DOWNLOAD PDF 10.5mb - australian brahman breeders
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DOWNLOAD PDF 10.5mb - australian brahman breeders
President Andrew Olive Senior Vice-President Shane Bishop BrahmanNews Junior Vice-President Matthew McCamley General Manager John Croaker JUNE 2012 Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brahman House 183 East Street Rockhampton Q 4700 Editorial Postal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PO Box 796 Rockhampton Q 4700 Thank you to the members who supported our promotional efforts at Beef 2012. Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 4927 7799 Accounts ...................... 07 4927 7690 Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 4921 2506 Registrations Kerri Arnott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 4921 4726 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 4922 5805 Email. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.brahman.com.au TROPICAL BEEF TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Williams Mobile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0427 018 982 Email . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://tbts.une.edu.au The Australian Brahman Breeders’ Association Limited reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement submitted for publication in “Brahman News”. While every effort will be made to publish advertisements as ordered, no responsibility is taken for the failure of an advertisement to appear as ordered. Opinions expressed in “Brahman News” are not necessarily those of the Association. Photographic & Editorial Credits Queensland Country Life; The Land; Farm Weekly; Mark Coombe; Kent Ward; The Gatton Star; Beef Australia The stud cattle showing and prime show exhibitors, Brahman compound exhibitors as well as the private trade show sites all contributed to reflecting a positive image of the breed. The Ascot Brahman Stonegrill was undoubtedly a highlight with the biggest challenge being to keep up with the demand. The beef quality and tenderness was exceptional and I am convinces there is no better way to eat beef than the stonegrill concept. The lot feeding, boning room yields and MSA grading outcomes were a significant bonus for the promotion. It proved Brahman cattle can be successfully lot fed, will grade MSA and will produce a tender flavoursome high quality product. The conference and seminar programme at Beef 2012 highlighted the continuing challenges to productivity and profitability in the northern industry and of the list is fertility and reproduction. While there is much to learn about minimising losses, nutrition and management there is also a genetic component where it is possible to make significant gains. The Beef CRC female reproduction work has revealed some interesting findings. Key among them is that age of puberty and a lactation anoestrus internal are heritable traits which offer significant opportunities for improvement through selection. We are fortunate that significant effort in the gene marker research area is aimed at improving the accuracy of selection for the female reproduction traits. These tools will complement the Days to Calving EBV which we already have in the Brahman Breedplan which is presently underutilised. We know there are of animals within the breed with the genetics for high reproduction rates, even in stressful environments. The challenge is to identify them so these traits can be expanded within the breed. Editor Designed by ABBA Brahman Graphics Printed by Printcraft, Eagle Farm, Brisbane Front Cover by ABBA Inside this Issue... pg 16 pg 28 pg 46 pg 52 pg 6 Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 pg 20 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere Closing date for next issue ... FRIDAY, 3RD AUGUST 2012 pg 38 Nioka’s polled reds attract premier prices in pg 55 Toowoomba Tender beef puts Brahmans out in front at Beef 2012 Unlocking the secrets of gene markers Brahmans deliver the benefits on vast Pilbara property FBC bull comes out on top at Marlborough Feature Show Brahmans make history at Toowoomba Royal Show Artwork & photos required by Friday, 10th August 2012 June 2012 1 President’s paragraph It was pleasing to see such strong Brahman support at Beef 2012. and friendly staffing of the Compound throughout the week. The Ascot Brahman Stonegrill proved to be an outstanding promotion for our breed. The post judging social function at the Compound was also a great success. Not only was the beef served outstanding but the steer performance in the feedlot and boning room was equally as impressive. It was great to see it so well patronised at such a busy time in the Expo programme and it seemed as though it was the first time many members had time to relax. Hopefully we have exploded the myth