EMA of 140cm a scrotal of
41cm he was an exceptional stud sire Glen says
and with the bloodlines behind him.
16
December 2015
Another young bull that make a bidding frenzy
was Vale View Xplosion selling for $15,000 to
repeat client Usher Pastoral Company, the 21mth
old milk tooth calf weighed in at 784kg with a
large EMA of 136cm.
Usher Pastoral Company selected 3 bulls to
average $11,167 including Vale View Wise Guy
for $11,000 and the equal top price High Country
bull; High Country Dominator for $7500.
Another very good supporter Edwards Properties
from Kalbar selected three bulls this year to
average $7833 one of these was the other equal
top price High Country bull selling for $7500.
Bulk buyer on the day was local enterprise Sword
Holdings, selecting 6 bulls to average $5,000.
Stud producers Hugh and Sheri Philp from Valley
Stud at Clermont secured via phone bid Vale View
Warlord for $9000 and Kevin and Leesa Woolcock
from Mostyndale Stud at Springsure selected two
bulls to average $6,500 one of these, an embryo
bull Vale View Winston for $9000.
Commercial producers and repeat clients Brian
and Lyn Thompson from Gundai secured Vale
View Xclusive for $11,000.
The heifers sold strongly selling to top at $4700
with Vale View X-Factor selling via phone bid to
Kel-Lee Stud at Malanda.
The Williams family from Malanda selected the
17mth old heifer sired by Vale View Uripper for
her bloodlines, softness and show potential and
will go straight into their breeding program.
All heifers sold exceptionally well including joined
females High Country Delicate joined to Glenlands
Quarry selling to Barry Coulter for $3600.
Vale View M Becky selling for $3600 to local
producer Cory Kruger who also selected unjoined
female High Country Elena sired by Billabong
Xavier for $3200.
Vale View Wilmot selling to repeat client Sabina
Mills at Laidley for $3400. Bulk buyers of the
females was Barry Coulter and son Chris from
AKKA Stud at Mt Kilcoy selecting four females to
average $2850 and Roger Webber from Tajana
Stud near Cloyna selecting four unjoined females
to average $1625.
NEWS
Droughtie
bulls top
at $8500
By Peter Lowe
O
RGANISERS of this year’s Bunya
Droughtmaster Bull Sale at the
Coolabunia Sales Complex came away
satisfied that their annual fixture would be
perceived as ‘affordable’.
Despite improvements in the sale average – up
$727 on last year – and a lift of 16 per cent in
theirclearance rate with more bulls sold (60 at the
last round), the sale still represented excellent
value according to selling agent, Midge Thompson
of Aussie Land and Livestock.
“There was some real value in the yarding and the
overall standard of the bulls has improved on last
year,” Mr Thompson said.
“These are encouraging signs for the future
prospects of the Bunya sale and should attract
more buyers to future sales as they recognise the
excellent value in this sale.”
Topping the sale at $8500 was Grandview High
Commander (P), a stylish son of Grandview Little
General (P), who traces back to the influential sire
Minlacowie Bold
Looking over the $8500 top-selling Bunya Droughtmaster sale bull, Grandview
High Commander (P), are buyer Jason Carter, Jemcar Droughtmasters, Widgee,
auctioneers, Harvey Weyman-Jones, GDL, Midge Thompson, Aussie Land &
Livestock and vendor Greg Anderson, Grandview Droughtmasters, Boonah.
Baron (P) and was offered by Greg and Dianne
Anderson, Grandview Droughtmasters, Boonah.
The multiple local-show winning champion was
bought by Jason, Jo and Maddy Carter from
Jemcar Droughtmasters, Widgee, Qld.
The Carters could not believe their luck when
Commander was knocked down to them.
“We thought he would make a lot more money,”
said Jason Carter.
“He was exactly what we were looking for –
softness, length, depth and temperament, and we
also liked his type.”
The champion pair of sale bulls was also presented
by Grandview Droughtmasters.
Brian, Yvonne and Joshua Heck, Bryvonlea
Droughtmasters, Glastonbury, enjoyed another
consistent sale result after their five bulls led the
averages at $6000 and topped at $7000.
Steven Pickering, RSVP Droughtmasters, Windera,
also recorded a solid result with four bulls for a
$5125 average.
Roger Webber and family, Tajana Droughtmasters,
Cloyna, had an excellent sale result after selling
three bulls for a $5000 average with a top of
$7000.
Salter bull attracts $16,500 top at Roma
By PENELOPE ARTHUR
T
HE Salter family of Surat were delighted to
see their draft of 55 Glen Fosslyn
Droughtmaster bulls meet strong demand at
the Roma Saleyards.
The Salters achieved the very strong average of
$5590 and cleared 93pc of their bulls under the
hammer. The top price of $16,500 was paid by Paul
and Lisa Laycock, High Country Droughtmasters,
Toogoolawah.
Glen Fosslyn Idol is a son of Glen Fosslyn Exelby, who
had a debut offering of progeny at Saturday’s sale. A
polled bull, Glen Fosslyn Idol weighed in at 763kg and
boasted an EMA of 115 and a P8 rib fat measurement
of 9 and 6 respectively.
Paul Laycock spotted Idol in the sale catalogue and
was equally impressed with the bull on sale day.
“We really like his overall correctness and he has the
perfect sheath and a nice polly head,” he said. “We
are in the process of expanding our stud operation
and he’ll play a vital role in advancing our herd.”
Second top price, $10,000, was paid by the York
family, Yorkaringa, Wallumbilla for Glen Fosslyn
Instagram. The 877kg, Instagram recorded an EMA of
130, P8 of nine and rib of six. The Yorks also paid
$7500 for Glen Fosslyn Illuminary.
Other sales of note included the 837kg Glen Fosslyn
Investor, which sold to Kevin and Coral Francis,
Injune, for $8500.
Volume buyer was Russell Gillingham, Cumalong
Grazing Co, Longvale, Wandoan, who purchased 11
18
December 2015
bulls averaging $4834. Mr Gillingham has been
buying Glen Fosslyn bulls for 20-plus years.
The Groat family also put together a good line of bulls
for their Injune operation, buying five for an
average of $5600. The Price family, Tarcoola, Injune,
purchased three bulls for an average of $4833. Glen
Fosslyn principal, Cameron Salter said he was delighted
with the sale result given the tough conditions the
industry had faced in more recent years.
“We were delighted to see our commitment to
Breedplan becoming more popular as a selection tool
for buyers,” he said. “Both top priced bulls are backed
up with Breedplan EBV figures that are more than
double the Droughtmaster breed averages. These high
growth for age figures were critical selection criteria
for the buyers.
“Buyers are capitalising on our Sires being backed by
science when making their selections,” he said.
BELOW: Paul and Lisa Laycock, High Country
Droughtmasters, Toogoolawah, paid $16,500 for the top
priced bull at the Glen Fosslyn Droughtmaster Bull Sale
at Roma on Saturday. Glen Fosslyn principals Cheryl and
Cameron Salter, Surat, were delighted to see their draft
of 55 bulls average $5590.
WA visitors pay $15,000 for Cap’s top
By Kerrie Sagnol
W
HEN Michael Thompson and Kim Goad
made the long journey from the Western
Australian town of Port Hedland to
Rockhampton, they were confident that
they would find what they were looking for at The Cap
Sale in September.
Mr Thompson, representing the Thompson family of
Munda Station, Port Hedland and his “driving force”,
agent Kim Goad of Goad Livestock, Pilbara and
Gascoyne regions, took advantage of the BJD-clear
status of the Glenavon Stud herd and put nine Glenavon
bulls on the truck for an average of $8278.
Included in their haul was the $15,000 top-priced bull
Glenavon Redmont which, at 21 months old, had an
eye muscle area of 132sq.cm and a scrotal
circumference of 46cm.
The Thompson family, who have purchased bulls
from Glenavon Stud every year since 2007, will put
some of the bulls purchased at The Cap Sale to their
Munda Reds stud cows, while others will join their
commercial herd. Joe and Jill Atkinson, Sanders,
Dingo, purchased the second top priced bull
Glenavon Quiggley (P) for $14,000.
The 31-month-old son of Redskin Yardsmen entered
the selling ring with a fat measure of 9mm at the rump
and 6mm at the rib, a scrotal circumference of 37cm
and an eye muscle area of 138sq.cm.
Des Dahl, Brolga Gully, Baralaba purchased Glenavon
Redneck, also by Redskin Yardsmen, for $12,000, and
the Thompson family paid $12,000 for Glenavon Rastis,
a Hamadra Dodger (P) bull.
Trafalgar Cattle Company, Morinish, took home
Glenavon Real Deal (P) for $10,000.
Volume buyers were Munda Station and WV&MD
Cragg, Mourindilla, Dingo, who both purchased nine
bulls, and B&C Cattle Co, which took home six bulls.
At the final fall of the hammer, 70 out of the 79 bulls
offered had sold for an average of $5000. Vendors
John Atkinson and Karen Geddes were very happy with
how the sale went.
“It’s pleasing to see practical cattlemen turn up year
after year to buy bulls at this sale. A high proportion of
our buyers are repeat buyers,” Mr Atkinson said.
Happy vendor John Atkinson of Glenavon Droughtmasters, Yaamba, with purchaser
Michael Thompson, Munda Station, Port Hedland, and Kim Goad, Goad Livestock,
Pilbara and Gascoyne, with the $15,000 top priced bull Glenavon Redmont.
December 2015
19
NEWS
BELOW: Admiring the $22,000 top-priced
Clonlara 14125 (P) were buyers Rob and Ron
Pollock, Roma, with Clonlara Droughtmasters
co-principal Gus McCormack, Dilga, Glenmorgan.
Clonlara post record $7237 sale average
By Peter Lowe
S
TRONG repeat buyer confidence in bulls with
a proven commercial background paved the
way for Gus and Jen McCormack’s Clonlara
Droughtmasters record $7237 on-property
sale average.
The buying gallery was chock full of return clients
keen to secure the draft of 59 fertile, functional and
commercially relevant Droughtmaster bulls which
sold out to mainly longer-term buyers who
appreciate the performance of the Clonlara genetics.
The father and son partnership of Ron and Karen
Pollock, Karon stud and Rob and Kerri-Ann Pollock,
Carlton Droughtmaster stud at Roma secured Clonlara
14125 (P), a 22-month-old son of Glenlands Postmark
(P) which recorded a daily gain of 1.18kg/day.
Mr Rob Pollock said Clonlara 14125 was a young,
long-bodied bull with great potential and liked the
bull’s balanced figures, big EMA of 134 and high
semen count.
His pedigree on the dam’s side traced back to the
$60,000 influential sire in Talgai Impact 951.
The real feature of this year’s sale was the
commitment of their return buyers such as Ian and
Ros Williams, Broadmere Grazing Company,
Broadmere, Taroom, who accounted for half-a-dozen
bulls at a $6167 average and paid up to $10,000 for
another stylish son of Glenlands Postmark with
excellent growth performance figures.
Other long-term buyers included Robert and Donna
Rea, Lisgar Pastoral Company, Home Hill, who bought
three exceptional youngsters for a $13,000 average,
which included $20,000 for Clonlara 14227.
The second top-priced bull was a superbly
balanced son of Locarno Gus with a big, deep,
square back-end and stacks of breed character.
Another regular buyer was Jeff Ferrier, Nellybri
Pastoral Company, Surat, who picked up six bulls
at $4666.
Robert and Don Lethbridge, Lethbridge Brothers,
Aqua Park, Taroom, bought five quality bulls for a
$6200 average and DOCE Pty Ltd, Roma, selected
six replacement bulls at $6167.
Among their most valued clients are Jon and Bindy
Warby, Wagganba, Glenmorgan, who have been
buying at the McCormack family’s sale for all of the
past 27 years, secured another five bulls for a $5800
average, including Clonlara 1450 for $8000.
Droughties top $18,000 at Aldinga sale
By Inga Stunzner
A
STRONG line-up of repeat commercial and
stud buyers at the Aldinga Droughtmaster
on-property sale, Springsure, saw all bulls
sold.
The sale saw 65 bulls sell to a 100 per cent
clearance, with a top of $18,000 and an
average of $6638. Western Australian Michael
Thompson, Munda Pastoral, Port Hedland, who has
made his presence felt at several bull sales in the
region, paid top money for lot 1.
The 23-month-old bull, Aldinga Figjam (P), had
fertility traits Mr Thompson was looking for.
“We bought some really handy bulls,” said Mr
Thompson, who was also the volume buyer with
20
December 2015
nine bulls to average $9000.
Stud principals Terry and wife Catherine, who were
happy to see their regular buyers return, saw their
average up almost $2000 on last year, and also
saw new buyers come into the mix.
The second volume buyer were first-timers
Malcolm and Kate Groat, Castle Hill, Arcadia Valley,
who bought five bulls to average $5800.
The couple recently bought Lorraine, north of
Roma, with an existing herd of 600 cows, and
were on the hunt for some good Droughtmaster
bulls.
“We were looking for polled quiet cattle with good
eye muscle area, and we were also very conscious
of them having good tidy sheaths,” Mr Groat said.
The second top-priced bull sold to Ken Rutherford,
Redbank, Morinish, for $15,000, and will be
heading directly to his Redskin Droughtmaster
Stud.
Mr Rutherford, who bought the last year’s toppriced bull also by the same sire, said it was the
bull’s tremendous growth, good muscle pattern and
the fact it was polled to boot that sealed the deal.
“I like going out to their sales because they are
bred by cattlemen and they produce a good even
line,” he said.
Other buyers of note included Ian and Donna
Attow, Sevenangle Stud, Kilkivan, who bought two
bulls to average $14,000; Fred Noffke, Sprinsgure,
bought three to average $11,167; and Logan
Pastoral bought four bulls to average $10,000.
NEWS
Glenlands $1.27m result
By KENT WARD
I
NCREASED sale averages, two international
buyers, another million dollar plus result and a
complete clearance featured at the Glenlands
Sale. A three state buyers panel along with NT
and overseas support plus new and established
clientele were represented in the offering.
In all 167 bulls sold to $42,500 to average
$7623 grossing $1.273m. The bottom line is
$602/head above the 2014 sale. Thirteen extra
bulls were sold while forty six percent of the sale
sold for $5000 or less.
Glenlands Tradition (D) (21-months) (858kg)
(144EMA) was the sale topper. He sold to Chippy
Watson, KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa and the
Donaldson family, Medway Stud as partners. Chippy
also took the $22,000 Timekeeper for export
purposes while Medway claimed the top selling herd
bull, a 19-month-old, Glenlands K.B. son for
$15,000. Steven Swan, Inala, Moura took the sale
opener Storm Front (1034kg) for $28,000 while
Dean and Julie Allen, Western Red and Fairhaven
Studs, Longreach selected a trio for a $19,834
average topping at $27,500 for the 26-month,
904kg, 136EMA, D Trilogy (P) (AI) (ET). Alan Matson,
Ebony Hills Stud, Allora claimed the
$28,000 Tape Deck (P) (22-months).