that Brahmans are not suitable for grain feeding, don’t grade under the MSA system and don’t produce a premium dining product. On behalf of all members thank you to the steer suppliers and sponsors with particular thanks to the Hutchinson family of Melbrig feedlot and Will Cordwell of the Ascot Hotel and Teys Australia for making the project such a success. The Brahman Compound attracted strong support throughout the week and I congratulate our exhibitors for putting together an excellent display. Thank you also to Shane and Bonnie Keough and Ian Lobegeiger for supplying the timber furniture and the ABBA staff for their helpful ABBA President Andrew Olive and General Manager John Croaker are pictured with the Mato Grosso Cattle Breeders’ Association group following a visit to Raglan Station during Beef 2012 2 Jun JJune Ju un u ne 22012 012 001 1122 Congratulations to Nick and Rhonda Dudarko for donating the weight guessing bullock to the RACQ Helicopter Service. He was a most impressive animal and his temperament and scale certainly made him one of the most talked about features on the grounds. Congratulations to John and Matthew Kirk and family for taking out the Grand Championship double and congratulation also to all our exhibitors for putting together an impressive showing. Thank you also to the members who suppor ted the Commercial Cat tle competition, we weren’t as successful as the last expo, but there is always next time. The Brahman Commercial Breeding Female Show and Sale attracted the highest number of entries so far. It was great to see such a strong line up and also great to see many new buyers, many from outside the CQ area. The sale is now firmly established on the calendar as an outlet for quality Brahman breeding females and I would urge members with suitable cattle to give it support next year. Andrew Olive the prime objective with Kim Whisson and Lindel Greggery The weather smiled on the beef industry in May, delivering sunshine f o r B e e f A u s t r a l i a 2 012 i n Rockhampton and capping off what has been one of the best seasons for Queensland producers in years. The wet start to 2012 has been followed by continuing rain over the south-east corner of the state, giving cattle producers, grain growers and paddocks a muchneeded boost. The good season has allowed good lines of prime cattle to be marketed through the saleyards and direct to works. There has also been extraordinarily strong demand from restockers looking to rebuild their herds. Shaun Flanagan, Queensland Rural, Charters Towers, said he hoped the positive outlook would continue “and then improve later in the year”. “The store market is travelling very well at the moment and the fat market has come back a bit, in line with the rest of the state,” he said. Shaun reported that the Charters Towers region had again recorded decent falls of rain at the end of May and still had plenty of green feed in paddocks. “However, the frosts will change that shortly. It has turned from very wet to very cold, very quickly.” A round-up of saleyard prices for stores and prime cattle follows: NORTH QLD Towers for a long while and would be an asset in any herd”. The heifers topped at 196.2 c/kg to average 181.1 c/kg and weighed 222.2 kg to return $402 per head. Purchasers of the heifers came from Tully, Charters Towers, Prairie, Hughenden, Longreach, Rockhampton and Roma. Selling agent Shaun Flanagan, Queensland Rural, said: “It is a privilege to present in a saleyard such a good line of well handled quality cattle. When drafted they looked superb and ultimately the vendor was rewarded.” Other Brahman heifers in the sale included 240 No.1 and No.2 heifers from the Jonsson Family, Jervoise Station, Greenvale. The 198kg heifers sold to a top of 193.2c/kg to average 177.7c/kg and return $352 per head. At the May 16 sale Boxgrove Pastoral, Vergemont, Longreach, sold 464kg Brahman steers to 158c/$734. Mike and Rayleen McNamara sold a large run of 358kg Brahman steers to 179c. A quality yarding of 2400 head met with strong demand on May 2. Among those to benefit were Ron and Copelan Hall, Gereta, Cloncurry, who sold 376kg Brahman steers to 166c to return $624. The Halls also sold 200 316kg Brahman heifers to a top of 165c to return $446. Boxgrove Pastoral Co sold 665kg Brahman bullocks to 136c/$907 and 494kg Brahman steers to a top of 166c to return $821. SOUTHERN QLD WOODFORD CENTRAL QLD GRACEMERE A large yarding of 2547 stores sold to a firm market on March 9. The Hoffman family, Desmond Station, Collinsville, sold a run of 164 338kg grey Brahman No.0 steers, averaging 173c to return $585. Gracemere reported a smaller yarding of 1337 head on May 11 due to Beef 2012, with prices firm on the previous week’s sale. Hillcrest Pastoral Co, Middlemount, sold 641kg Brahman bullocks to 166c/$1066. Susan