Fred and Juleen Johnson, Chipahill
Stud, Biloela outlaid $26,000 for the
23-month, 840kg, Tancred (P) while
two IVF brothers averaged $17,500
topping at $22,000 for the
26-month-old, D Trademark (P) to
the Pelling family’s, Fernleigh stud,
Theodore and the $13,000 D
Thornton (P) to the Farquhar family,
Calco Stud, Rolleston. Fred Noffke,
Keronga, Rolleston selected three for
a $13,334 average including the
$22,000 Typhoon (P) 24-months).
Gray O’Neill, Nyanda, Rolleston
outlaid $20,000 for the 17-month,
Touchdown (P). Michael and Angela
Corones, Koorawatha, Bororen
claimed a trio for a $14,333 average
including the $20,000 D Trail Blazer
(P) (24-months) (966kg) (144EMA).
Ken, Shelley and Ben Mutton,
Fieldhouse Stud, Wickepin, WA took
the $19,000 Two Up (P) (24-months)
while Jim Conroy, Semex Australia and New Zealand
secured the $18,000 D Sandlewood (P) (27-months)
(860kg). Augathella breeders, Scott and Tracy
Sewell, Wingstar Stud picked the $18,000 son of
the first season sire, Glenlands Paterson in the form
of the 21-month-old, Tornado (S) (772kg). Warrego
Stud, Roma owned by the O’Kane familysecured the
$16,000 Glenlands Paterson son, Telford (P)
(23-months) while the Clonlara stud, Glenmorgan
secured the $14,000 D Thunderbolt (P) (20-months).
Another at $18,000 was Santos (P) (33-months)
(1065kg) selling to Greg and Sue Wales, Buthurra
Vale Stud, Mackay.
Anthony Anderson, Eddington Stud, Julia Creek
selected the $15,000 Terrain (S) (23-months)
(720kg). Thomas Burnett, Tuttawa, Dirrinbandi
took a pair averaging him $11,750 topping at
$12,000 for the two-yea-old Titan (P) (812kg) by
Garthowen Sparrow 2. David and Colleen Smith,
Vale View Stud, Goomeri took a $9000 K.B. son
in the 24-month, Tactician (H) (864kg) (145EMA).
John and Ellen Cotter, Kinbombi Station, Goomeri
took five to average $6800. E Carr and Son,
Myravale, Glastonbury claimed five to average
$6300. Bash and Robin Carmichael, Newcombe,
Augathella retuned for four to average $6125
while Peter Carmichael, Lochinvar, Augathella got
three for on average $9500 topping at $17,000.
Charlie and Jackie Hawkins, Malakoff Downs,
Hughenden picked 13 averaging $4885 while
Bonney Downs Station, Nullagine, WA purchased
the same number to average $4250. Hammersley
Iron, WA took six to average them $4667 while
the DPIF, Alice Springs, NT claimed three
toppnigat $12,000 to average $8500. Jim
Gorman, Seamark Pty Ltd, Cliffdale,
Theodoresigned off on 25 for two destinations to
average $4771. Lawrie Family, Sebastopal,
Westwood purchased five averaged $4900 while
Dan and Helen Sullivan, Talagai, Capellatook four
to average $5250. Rob and Ann Donahue,
Barradoo, Bauhinia selected six to average
$4917. The Phillips family, Mt Playfair, Tambo
signed off on four to average $4125.
- Agents Hourn and Bishop Qld, Landmark
GLENLANDS DROUGHTMASTERS: The $42,500,
21-month-old, Glenlands Tradition (D) with connections
after the Glenlands Droughtmaster Sale, Bouldercombe.
With the 858kg youngster are new owners, Hastings
Donaldson, Medway Stud, Bogantungan Queensland and
Chippy Watson, Kwa Zulu, Natal, South Africa along with
Jason Childs, Glenlands Stud, Bouldercombe.
WA buyers make presence felt
W
ESTERN Australian buyers injected
some heat into the market at the
annual on-property Valera Vale
Droughtmaster bull sale at Augathella.
Stud principal Michael Flynn sold 94 per cent of
the offering under the hammer, with 78 bulls
averaging $4429 and topping at $11,000 twice.
The bulls were presented in working condition and
carrying very little fat, in consideration of the locally
22
December 2015
dry conditions some of the bulls were destined to
face after the sale.
For the first time the draft was semen morphology
tested prior to the sale.
Only 22 bid cards were registered, reflecting the
ongoing multi-year drought locally, but solid
support from WA helped drive the sale. Three WA
buyers took home 21 bulls between them, while
eight bulls sold into NSW.
The volume buyer of the sale was the Edwards
family, Maroonah Station, Carnarvon, WA, who
purchased 12 bulls for an average of $3666, while
Sid Goodwin, Tanderra Station, Springsure,
purchased nine bulls for an average of $5333.
Five bulls averaging $3000 went to Lorraine
Station in the gulf country.
NEWS
Artesian
hits $18,000
By KENT WARD
D
ESPITE the horrific drought that still grips
the majority of western Queensland a
record sale average was achieved at the
annual Artesian Sale, Blackall.
In all 53 bulls topped at $18,000 to average $5415
on the back of an 82 percent clearance at auction.
The bottom line average was $397 ahead of the
previous benchmark figure set at the 2014 fixture.
However, the clearance level did suffer with the six
vendor studs witnessing a nine percent reduction
over the previous years result.
Sale topper at $18,000 was the 25-month-old,
Medway Vindicate (D) offered by Hastings and
Sandra Donaldson, Medway Stud, Bogantungan.
Taking home the 765kg son of Glenlands Purcell (ET)
(H) with a 127 EMA and a scan of 15/9mm was
Alastair and Karen Kirk, Olinda, Baralaba . Ken and
Kerry McKenzie, Yaralla Stud, Blackwater were the
losing bidder. Olinda will be the home of two new
recruits from the sale that averaged $10,500 while
Medway’s 20 head averaged $6175.
Next best was the $16,000, 35-month-old, Glenlands
Senator (P). The 126EMA, 980kg (Glenlands Hatch)
offered by the Glenlands Stud, Bouldercombe sold to
the Purnell family, Calioran Stud, Alton Downs.
Glenlands averaged $6333 for their six.
Bulk buyer of the sale and taking the $1000 ‘Bulk
Buyer Bonus’ donated by TJO Grassroots Consulting
were two Alpha producers, Ian and Bonnie
Market topper at this years annual Artesian Sale, Blackall was the $18,000, Medway Vindicate (D). With the 25-monthold are his new owners, Hayden and Alastair Kirk, Olinda, Baralaba and Emily Donaldson, Medway Stud, Bogantungan.
Donaldson, Trebarney and Richard Appleton, Star
Downs. Both ended with 10, with Trebarney’s
averaging $5400 and the Star Downs haul averaging
$4200. Top of the Trebarney draft was the $10,500
Medway 14108 (23-months) (Glenlands Masterkey)
while the top for Star Downs were two at $6500
from the Medway and Fairhaven drafts.
The local prefixes, Fairhaven and Western Red studs
averaged $5000 for their eight. Owners, Dean and
Julie Allen, Longreach saw their draft top at $8000
for Western Red Ivanhoe (P) (23-months) (Glenlands
Overseer) selling to John Paine, Daintree, Winton.
Another at $8000 was the 24-month, Clonlara 1495
(S) offered by the McCormack family, Clonlara Stud,
Glenmorgan selling to Jason and Anne Sprague,
Neverfail, Blackall. Yaralla Parrish (H) was another at
$8000. The 23-month-old by Yaralla Milan and
offered by the Yaralla Stud was a part of the
Trebarney selections.
This year, the Royal Flying Doctor Service received a
$2750 donation from the vendors of the sale. The
amount represents 10pc of the proceeds of six bulls
identified throughout the sale by each of the vendors.
Local producers continued to support the sale with
Greg and Jill Peck, Purtora, Blackall taking two to
average $9500 topping at $10,000 for the
24-month-old, Medway Veneer (P) (Medway Pagel).
Brisbane based, Hewitt Cattle Australia claimed four
to average $3500 while Iain and Kathy Scholes Mena
Park, Blackall secured four for a $5125 medium.
Jarryd Janke, Beeandee, Rockside claimed the
$9500 Medway Varying (P) (Rondel Our Gold) while
Alec Sparrow, Malden, Alpha returned taking five to
average $3200.
$17,000 top at inaugural BullZeye sale
By Kerrie Sagnol
A QUALITY lineup of 73 Droughtmaster bulls
representing seven Central Queensland studs went
under the hammer at the inaugural BullZeye
Droughtmaster Sale in Capella.
A good crowd and strong local support saw 71 bulls
sell to a top of $17,000 and average $5204.
Hastings and Sandra Donaldson and family, Medway
Droughtmasters, offered up the top priced bull,
Medway Vicinity, which was sold to John Atkinson,
Glenavon Droughtmasters, Yaamba.
Weighing in at 832kg, the 24-month-old son of
Glenavon Murdoch boasted the largest eye muscle
area in the catalogue at 144sq.cm, and measured
12mm P8 fat, 10mm rib fat and a 41.5cm scrotal
circumference.
Mr Atkinson said a photo of the bull caught his eye,
and after a verbal report and the scan results, he
decided the bull fitted his criteria. “I was looking for
Buyer John Atkinson’s representative Georgie Connor and vendor Emily Donaldson with the top priced Medway Vicinity.
24
December 2015
an early maturing bull. He has a big eye muscle
area, no coarseness, and a beautiful coat type,” Mr
Atkinson said. The bull will join a single sire herd in
the Glenavon bull breeding program.
Medway Vandyke was the next bull to sell and also
the next top price, with Colin Fernie, Fernie Cattle
Company, Blackwater purchasing the 23-month-old
poll for $16,000.
Sired by Medway Queenslander, the youngster
tipped the scales at 744kg, measured 10mm and
7mm in the rump and rib respectively, 125sq.cm in
the eye muscle and a 37cm scrotal circumference.
Andrew and Kerri McKenzie’s Hamadra Errol was
next in the money, selling to Ted Murphy, Tayglen
Pastoral Company, Dysart, for $14,000. The Yaralla
Kinsley son weighed 808kg at 24 months of age,
measured a 42cm scrotal circumference, scanned
9mm and 7mm in the rump and rib and 130sq.cm
in the eye muscle area.
Mr Murphy walked away with three bulls in total,
including the $11,000 Needmor Bang-a-Rang.
The Dunne family, Tarcoola, Dingo, took home the
$12,000 Medway Vibrant as well as the $9000
Hamadra Eskimo. Volume buyer was S & J
Donaldson, Mt Ball, Sapphire, who purchased 10
bulls at an average of $3000.
December 2015
25
NEWS
Jim Stower, Millmerran bid $18,000 for Minlacowie Sully (P) pictured with Jason Spann, representing the Minlacowie Stud, Goovigen.
Dalmally
Dallas
tops $24,000
By Peter Lowe
A
COMMITMENT to quality from vendors and
confidence in the beef industry were key
drivers behind the Roma Tropical Breeds
Droughtmaster bull sale posting a record
$5453 average.
Droughtmaster chief executive officer Neil
Donaldson said another reason for the success of
Roma Droughtmasters is the sale’s growing
reputation as a source of bulls which represent
excellent value for money.
These factors helped lift the average $1084 on the
previous benchmark and continues the breed’s
growing popularity amongst Australia’s beef
producers.
Central Queensland stud masters Ken and Debbie
Rutherford, Redskin Droughtmasters, Morinish paid
the $24,000 top money for Dalmally Dallas (P), a
23-month-old son of Glen Fosslyn Ebenezer (P)
which weighed 900kgs and scanned 141 for eye
muscle area.
He was offered by Rob Brown, Dalmally Grazing
Company, Roma who averaged $11,167 for his
three bulls.
Mr Rutherford described Dallas as a bull with a
great sire’s outlook, tremendous muscle, scale and
a good clean poll head.
Long-standing Roma vendors Derrick, Pam, Nicole
and Jason and Sam Spann, Minlacowie and
Wingfield Droughtmasters, Goovigen sold their
outstanding homebred bull, Minlacowie Sully (P) for
the $18,000 second best money to Ken, Kathy,
Jim and Amelia Stower, Merrawindi
Droughtmasters, Millmerran.
Ken Rutherford paid $24,000 top money for Dalmally Dallas (P) from Rob Brown.
26
December 2015
Sully recorded the largest EMA of the catalogue at
145sq cms. Ken Stower bought his first Minlacowie
bull 35 years ago and has always had confidence
in the Spann family’s breeding direction and
bought Sully for his temperament, structure and
impeccable pedigree – by a son of
Billabong Julius Ceasar (P) and from a Wingfield
Boris (P) female.
The Spann family sold nine bulls for a solid $7556
average.
Other successful vendors included Charm Ryrie,
Wirrigai Droughtmasters, Pittsworth who sold three
excellent bulls for a $9167 average including two
at $11,000 and Brett, Leanne and Emma Warne,
Jembrae Droughtmasters, Injune who recorded
their best Roma result to date after clearing seven
bulls for a $7500 average.
Sharon Harms, Oakmore Park, Greenmount sold
three polled sons of Oakmore Kadir (P) for a $7333
average with Oakmore Norfolk going to Cameron
Salter, Cooma, Surat for $8000.
The $24,000 top selling Roma Tropical Droughtmaster bull, Dalmally Dallas (P),
Dalmally Grazing Company, Roma.
Droughtmaster Trade Mission to South Africa
March / April 2016
Join Droughtmaster Members for a 12 day Trade
Mission to South Africa next March/April, to obtain
an understanding of the opportunities that exist for
expansion of our unique Australian breed’s genetics
into that country’s beef herd. The trade mission
will be visiting some of the recently established
Droughtmaster Studs there as well as a number of
other leading cattle breeders who will be keen to
share their knowledge of the South African industry
with you.
Outside of the technical aspects of this tour, there
will be the opportunity to experience African Game
Reserves.
EMAIL, FAX OR SEND THIS FORM BACK TO:
Anticipated costs for Members of Droughtmaster
Stud Breeders’ Society will be $6,500 per person in
double or twin share accommodation.
Phone: 07 3281 0056
Fax: 07 3281 7957
Email: [email protected]
Droughtmaster Australia
40 Thorn Street, Ipswich QLD 4305
Expression of Interest to join the official delegation on the
Droughtmaster Trade Mission to South Africa 2016
Please forward further details on the proposed Droughtmaster Trade Mission to South Africa
Name(s): ..........................................................................................................................................Title: ..................................................
Address:......................................................................................................................................................................................................
City: ............................................................................... Postal code: ........................................................................................................
Telephone: ............................................. Fax:....................................................... Email: .........................................................................
Preferred method of contact (please tick):
AW1810779
Email:
Phone:
Post:
Fax:
NEWS
DN. sale tops
at $54,000
By HELEN WALKER
A
TOP price of $54,000 emerged after two
hectic days of selling at the Droughtmaster
National sale held at the CQLX, Gracemere
in September.
In all, 401 bulls sold to average $6817, producing
an 86 per cent clearance. The average was a $797
increase on last year.