People, Dululu, sold 190kg Brahman weaner steers to 227c to return $433. At the May 18 sale Lestree Downs Pastoral Company, Clermont sold 176 No.1 Brahman heifers weighing 366kg for 168c/kg to return $616/head. CHARTERS TOWERS LONGREACH Charters Towers combined agents held a successful Special Store Sale on Friday, March 30. Yardings continued to climb at Longreach in March with 4400 head penned on March 14, selling to a strong market. Included in the yarding were 566 No.1 predominantly Brahman heifers from Heather and Eugene Matthews, Blue Range Station, Greenvale. The heifers were bred on four of the Matthews’ properties and were excess to requirements. Noel Brown, Char ters Towers, who purchased a percentage of these and other heifers for western restockers, commented that “considering they were culls they were as good a line of cattle he has seen at Charters Daryl Dolgner sold 323kg Brahman steers off agistment at Needle Creek, Jundah, to a top of 196c/kg or $635/hd. Talaheena Grazing sold 603kg Brahman bullocks to a top of 182c to return $1097. A line of 541kg cows from Kensington Grazing made 156c /$845. Malcolm McClymont, Maneroo, presented a line of 292kg Brahman heifers which made 204c/kg. On March 26, 301 calves were yarded by Mike Wheeler Livestock. Restockers dominated the market with processors struggling to secure supply at optimal prices. Cashing in on the competition was B. Pinnington-Stuart, Kenilworth, who sold Brahman vealers for $520. ROMA A good yarding of grown steers and bullocks from the local supply area were offered at the prime sale on March 8. Among the vendors were the Hartley family, Coopermurra, Mitchell, who sold 735kg Brahman steers to 191c/$1401. Their draft averaged 673kg, and returns of 190c/kg and $1280/hd. Numbers rose to 4623 on March 22. The Burns family, Colgoon, Surat, sold 280kg Brahman heifers to average 203c and return $569. Good quality pens of weaner steers and heifers continued to attract plenty of attention at Roma on April 10 as 2931 head of cattle were penned. The Crosby family, Glen Olive, Miles, sold 236kg Brahman heifers for 222c to return $525. On May 3, 884 head of cattle were yarded with a full panel of export buyers in operation. The combination of a supply shortfall and increased processor demand 4 June 2012 3 the prime objective with Kim Whisson and Lindel Greggery 3 pushed averages up across the board. The Evans family, Tullamore Park Pastoral Co, Taluna, Roma, sold 593kg Brahman cows to 150c/$891. The Hartley family, Mitchell, sold 641kg Brahman steers to 176c, averaging 175c to return $1123/head, on May 17. Strong prices and solid competition continued throughout April, culminating in the yarding of just over 2000 weaners at the Pratt Agencies annual weaner show and sale on May 4. Red hot bidding from a full panel of buyers delivered a successful outcome for vendors. BIGGENDEN MURGON All descriptions sold to firm values early in March as the Murgon market held its ground. Included in the sales were Brahman cows weighing 515kg from Cherbourg that sold for $805 at 156c/kg. Values remained strong at the March 27 sale with agents yarding just over 500 head. The Dresher family, Biggenden, sold 238 Brahman vealer steers for a peak of 221c to return $508. 4 June 2012 The March 5 sale at Biggenden was a wet yarding of 1427 head. Among the vendors were Ron Kirk and family, Yenda, Gayndah, who sold Brahman cows to a peak of 160.2c to return $880. The March 19 sale was a combined store and prime show and sale and was again a rain-reduced event. However, Brahmans stole the show winning the best pen of three or more bullocks with 6-8 teeth. The title went to K. and R. Roylance, Miriam Vale, for their grey Brahman bullocks, which sold for 187.2c/$1204. The Roylances also sold Brahman cows for 165.2c to return $980. The Harney family, Childers, sold Brahman vealer heifers for 225.2c to return $490. Burnett Livestock and Realty hosted its first weaner sale of the year on May 3, attracting a yarding of 2321. Winner of the Brahman-infused weaner class was Trigger Grazing, Biggenden, with their 273.8kg Brahman steers. They sold for 185.2c to return $507. A section of the yarding of 566 Brahman heifers from Heather and Eugene Matthews, Blue Range Station, Greenvale which sold at Charters Towers on March 30th to a top of 196.2c/kg to average 181.1c/kg June 2012 5 Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 by Lindel GREGGORY Taking a bull named Whitewash to Beef Australia 2012 proved to be a good omen for Gayndah studmasters John and Dawn Kirk and son Matt. The eight head show team from the Kirk’s Carinya stud cleaned up well and truly, taking home eight broad ribbons including the bull and female grand championships. Judge and commercial Brahman producer Ben Hewitt, Mt Cooper, Charters Towers was impressed by the overall quality of the 191-head showing of Brahmans at the May beef expo, but saved his highest praise for Carinya Whitewash, whom he selected as senior and grand champion bull. Quoted in Qld Country Life, Mr Hewitt said the 984kg 30-month-old bull “carries the punch we need in our cattle”. “The bull has wonderful shape, he’s not going to be a monster, and he will stand up in any conditions you put him under,” Mr Hewitt said. Carinya Whitewash not only impressed visually, but also with his scan results which showed an eye muscle area (EMA) of 135 sq cm, rump and rib fat of 18mm and 14mm, and a scrotal circumference of 39cm. Whitewash’s sire Carinya Riddell was the Beef Australia 2009 senior and grand champion bull, and his dam Carinya Marina is a daughter of Carinya’s well-performed import JDH Databank Manso. Judge Ben Hewitt and his wife Rebecca, Mt Cooper, Charters Towers are pictured sashing the Grand Champion Male, Carinya Whitewash held by Matthew Kirk while Lyn Coombe, Roxborough stud, Moura and Mark Scholes, Landmark, Rockhampton presented the Championship trophies to John Kirk, Carinya stud, Gayndah Carinya Whitewash, who placed first in his class at Brisbane and Rockhampton last year, won the 24-30 months bull class at Beef 2012, taking the blue ribbon against a strong 10 head line-up. “We’re still on a high, especially about being able to produce a bull that has followed on from his father,” John Kirk said. While the Kirks are no strangers to Beef Australia glory, 2012 proved momentous, with the stud also showing the senior and Neil Callaghan, Turramurra stud, Rosedale is pictured sashing the Senior Champion bull, Carinya Whitewash held by Matthew Kirk 6 June 2012 grand champion female, calf champion male, reserve junior champion male, reserve junior champion female and reserve calf champion female. Most were sired by Carinya Riddell, who is undoubtedly the best bull bred by the stud. Mr Kirk said their success at Beef Australia 2012 justified all the effort the family had put into breeding Brahmans over the past decades. It also highlighted the synergy between the JDH Riddell Manso (imp) and JDH Databank Manso (imp) genetics. 7 Mike Peters, Bremer Vale stud, Mt Walker sashed the Reserve Senior Champion Male, Whitaker Mr Avo held by Clint Whitaker Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 6 “When we selected Databank he was a really outstanding calf, and we liked the shape of Riddell because he really complemented the shape of the cattle we’ve got here.” He said another factor in the stud’s success was their intense focus on selecting animals that were structurally correct and had good temperaments. “In show cattle the structure is 90% of what the judges are looking for and you’ll never win a ribbon unless you’ve got animals with good legs, a good back and a nice head.” The reserve senior bull championship was awarded to the 30-36 months class winner Whitaker Mr Avo, shown by Clint and Robyn Whitaker, Whitaker stud, Mundubbera. Mr Avo, by Eureka Creek Marksman, backed up 2012 wins as the senior and grand champion at Nanango Brahman Feature Show, and senior champion in Toowoomba. 8 Judge Ben Hewitt, Mt Cooper, Charters Towers and Lizette McCamley Chairman of the Beef 2012 Stud Cattle Committee are pictures sashing the Grand Champion Female Carinya Jesica held by Matthew Kirk, while Mitchell Kirk held the Champion’s calf. Sue Gray, The Rivers stud, Marlborough and Mark Scholes, Landmark, Rockhampton presented the Championship trophies Julie McCamley, Lancefield Brahmans, Palmalmal, Dingo sashed the Senior Champion Female Carinya Jesica held by Matthew Kirk Ken Warriner, Chairman , Consolidated Pastoral Co, Newcastle Waters, NT sashed the Reserve Champion Female, Elrose Springtime 8575 held by Dean Rasmussen Congressman Jesus Sacdalan, a Brahman breeder from the Philippines is pictured sashing the Junior Champion bull, Whitaker Mr Pumpkin Magnate held by Clint Whitaker while Brett Kinnon, Bungoona stud, Clermont who sponsored the Championship presented the award voucher. Billy Badilla, President of the Federation of Cattle Raisers Assoc.. of the Philippines sashed the Reserve Junior Champion Male, Carinya Rigby held by Matthew Kirk. The Championship was sponsored by Kelvin and Margaret Maloney, Kenilworth stud, Mt Coolan June 2012 7 Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 7 The Whitakers also paraded the junior champion bull Whitaker Mr Pumpkin Magnate 1, who claimed the blue ribbon in the hotly contested 16-head 17-19 months class. He is an IVF son of HK Magnate (imp) and the Beef Australia 2009 calf champion female Whitaker Miss Pumpkin Dot Com. The impressive red tipped the scales at 790kg at 18 months of age and featured an EMA of 126 sq cm and 40cm scrotal circumference. Mr Hewit t awarded