For first time vendor, Anna Hicks, Calaanah
Droughtmasters, Moura, it was a dream come true.
The moment Calaanah Abraham 2433 (S) entered
the sale ring, all the astute judges in the cattle
game had their eyes locked on him.
With buying syndicates scattered throughout the
selling centre, the bull was finally bought by Libby
Ingram, Skye Droughtmasters, Alpha, fending off
the losing bidders Wayne and Grant Vievers, Rewan
Cattle Company, Talgai, Rolleston.
Mrs Ingram said she was delighted to secure
Calaanah Abraham.
“I really liked his growth for age and thickness and
he looks like a sire and is from a great female,”
Mrs Ingram said.
Calaanah Abraham, aged just 26 months-of-age
weighed 930kg, has an EMA of 140sqcm, fat
measurements of 15mm and 12mm and a scrotal
circumference of 42cm.
Calaanah Abraham is by Billabong Winchester (P)
from the exceptional female Billabong Rhianna, and
will be used over 100 selected registered breeders
in the Skye Droughtmaster stud.
“We will use him to breed bulls for
sale, and for use in our 3000 head
commercial herd,” Mrs Ingram said.
Next top selling bull at $38,000 was
the interstate-bred Heitiki Indigo,
offered by the Lloyd family,
Delungra, NSW.
Heitiki Indigo, by Swan Horsham (P)
from Heitiki Tallulah, was bought by
Mac and Gaye Shann, Lamont Stud,
Cantaur Park, Clermont.
The Shanns really liked Heitiki Indigo
for his great temperament, tidy
underline.
At just 25 months-of age Heitiki
Indigo weighed 902kg, had an EMA
of 143sq cm, fat scanns of 7mm and
5mm, and a scrotal
circumference of
39cms.
Mr Shann said the
bull also appealed as
they were looking for
an out-cross in
bloodlines to be used
over the Lamont stud
breeders.
The Shanns continued
buying and paid
$20,000 for Hamadra
Express, offered by
Andrew and Kerri
McKenzie, Hamadra
Droughtmasters,
Bluff.
Delungra, NSW breeder Tim Lloyd, sold Hetike Indigo (P) for $37,500 to
Mac and Gayle Shann, Lamont Droughtmasters, Cantaur Park, Clermont.
BELOW: Roger Webber, Tajana Droughtmasters, Cloyna via Murgon paid
$27,000 early on day two of the Droughtmaster National for Craiglea
Hudson (P) offered by Jason Johnston, Craiglea Droughtmasters, Obi Obi.
Hicks is
ahead of
the pack
By Helen Walker
A
T JUST 25 years-of-age Moura district
Droughtmaster stud breeder Anna Hicks has
plenty of reasons to smile with her stunning
debut at the Droughtmaster National sale.
Selling under her own Calaanah stud prefix for the first
time, Anna topped the sale at $54,000 with her
26-monthold entry Calaanah Abraham 2433 (S).
And overall she offered five bulls to average $14,400
each, to claim the second top average of the sale.
And from the moment Calaanah Abraham entered the
sale ring, all the top judges had given him a tick of
approval, and finally selling in Alpha district cattlewoman, Libby Ingram, Skye Droughmasters.
“When I looked at Abraham I knew I had a good bull,
and this result is what you hope for, but never think it
will happen,” Anna said.
“I really appreciate the fact that so many great cattlemen
that breed Droughtmasters appreciated him as well.
She chose her stud prefix from the foundation prefix
founded by her grand-parents Ray and Moya Hicks
and her father John.
28
December 2015
Anna Hicks, Calaanah Droughtmasters, Moura, with top price bull at $54,000 Calaanah Abraham 2433 (S).
“It was their foundation prefix before they changed to
the Billabong prefix, to fall in line with our family
property,” she said.
“I resurrected the prefix and registered it to use for my
40 cow stud herd.
Over time, Anna plans to build her numbers to 100
stud breeders. “I will retain a few heifers each year for
the stud, while trying to build up my commercial herd
as well,” Anna said.
“Stud breeding is one of the best ways to showcase
to cattlemen what you are trying to achieve within
your own herd.”
Calaanah Abraham is by Billabong Winchester (P) from
Billabong Rhianna (P).
“I was thrilled when I was given Billabong Winchester
(P) as my starter sire, as he was something special
from when he hit the ground as a new born calf.
Also Abraham’s dam Billabong Rhianna was part of
Anna’s ‘starter pack’ as she so fondly refers to
foundation core breeder herd.
“It too, was exciting to be given Rhianna, as she is from
the Billabong Peace N Joy line, and every female from
that line breeds very well.”
“My run of bulls for the Droughtmaster National next
year are all by Billabong Winchester, and hopefully they
will grow out as well as Abraham did,” she said.
NEWS
BREEDERS flock to
the Droughtmaster
National sale
D
roughtmaster breeders from most parts
of the country flocked to the Central
Queensland Livestock Exchange for the
annual Droughtmaster National sale in
September. Pictures: Helen Walker
James Pisaturo and Aleisha Finger, Almafi
Droughtmasters, Dingo.
Kim and Lorinda Barnett, Lomist Droughtmasters, Gayndah.
Ken McKenzie, Yaralla Droughtmasters, Blackwater and
Cliff Mylrea and Sasha Smith, Needmoor Droughtmasters,
Gogango totally focused on the selling ring.
Greg Fawcett, Leanne Smythwick and Shelly Fawcett, all
of Beef Breeding Services, Rockhampton.
Shane and Wendy Perry, Strathfield Droughtmasters, Clermont.
Bruce Childs, Glenlands, Bouldercombe, with Brain
Hooper, Imbil Droughtmasters, Imbil.
Anna Hicks, Calaanah Droughtmasters, Moura, and Libby
Ingram, Skye Droughtmasters, Alpha.
30
December 2015
Western Australian breeder John Henwood, Fossil Downs, Fitzroy Crossing, Gus McCormack, Clonara Droughtmasters,
Glenmorgan, Alison Atkinson, Durack Stud, Rockhampton and Ed MCormack, Clonara, Glenmorgan. Mr Henwood officially
opened the Droughtmaster National sale.
DN. Munda
SALE
A
FTER a ten day whirlwind tour of
Queensland bull sales Western Australia
breeder Michael Thompson, Munda Red
Droughmasters, Port Hedland, finished
with 38 bulls.
Mr Thompson, accompanied by his trusted agent
Kim Goad, Goad Livestock, certainly made their
presence felt at the Droughtmaster National paying a
top price of $37,500 or the 24-month-old Wajatryn
Industry (P) offered by Warren and Caroline Kenny,
Wajatryn Droughtmasters, Gayndah.
Mr Thompson said it was, by far, the 'best bull we
saw that we could bring home to Western Australia'.
"He was a bull with a very tidy underline, as the
sheath is very important to us, and it must be
exceptional," Mr Thompson said. Mr Thompson
purchased three bulls, and then formed a buying
partnership with Central Queensland cattleman,
John Atkinson, Glen Avon Droughtmasters, Yaamba,
to buy another two bulls.
Together, they paid $30,000 for Garthowen Velocity,
offered by Simon and Lucy Kinbacher, Biggenden.
As well, the partnership purchased Hamadra
Expert (P) for $23,000, from Andrew McKenzie,
Hamadra, Bluff.
As these bulls are not eligible for entry into Western
Australia, they will stay at Glen Avon, and Mr
Thompson will have unlimited use of the semen.
All bulls will travel back to Western Australia after
assembling at Roma, and travel to the NSW and
South Australia border, onto Kalgoolie before the
final leg to his stud property near Gin Gin, just
north of Perth.
Once at Gin Gin, they will be drafted with about 12
sires staying as stud sires, and the balance
travelling onto Munda to be used as herd bulls. Mr
Thompson has heavily invested in Droughtmaster
genetics, earlier this year giving the breed its latest
vote of confidence by buying Steve and Claire
Farmer's, Comanche Droughtmaster Stud for an
undisclosed price.
Munda sells 400 bulls annually in paddock sales to
Western Australian pastoralists and supports the live
cattle export market, supplying weaner bulls to the
Middle East where they are finished for slaughter
selling into Israel and Palestine.
"Really, my ambition is to be the 'Holden Dealer’ of
the Droughtmaster breed in Western Australia,
breeding both reliable and affordable bulls," he said.
Wajatryn Industry (P) sold for $37,5000 by Warren and Carolyn Kenny, Wajatryn Droughtmasters, purchased by
Michael Thompson, Munda Red, Port Hedland, WA, with agent Kim Goad.
December 2015
31
COMMERCIAL
CATTLE
Commercial breeders hit new heights
By Shan Goodwin
I
T WAS the exceptional foraging ability and high
milk production that originally drew Northern
Tablelands beef producers the McIntyres to
Droughtmasters.
However, while the breed’s ability to perform on
lower-quality pasture and through tough seasonal
conditions had been invaluable at the farmgate for
the McIntyres, it is traits from a carcase and growth
perspective that have added value to their calves.
The shift from weaner production to supplying the
feedlot steer market has hinged not only on getting
the breed mix right in terms of efficiently turning off
and quickly growing calves, but making them highly
desirable to feedlots for whom superior feed
conversion is a big driver of profit.
Droughtmaster/Hereford breeders joined to Hereford
bulls are producing the type of low-birthweight calf
that grows quickly, is well-muscled with optimum fat
cover and has the ability to perform in the feedlot –
the precise article the McIntyres had in mind when
they changed direction last year.
Andrew and Katrina McIntyre, with Andrew’s brother
Jamie, have 1618 hectares of undulating, typical
New England country at “Eastern River”, Pinkett,
near Glen Innes.
Half is improved to cocksfoot, fescues, clovers and
rye but the rest is native grasses and bushland.
The property was purchased 10 years ago and the
family started by trading cattle, stumbling across the
Droughtmaster female in the process.
So impressed were they by the feed conversion
efficiency on lower-nutrition pasture, walking ability
and willingness to seek out every available resource
on the property, they decided the Droughtmaster
would form a core component of their planned
breeding operation.
Those traits have meant that through some tough
seasonal times in the past two years, the “Eastern
River” herd has retained condition and kept cycling and
breeding without big supplementary feeding costs.
Lines of Droughtmaster females were originally
purchased out of Queensland and bulls sourced from
the National Droughtmaster Sale in Rockhampton, Qld.
Pure Droughtmaster females are joined to Poll
The Droughtmaster
has given us the
opportunity to value
add and also to
reduce our female
numbers so as to
be turning off more
beef efficiently.
Hereford bulls to breed first-crosses and the
McIntyres have just joined 90 of those crossbred
heifers to Droughtmaster bulls.
Mr McIntyre said he didn’t realise the extent of the
other reproduction benefits the Droughtmaster
female would bring but fertility, calving ease, superb
maternal instincts and the milk production which
fuels strong growth despite low birthweights has
cemented the breed in their operation.
“We are working towards having 400 Hereford/
Droughtmaster first-crosses as our base br eeding herd
and we will continue to breed our own replacements
from a straight Droughtmaster herd,” he said.
From this year, with a good autumn under their
belt, the McIntyres will run their calves onto feedlot
weights, targeting 350 to 400 kilograms by 16 to
18 months.
The Droughtmaster/Hereford mix makes their
steers highly sought after by feedlots, with both the
meat eating quality for the end market and the
ability to perform in a feedlot.
“Feedlots will buy them all day,” Mr McIntyre said.
“The Droughtmaster has given us the opportunity
to value add and also to reduce our female
numbers so as to be turning off more beef
efficiently.
“Calves are born small but seem to get up and go
quickly. When it comes to calving, you don’t have
to go near them.
“They are ideal for a low-input operation as they
look after themselves. At the same time, the weight
gains are terrific.”
Once they have bred up the numbers “Eastern River”
requires, the McIntyres will supply a secondary
market of good lines of Droughtmaster cross heifers,
with all indications that they already are in high
demand particularly with drought-affected operations
starting to rebuild.
“We calve twice a year, in autumn and spring, which
means we’ll have consistent supply of those heifers
at the ages people want,” Mr McIntyre said.
This year, they offered a handful of weaner heifers
at the July Grafton Droughtmaster Sale, where they
made $840 a head.
They also breed commercial bulls which Mr McIntyre
says are currently in hot demand, with the low
birthweights and calf shape combined with fast
growth thereafter making them advantageous to
cross with heifers of any description.
Andrew McIntyre at his Northern Tablelands
Droughtmaster property. The McIntyre family began
trading cattle after purchasing the property 10 years
ago. The Droughtmaster has quickly become a core
component in the breeding operation.
32
December 2015
NEWS
Scholarship winners to travel north
By Helen Walker
T
O celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the
Fitzroy Crossing bull sale next year,
Droughtmaster Australia, ABBA, Meat and
Livestock Australia and Landmark Broome,
Western Australia have joined forces to fund two
young Queenslanders to travel to Fitzroy Crossing
bull sale and experience time on Kimberley
stations.
The Kimberley Brahman Week Scholarship was
instigated by the Pastoralist and Graziers Association
Kimberley Division, the Fitzroy Crossing Bull Sale
committee, and Meat and Livestock Australia to
allow young people to travel to Queensland and see
the beef industry first hand.
This year, two passionate young cattle breeders from
the Kimberley region of Western Australia have
returned home much wiser after a whirlwind tour of
Queensland.
Jacob Dunn of Napier Downs and Chris Lions of
Ruby Plains were recipients of the 2015 Kimberley
Brahman Week Scholarship.
For Jacob and Chris, the trip was very rewarding.
The boys spent time near Beaudesert with Michael
and Tracey Flynn, Valera Vale Droughtmasters, who
hosted them for two nights.
Highlights of their visit include a visit to JBS Dinmore
Jacob Dunn, Napier downs, John Edwards, Barlyne, Gaydnah and Chris Lions, Ruby Plains.
to see cattle processed first hand.
The visitors then were hosted by Jimmy and Johnny
Edwards, Barlyne Brahmans, Gayndah, who consign
bulls to the Fitzroy Crossing Bull Sale.
Jacob grew up on Legune Station, in the Northern
Territory moved to the Kimberley in 2013, and joined
Napier Downs at the start of the season.
He is passionate about the Kimberley regions and
says it has good people and cattle.
"And this Queensland trip has been a fantastic
VALE Maurice Kroll
M
AURICE Paul Kroll was born on
December 22, 1930, the second of
four children of Paul and Ivy Kroll.
He was raised on the family property at
Bunburra, along with his three siblings Gladys, Ron
and Eileen.
Maurie, as he was known, left school at the age of
13 to help on the farm after his father suffered a
severe burn. He became a member of the Junior
Farmers and for many years worked on preparing
the Moreton Exhibit at the Royal Queensland Show.
Outside of farming, Maurie was a keen table tennis
player and won a number of local competitions he was also a talented guitar player, often
performing for friends and family.
In 1958 Maurie met Dalvia Schneider and they
married on Ocotber 22, 1960 and were blessed
with three sons.