the male calf championship to Carinya Riddler, who is a three-quarter brother to Carinya Riddell, being by Carinya Riddell’s sire JDH Riddell Stan Sorley, Alma stud, Bell sashed the Junior Champion Female, Lancefield M Rita 2405/M held by Matthew McCamley. The Championship was sponsored by Keith and Annabelle Wilson, Samari Plains, Roma Jill Radel, Kandoona stud, Injune sashed the Calf Champion Male, Carinya Riddler held by Matthew Kirk. The Championship was sponsored by Mr Eric Nobbs, Lyndhurst stud, Biloela 8 June 2012 “He’s a really big gangly calf at this age and is going to be a really big bull,” Mr Kirk said. 9 Lee Collins, Wandilla stud, Marlborough sashed the Reserve Junior Champion Female, Carinya Miss Carmen held by Matthew Kirk Jeannie Wright, El Mariah stud, Innisfail sashed the Calf Champion Female Elrose Miss Didor 9314 held by Dean Rasmussen Yoman Cattle Co’s pen of 10 Brahman bullocks placed third in the 560-740kg grass fed class suitable for the export market. The pen contained 1 milk tooth and 9 2 tooths and averaged 699kg Manso (imp) and out the Databank Manso cow Carinya Miss Monica 1407. Riddler won the largest class on the day, the 17 head 12-15 months bull class. Amanda Hunter WH stud, Kuranda is pictured sashing Reserve Calf Champion Female Carinya Miss Sophie held by Matthew Kirk Alistair and Pam Davis, Lumeah, Middlemount are pictured with their pen of 10 grain fed steers 560-740kg suitable for the export market. Averaging 691kg, and all were 2 tooths Experience and advice you can depend on. At Landmark, the people you deal with have the right knowledge and experience to add real value to your business. We work with you to understand your expectations and to provide advice and resources to help prepare your livestock for the most effective and competitive marketing options. Peter Brazier Dalby 0418 967 421 Michael Lawton Gympie 0409 370 513 Colby Ede Rockhampton 0417 265 980 Bruce Scott Rockhampton 0418 961 041 Mark Scholes Toowoomba 0409 229 651 landmark.com.au June 2012 9 BTB/LM2462 For more information about how we can help you, contact one of our stud stock specialists today. Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 8 “At 746kg at the show he was a long way ahead in weight and he’s got huge bone, which is where a lot of his weight comes from.” Completing the senior and grand championship double for the Kirks was Carinya Jesica, shown with a four-monthold heifer calf at foot by semen import JDH Sir Hudson Manso 596/7. Jesica, who won the eight head 30-36 months class, is by JDH Databank Manso (imp) and out of the JDH Sir Mitchell Manso (imp) cow Carinya 152. Mr Kirk said Jesica was the junior champion female at last year’s Rockhampton Show and was back in calf to a V8 bull they had purchased some years ago. After a 15-year break from showing stud cattle Matt and Janelle McCamley, 11 This pen of Banana Station bullocks placed fourth in the pen grass fed steers 560-740kg suitable for the export market. Averaging 630kg, the pen contained 6 2 tooths and 4 4 tooths The Cathedral College Agricultural Dept Students: Gabrielle Penna, Monique Bros-Wilshire, Erika Small, Theresa Lawrence, Wendy Smallcombe & Josephine Bohum watch the Brahman judging Stewart Wallace, Wallace stud, Marlborough and Reade and Jill Radel, Kandoona stud, Injune took a keen interest in the Brahman judging Elizabeth Fahey and Margaretta Travers, Bizzy stud, Copmanhurst NSW, Carolyn Briggs, Mingo stud, Springsure and Margaretta Morgan, Walubial stud, Condamine are pictured at the Brahman judging The Hazelton team Allana Parker, Tyler Bonich, Lucie-Ann, Susan and Brett Kirk took time our from their trade show site to take in the Brahman judging Jaye Hall, Halls stud, Muttaburra is pictured with Wendy Cole and Sandy Ryan, Kenrol stud, Gracemere 10 June 2012 Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 10 Lancefield M stud, Dululu made a triumphant return to the arena. In only her second outing Lancefield M Rita 2405 picked up the junior female championship. The daughter of Lancefield M Billionaire Manso and Lancefield M Rita 1491 was described by the judge as having “great length and smoothness”. Rodger and Lorena Jefferis, Elrose, Cloncurry exhibited the calf champion female Elrose Miss Didor, an ET daughter of JDH Modelo Manso 268/5 (imp) and the Elrose Significance cow Elrose Miss Didor 5036. The 14-month-old former poddy calf won the 10 head class for 10-15 month heifers. Elrose also collected the reserve senior female championship with a JDH Modelo Manso daughter, Elrose Spring Time 8575, who is out of an SMG Monumental (imp) cow. She won the 21-24 months class before taking the reserve championship. 