In the late 1950s, Maurie worked in the building
industry, however his real love was farming and, in
1963, he purchased a 200 hectare block of land
adjoining Kooralbyn and began running beef cattle
before purchasing the family property at Bunburra
in 1965. The family moved to a home Maurie built
at Bunburra in 1967 before selling the Kooralbyn
property and extending the Bunburra operation to
begin dairying.
In 1975, Maurie purchased further adjoining
properties to extend the total block to 200 hectares
of quality farming land.
It wasn’t until 2003 when Maurie and Dalvia
purchased a number of Droughtmaster heifers and
founded the Condamine Droughtmaster Stud. They
34
December 2015
opportunity," Jacob said.
Meanwhile Chris grew up at Rayment Terrace, just
north of Newcastle, NSW.
He joined Kidman and Co moving to Glengyle Station
in the Channel Country, two years ago before
moving onto Ruby Plains.
"It was my boss on Glengyle, Stever Crammer, who
suggested I move to the Kimberley,” Chris said.
"I really love it up there and reckon I will stay for a
few years."
BOONAH
FEATURE SHOW
T
enjoyed great success in the show ring, winning
grand champion bull at the Royal Queensland Show
two out of the past three years.
In 2008, with the onset of dementia, Maurie was
hospitalised in Chinchilla before his transfer to a
retirement village in Boonah where he stayed until
his passing.
Maurice Kroll was a farmer through and through
who loved his cattle and his family and will be well
remembered by all who knew him.
HE Droughtmaster breed will be the Feature
Breed at the 2016 Boonah Show.
Set down for Friday and Saturday May 27th
and 28th the Boonah Show Society is firmly
focused on promoting beef cattle and to that end the
show committee are pulling out all stops to ensure
the Droughtmaster Feature Show is an outstanding
success.
Boonah is in the middle of a large traditional beef
cattle production area so the show always attracts
plenty of cattle producers, so organisers are expecting
substantial numbers will be nominated by
Droughtmaster Stud from all points of the compass.
The Feature Show Committee in conjunction with the
Boonah Show Cattle Committee are planning a
spectacular event with a focus on the social aspects
of showing and encouraging new studs and school
teams. To that end the judging will commence after
lunch on the Friday (May 27th) with the Junior classes
and championships and then continue on with the
Senior and Group classes and championships on
Saturday morning. Splitting the judging provides time
to complete judging before the Inter-bred judging and
Grand Parade on Saturday afternoon, and allows
exhibitors time to socialise on Friday night when there
will be sponsored meals and refreshments provided.
There are plans to provide an award for Under 21
exhibitors and a Herdsman competition specifically
for Schools.
The hospitality at the Boonah Show is well known, so
make sure you mark your calendar.
Future producers learn
the ropes at Tully
ByWarren J Giffin
Agriculture Co-ordinator
T
HE Tully State High School Droughtmaster Stud
has been developed as a valuable learning
resource for our beef producers of the future.
Upon completion of studies at school, students
are competent in many aspects of beef husbandry,
some students choosing to continue onto tertiary
studies in veterinary science or work in related
industries. Since 2001, we have been working hard to
develop the stud to industry standard.
Initially the stud focused on improving three main
goals, firstly temperament, which is of vital
importance to the safety and confidence building of
the students, secondly, polled/scurred condition,
having obvious advantages of safety and carcase
quality and thirdly frame size.
Having made such good progress in these areas, we
The Tully State High School Drougthmaster Stud team.
are now focusing on the challenge of breeding a more
muscled animal.
With the generous loan of bulls and donation of
semen from reputable studs, significant progress
has been made, ensuring the stud develops a good
line of animals, with a broad genetic base. The
school currently runs twenty breeding cows,
producing progeny from both artificial and natural
breeding systems.
The majority of the heifers are retained for breeding
or sold at the annual Malanda female sale, while the
bulls are sold direct from the paddock.
With a strong emphasis on animal welfare and
sustainability, the main educational focus is to
provide students with valuable “real world”
educational experiences.
Students have opportunities to apply their technical
knowledge in the field, being actively involved in the
many husbandry practices including vaccinating, ear
tagging, marking,
weighing, oestrus
synchronisation and
artificial insemination.
The students may also
elect to be part of the
show team and exhibit
the cattle at regional
shows. Our animals
are regular winners on
the show circuit, with
our highlight being
Tully High Luna, taking
out the prize of “Grand
Champion” female at
the Cairns
Droughtmaster feature
show in 2012.
All profits from sales
Photo courtesy of Summer Hills
Tully High Excell and student Layne Threlfall.
are injected back into the stud to improve and sustain
resources for our students. The stud is proudly selfsufficient, which is quite unique for a government school.
We work very hard to provide the students with
technological and innovative educational opportunities
and to maintain the production of a quality product.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the
fantastic support of the many members of the society
who have either loaned bulls or donated semen.
It is this support which has very much contributed to
our success. A special thank you to Mooma Park
Droughtmaster Stud, for many years of support. I would
also like to thank the owners/proprietors of the following
studs, Stedon, Glenlands, Maruk, Talgai, Lisgar, Imbil,
Pinnacle Pocket, Warrina and Pitt Droughtmasters.
All would not be possible without the enthusiasm,
dedication and hard work of the students of Tully State
High School. As a School, we are very proud to be part
of a breed society, with such integrity and generosity.
The support has been invaluable to the students and
has ensured we have had access to quality genetics for
a sustainable future. Our stud motto is ringing very true
for the students and the cattle, Tully State High School
Droughtmaster Stud “where success breeds success.”
Droughtmaster Stud Breeders’ Society congratulates
Andrew and Leanne Hughes on the birth of their
daughter Elainna Grace Hughes on September 1.
Elainna is the first grand-daughter for Brian and
Yvonne Heck of Bryvonlea Droughtmasters at
Glastonbury Creek, Queensland.
December 2015
35
NEWS
Quiet achiever sets her own pace
I
T has been an exciting year for young
Droughtmaster producer and rising cattle judge,
Amy Birch.
Amy was invited to be the Associate Judge in the
Droughtmaster ring at the 2015 Royal Queensland
Show, a role which she accepted graciously and
executed with the same degree of skill and diligence
with which this quiet achiever approaches everything
in life. Amy reflects upon the experience as a
wonderful learning opportunity and one that she
considers privileged to have been afforded.
Amy lives with her parents, Douglas and Juanita
Birch and her three sisters, Sarah, Megan and
Melissa on the family’s cattle property at Eidsvold.
The family run a commercial Droughtmaster
operation and have done so since the 1980’s. In
1999, they established Birch Droughtmaster Stud
and in 2008 they began exhibiting their stud cattle
at agricultural shows. It was at this time that Amy
first became interested in preparing and exhibiting
stud beef cattle and competing in the many
competitions that are available to our youth, such as
the Queensland Chamber of Agricultural Society
Young Judges and Paraders.
In her relatively short years, Amy has achieved
extraordinary success in the cattle industry.
She has been actively involved in all facets of
cattle work on the family property and participates
in the selection, preparation and presentation of
Birch cattle at agricultural shows and major beef
cattle events.
In 2011, Amy joined the Monto State High School
Cattle Club and has been involved exhibiting stud
and prime cattle for her School and competing in the
School based competitions. Amy won the Redskin
Droughtmaster Award at the Rockhampton Show in
both 2011 and 2012, which resulted in her School
being awarded a steer to be used in led steer
competition. In 2012, the School achieved first place
in the Team Judging competition at Beef 2012 and
Amy Birch (right) with Monto High team mates Nanci Wilson and Luke Aisthorpe after their team won first place in the
Led Steer School’s Competition at the Royal Queensland Show.