12 New South Wales visitors Julie, Bryan and John D’Este, Destys stud, Bundarra are pictured at the Brahman judging John Atkinson, Laguna stud, Proserpine is pictured with Kelvin Maloney, Kenilworth stud, Mt Coolan Joanne Fenech, FBC stud, Wowan caught up with Colby Ede, Landmark, Rockhampton and Ashley Kirk, Rockley stud, Bajool at the Brahman judging Lee Collins, Wandilla stud, Marlborough is pictured with Neil Callaghan, Turramurra stud, Rosewood and Peter Chiesa, Palm Creek stud, Ingham Daphne Kirk, Yenda stud, Gayndah, Betty Robertson, Coweki stud, Bell and Lyn Sperling, Rodlyn stud, Bell are pictured at the Brahman judging ABBA General Manager John Croaker and Rodger Jefferis, Elrose stud, Cloncurry are pictured with Filipino visitors, Billy Badilla, President of the Federation of Cattle Raisers Assoc of the Philippines and Congressman Jesus Sacdalan June 2012 11 Eight head, eight broad ribbons - Carinya cleans up at Beef 2012 11 The reserve junior champion bull was the impeccably-bred Carinya Rigby, who triumphed in the 15 head class for 19-21 month old bulls. His dam Carinya Kari 757 was the Beef Australia 2006 grand champion female and his sire is Carinya Riddell. Another Carinya Riddell product to score a broad ribbon was Carinya Miss Carmen 11/586, who placed second to Lancefield M Rita in the 15-17 months class before claiming the reser ve junior female championship. She is out of the Carinya Rembrandt daughter Carinya Roma. It was no surprise that the Sire’s Progeny Group was won by Carinya Riddell progeny, the prefix also parading the winning Exhibitor’s Group. Elrose earned the blue ribbon in the Dam’s Progeny class with progeny of Elrose 5602. Andrew and Roxanne Olive, Raglan stud, Raglan paraded the reserve calf champion male, Raglan Laxargo, who was runner up to Carinya Riddler in the 12-15 months class. Laxargo is an IVF product of BNA Bar Manso 387/7 Lexington (imp) and Hamdenvale Rocky, who is by Mr V8 846/5 The Rock (imp). The reserve calf champion female was Carinya Miss Sophie 11/663, yet another daughter of the super-sire Carinya Riddell, and out of the Databank cow Carinya Miss Chrystal. She placed second in the 10 head 12-15 months class behind the eventual calf champion Elrose Miss Didor. The Brahman judging provided the perfect opportunity to present Life Memberships to breed stalwarts Brett Coombe, John Atkinson, Brett Kirk and Rodger Jefferis. Cricket legend Glenn McGrath was on hand to pass out the awards in front of the keen crowd of spectators. Brett Coombe, Roxborough stud, Moura (centre) is pictured with Julie and David McCamley, Lancefield Brahmans, Palmalmal , Dingo Kate and Tony Mortimer, Token stud, Eidsvold are pictured with Vicki Hayes, Yenda V stud, Mundubbera ABBA Life Membership Presentation The Council has awarded Life Membership to its four past Presidents. Pictured after presentation of Life Membership plaques and badges by cricket legend Glen McGrath are ABBA President Andrew Olive, Glen McGrath, Brett Coombe, John Atkinson, Brett Kirk and Rodger Jefferis. Brahman News will feature articles on our newest life members in future issues 12 June 2012 HORNED OR POLLED? WITHOUT A HORNPOLL TEST, IT’S A LOTTERY ™ Working out which cattle in your herd will be horned or polled is no longer a game of chance. 7KHQHZ+RUQ3ROO'1$WHVWHQDEOHV\RXWRFRQÀGHQWO\LGHQWLI\JHQHWLFDOO\SROOHGFDWWOHWKDWZLOO not pass horns onto calves. That means you can breed horned animals out of your herd a lot faster. Making cattle handling easier and allowing you to cash in on the premiums paid for polled cattle sooner. So if you’re looking for a faster and more accurate way to get horned cattle out of your herd, the numbers you’ll need are 0437 226 122WRWDONWR7HUU\)DUUHOO\RXU3À]HU$QLPDO*HQHWLFVUHSUHVHQWDWLYH ™ Genetic Health. Performance. Growth. www.pfizeranimalhealth.com.au Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd, 38–42 Wharf Road, West Ryde NSW 2114. ABN 50 008 422 348. PAL0655/BN March 2012. *The HornPoll test is only suitable for the Brahman, Santa Gertrudis, Droughtmaster, Hereford and Simmental breeds, and any crosses of these breeds. Research continues in the application of this test in other breeds. June 2012 13 AFTER BRAHMAN Warren Backhouse, BTS Brahmans, Kandanga, and David Raymont, Sha Ann Brahmans, Traveston Sandra Bishop, Garglen Brahmans, Kandanga, Felicity Rockemer, Gigoomgan Brahmans, Brooweena, Sharon Turner, Y3K Brahmans, Woolooga, Pam Dray, Bongmuller Partnership, Woolooga, Amanda Smith, WH Brahmans, Kuranda, and Peta Dray, Bongmuller Partnership, Woolooga Kim Weller, Yanco, NSW, Rebecca and Brahman judge Ben Hewitt, Mt Cooper, Charters Towers, and Selwyn and Val Weller, Nabiac, NSW Peter Chiesa, Palm Creek Brahmans, Ingham, Bill Smith, San Remo Farming, Kuranda, and Lisa Devlin, Wooroora, Ravenshoe Glen Pfeffer, Mogul Brahmans, Maclean, and Col Tink, BT Brahmans, Dubbo Samantha Cooksley, Canada, and Nick Curran, Spenbar Brahmans, Condamine 14 June 2012 JUDGING FUNCTION Photos by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE Brooke Jefferis, Elrose Brahmans, Cloncurry, and Robyn Raymont, Sha Ann Brahmans, Traveston Bonnie and Shane Keough, Blue Dog Brahmans, Charters Towers David and Julie McCamley, Lancefield D Brahmans, Dingo, and Janelle and Matthew McCamley, Lancefield M Brahmans, Dululu Peter Chiesa, Palm Creek Brahmans, Ingham, and Ross Parker, SilverValley, Mingela Adam Black, Pajingo, Charters Towers, and Richard and John Brownson, Burdekin Brahmans, Charters Towers Luke Taylor, Clukan Brahmans, Jambin, Karen Dunn, Kamir Brahmans, Thangool, and Ben McCamely, Lancefield Brahmans, Dululu June 2012 15 Tender beef puts Brahmans out in front at Beef 2012 by Lindel GREGGORY Selling 5000 Brahman steaks in five days was just one of the many highlights for the breed at Beef Australia 2012. Held in Rockhampton from May 7-12, the triennial beef expo attracted 80,000 people including 600 overseas guests. As well as supplying beef to the purpose built Ascot Brahman Stonegrill Restaurant, Brahman breeders took the opportunity to exhibit their cattle in the stud judging arena, in the Brahman Compound, and at their own expo sites. ABBA general manager John Croaker said the Brahman Compound was hugely successful, presenting 140 of the breed’s best including 40 head of show cattle. “The compound and our promotional area attracted a steady flow of visitors, who provided very positive feedback about the animals on display,” Mr Croaker said. International visitors included beef producers and industry representatives from Brazil, the Philippines and Thailand, and strong contacts were established, with the possibility of future semen and live cattle sales. The breed let the taste do the talking at the on-site Ascot Stonegrill Restaurant, which dished up more than 1000 fillet, strip loin and rump steaks a day, which guests cooked themselves on a pre-heated natural volcanic stone. 16 1 6 JJu June Jun un u ne 22012 0112 0012 12 Will Cordwell, the man behind the Ascot Brahman Stonegrill at Beef 2012 is pictured serving some of the more than 5000 steaks sold throughout the week Eight Brahman breeders supplied a total of 94 Brahman steers for the restaurant, which were fed for 102 days at Melbrig Feedlot, Mundubbera. The cattle had a non-HGP daily gain for 1.5kg.head/day, with a dry matter feed conversion rate of 6:1. 17 Tender beef puts Brahmans out in front at Beef 2012 16 What really impressed were the exceptional boning yields, with 100% complying with MSA standards when killed through Teys. “The restaurant was an outstanding success and attracted a great deal of favourable comment,” Mr Croaker said. Ninety-two out of the 94 head killed were in boning group 11 or less, with 36 in boning group 6-8, and all were consistent with Teys Gold MSA grade product. “The beef was wonderfully tender and flavoursome and exploded the myth that Brahman beef isn’t suitable for premium fine dining markets.” STEER SUPPLIERS • Stewart & Kerry Wallace Wallace Brahman Stud • Chris, Sally & Ashley Kirk Rockley Brahman Stud • Jennifer McCamley Tartrus Brahman Stud • Rodger, Lorena, Grant & Brooke Jefferis Elrose Brahman Stud • Brett & Susan Kirk Hazelton Brahman Stud • Tony & Joanne Fenech Fenech Grazing FBC Brahman stud • David & Rebecca Comiskey Melton Grazing • Tex & Bronwyn Burnham Boogalgopal Brahman Stud • Brad, Bruce & Stewart Hutchinson Hutchinson Grazing SUPPORT SPONSORS Ascot Brahman Stonegrill sponsors Kelvin and Margaret Maloney, Kenilworth stud, Mt Coolon dined with friends at the restaurant • Alan & Penny Wallace Blackwattle Brahman Stud, Marlborough • Bevan & Liz Radel Kandoona Brahman Stud, Injune • David & Joy Deguara Hamdenvale Brahman Stud, Mackay • Ken & Wendy Cole Kenrol Brahman Stud, Gracemere • Scott & Lizette McCamley David & Julie McCamley Matthew & Janelle McCamley Andrew & Anna McCamley Lancefield Brahman Stud • Andrew & Roxanne Olive Raglan Brahman Stud, Raglan • Peter & Sue Gray The Rivers Brahman Stud, Marlborough • Brett & Lyn Coombe Roxborough Brahman Stud, Moura • Eddie & Debbie Streeter Fairy Springs Brahman Stud, Bowen • Dr George Jacobs Mogul Brahman Stud, Maclean • Matthew & Fiona Noakes Solo F Brahman Stud, Marlborough • Ben & Jaye Hall Halls Brahman Stud, Muttaburra • McCaffrey’s Australian Livestock Marketing • Rural Supplements • Ced Wise Veterinary Services & Rocky Repro • Kearin & Beth Streeter Palmvale Brahman Stud, Marlborough • Shane & Sandra Bishop & family Garglen Brahman Company, Gympie • Lawson & Sophie, Bill & Tolma Camm Cambil Brahman Stud, Proserpine • Noel & Dallas Daley Caiwarra Brahman Stud, Julia Creek • Brett & Susan Kirk Hazelton Brahmans, Middlemount • Rodger & Lorena Jefferis Elrose Brahman Stud, Cloncurry • Kelvin & Margaret Maloney Kenilworth Brahman