Quiet achiever Amy Birch recently received Year 12 Dux.
in 2015, first place in the Led Steer School’s Team
Judging competition at the Royal Queensland Show.
Amy was the nominated speaker for the winning team.
Amy has continued to dominate the Young Judges
and Paraders competitions and in 2014, she
competed in the Queensland State finals in each of
the three main areas: Young Judges (Prime Cattle);
Young Judges (Stud Beef Cattle); and Junior Paraders.
2015 has been a big year for Amy. Whilst her
achievements in the cattle industry are noteworthy,
her achievements in other facets of her life have
been exemplary. Amy has just completed her final
year of secondary school, during which she has held
the position of School Leader and President of the
School Council. Amy will graduate this month as Dux
of the School and will receive numerous accolades
including: the University of Southern Queensland
Excellence Award; the Caltex All Rounder; Awards in
Senior Maths, English and Science and very high
achievements in all six subject areas that she studied.
What next for this quiet achiever?
Amy’s love of the land and Droughtmaster cattle will
see her remain in rural Queensland. She hopes to
study dentistry and to later work as a Dentist in a
rural area. She is also determined to run her own
Droughtmaster Stud and to expand her interests
bovine artificial breeding.
Fun and frivolity at camp
A
GROUP of 35 young cattle breeders attended
the Queensland Junior Simmental Camp at
Toogoolawah during the September school
holidays. The camp enabled participants to
learn some of the finer points of breeding, selecting,
exhibiting and judging beef cattle, and to do so in a
relaxed and fun filled environment. A highlight of the
camp was the fancy dress competition where
participants were required to work in groups to select a
theme and thereafter, dress and decorate their exhibit
to reflect their chosen theme.
The Droughtmaster group elected to present their
young exhibit, High Country Elwood, as ‘a true
Aussie’ wearing the iconic colours of green and
gold. The group spoke of the history of the
Droughtmaster breed and the many wonderful traits
of Droughtmaster cattle. Elwood’s willing
participation in the competition is certainly testament
to the docility of the breed.
36
December 2015
FANCY DRESS: High Country Ellwood
and his handler is Stephanie Laycock
from High Country Droughtmasters.
GRANDVIEW
H
IV A N O E
BOONAH
Registered Stud No. 1024
Stud No. 1269
Stud # 1107 S.M. Harms & Sons Brand 4DI
Brand with a history...
Cattle with a future
Droughtmaster Stud
• Docility
• Fertility
• Adaptability
Greg & Sharon Harms
Greenmount, Qld
Ph: (07) 4697 1007
Mobile: 0413 583 084
www.oakmorepark
droughtmasters.com.au
E: [email protected]
1642885
1642865
REDWING
No Dip Spray or Drench since 1985
Think how much money we’ve saved!
ADELE JONES
117 GREENMOUNT NOBBY RD,
GREENMOUNT, Q 4359 VIA TOOWOOMBA
Contact: Ken Shaw
(07) 5447 7233
Mob: 0407 137 571
sters
Droughtma
Bred for Docility
with Quality
you can Trust
1642857
Inquiries Welcome
Ph: (07) 4697 1257
Email: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
www.redwing.net.au
BREFFNI
Droughtmasters
EDDINGTON
DROUGHTMASTER
JULIA CREEK
Chinchilla
No. 1524
Y07
Inquiries Welcome
1642845
1642859
Contact:
Kylie Graham
“Farnham”
Taroom, Qld 4420
Ph: (07) 4627 8145
Mob: 0409 040 030
E: [email protected]
Nick and Sarah Hughes
Farogan Road
Upper Kandanga 4570 QLD
Ph (07) 5488 4352
0400 709 124
E: [email protected]
www.farogan.net
1642872
Farogan Valley
Droughtmasters
1642898
Dale & Lee Smith
Lot 2 Boyle Road
Belli Park Qld
Phone (07) 5447 9395
Mobile 0409 631 523
Fax (07) 5447 9265
[email protected]
MANCHESTER
DROUGHTMASTERS
Performance Under
Pressure Without
Chemicals
Quality Droughtmasters exhibiting:
• Size • Muscling
• Temperament • Fertility
John, Carli or Don McConnel
Mt Brisbane
Phone (07) 5426 0169
ESK Qld 4312
Don (07) 5426 0285
Email: [email protected]
1642863
Droughtmasters
www.mtbrisbane.com.au
facebook.com/mtbrisbane
Top
quality
& sound
genetics
Greg & Dianne Anderson
Inquiries welcome
Ph: (07) 5463 4328
0429 440 886
DAVID & ROBYN McCABE
Mobile 0427 658 153
A/h: (07) 4665 8153
E: [email protected]
BULLS
AVAILABLE
& ACCREDITED
FEMALES
ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME
ED.
Contact: Anthony Anderson
(07) 4746 7221
Mob: 0458 467 221
E: [email protected]
1642875
Lorandale
ANCHORED
ON QUALITY
1642891
Email: [email protected]
For Temperament,
Fertility & Growth
Wee Waa NSW 2388
Hugh Faris
Phone: (02) 6795 6149
Mob: 0428 956 149
[email protected]
DROUGHTMASTERS
1642876
‘HEITIKI’ DELUNGRA
(02) 6724 8225
(02) 6724 8362
1642873
DROUGHTMASTERS
“THE PRIME REPRODUCER”
J.S., M.A. & T.S. LLOYD
AW1802190
BREEDERS BULLETIN BOARD
A continuing tradition of
consistent quality
Estab. 1962
MARGARET C WILSON
PURNELL FAMILY
ROCKHAMPTON
www.truvalle.com.au
THE HOME OF
DROUGHTMASTERS
STUD No 22
Visitors and inquiries welcome
Ph: (07) 4927 1104
Fax: (07) 4927 1166
Michael 0429 815 074
[email protected]
BULLETIN BOARD
ZD1
LAMONT DROUGHTMASTER STUD
S
STUD & COMMERCIAL CATTLE
Sam and Jane Barton Clermont
(07) 4985 6104 or 0428 856 104
“THEY WORK FOR YOU”
Contact Hugh & Sherri Philp
“Wyena” Clermont QLD
(07) 4983 5022
Hugh – 0428 494 177
Sherri – 0428 835 577
[email protected]
1642884
1642844
“A mountain
of beef...”
Ken & Cindy Muller & Family
800 Valentine Plains Rd, Biloela
Ph: (07) 4992 2512
Mob: 0408 922 512
E: [email protected]
BREEDERS
VALLEY
Droughtmaster Stud No. 31
Stud 23
Try a KM DROUGHTMASTER
for extra GROWTH
We welcomed a new sire,
Glenlands D Roebuck in 2013
TRUVALLE
genetics suit requirements
for all markets
1642862
BRAND
2DP
>P.
Mac & Gayle Shann
‘Cantaur Park’
Clermont Qld 4721
Get in early
Advertise your
droughtmaster stud for 20156
$150 inc GST for 3 editions
February – August – December
p 07 4983 5246
m 0407 835 246
www.cantaurpark.com.au
1642823
Phone Margaret (07) 3826 8282
Email: [email protected]
AW1525741
408
DEVELOPED IN AUSTRALIA
FOR
AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
Stud No. 963
1642870
STUD No
1508822
Inquiries
Ken & Kathy or Jim & Amelia Stower
Ph: (07) 4695 4145
Fax: (07) 4695 4180 Mobile 0427 154 323
MS 1231 Millmerran, Qld 4357
E: [email protected]
P/F (07) 4163 0103
Email: [email protected]
1642867
1642877
PO Box 7, “The Valley”, Blackbutt, Qld 4306