Stud, Mt Coolan • Hutchinson Grazing Melbrig Feedlot, Mundubbera • Jennifer McCamley Tartrus Brahman Stud, Marlborough June 2012 17 Kangarin Tiny draws a big crowd Positioned outside the Brahman Compound, one of the star attractions at Beef 2012 was the seven year old weight guessing Brahman bullock Nick and Rhonda Dudarko, Kangarin stud, Biloela donated to the RACQ Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service. Nick decided to make the donation after being severely burnt in an on farm accident in March 2011. The rescue helicopter f lew him to Rockhampton which he credits with saving his life. Weight guessing ticket sales were handled by The Caves Lions Club who reported over $7500 was raised by ticket sales. The bullock, named Kangarin Tiny was bought by Australian Country Choice when auctioned at the Ruralco Australian Beef Cattle Championships at Gracemere. Seventeen people correctly guessed his weight at 1280kg, but many were a long way out Coles added another $600 to the purchase price however it was decided he would be donated to the Monto High School Cattle Club for 12 months following which he will spend the rest of his days back at Kangarin. A total of 17 people correctly guessed the weight at 1280kg. Cindy Offerd from Bouldercombe was the eventual winner following a ballot. She promptly donated the $400 prize money and the $100 Bob Jane voucher back to the Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service. While seven year old bullocks are not in the mainstream of production today, Nick said they didn’t consider them to be a proper bullock unless they were seven years old when he was young, so he decided to keep one for seven years to see how big he would grow. Nick Dudarko, Kangarin stud, Biloela and Barry Hannam representing the The Caves Lions Club are pictured in the Brahman Compound discussing the wash up of the weight guessing competition A crowd of helpers and onlookers gathered Friday afternoon for the announcement of the correct weight 18 1 8 Ju JJune un u ne 22012 011122 0012 N CA EW RG R O 66 H TU O R O BI K N AV E AI WI LA TH BL E HELIFLITE – SUPPORTING RURAL AUSTRALIA SINCE 1977 FULL-AUSTRALIAN NETWORK COVERAGE AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST SERVING ROBINSON DISTRIBUTOR SINCE 1977 AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST INVENTORY OF ROBINSON HELICOPTERS AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST INVENTORY OF ROBINSON SPARE PARTS AUSTRALIA’S ONLY ROBINSON DISTRIBUTOR WITH FOUR DEDICATED SPARE PARTS SUPPORT STAFF AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXPERIENCED AND LARGEST ROBINSON FACTORY TRAINED ENGINEERING STAFF AUSTRALIA’S AUTHORISED HELICOPTER DISTRIBUTOR SINCE 1977 7O! c^^^OLSPÅP[LJVTH\ ROBINSON SALEScPUMV'OLSPÅP[LJVTH\ :PTVU! c4H[[! Connecting with regional Queensland communities is at the heart of what we do at Suncorp Bank. We make sure our experienced Agribusiness specialists are there for you, with superior industry knowledge, local leadership and the ability to make decisions on the ground. Want to know what we can do for you? Visit your local Suncorp Bank Business Banking Centre or contact: John Playford District Manager Central Queensland Agribusiness 0477 329 320 [email protected] We’re 100% committed to Queensland. Suncorp Metway Ltd ABN 66 010 831 722. 19895 30/05/12 A June 2012 19 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere by Lindel GREGGORY Twice Matt and Janelle McCamley, Eulogie Cattle Co, Dululu have entered cattle in the Brahman Commercial Breeding Female Show and Sale and on both occasions they have walked away with the grand championship. Following their success in 2010, the McCamleys returned to Rockhampton in April 2012, showing the winning pen of p.t.i.c. Brahman heifers under three years, the grand champion pen, and the equal top priced pen. Judge John Burnett, Bendameer, Clermont said the champion pen of heifers was a very even and feminine offering. The 12 two-and-a-half year old females, who won Class 1, were in calf to polled grey Lancefield bulls. Phillip Lamb, Villawood Nominees, Dingley Dell, Biloela is pictured with his Reserve Champion pen and winners of the Yearling heifer class which sold for $1400 21 Matthew and Janelle McCamley , Eulogie, Dululu are pictured with their Champion pen and winners of the PTIC heifer class 20 June 2012 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere 20 The reserve champion pen and winners of Class 4 were 14 red Brahman yearling heifers from the Lamb family, Villawood Nominees, Dingley Dell, Biloela. champion pen shared the top price of $2000/head and sold to Isaac Waters Pty Ltd, Mt Isa who outlaid an impressive $1638/ hd average for eight pens. placegetters, presented by Eric Nobbs, Lyndhurst, Biloela, and for the third placegetters, from Les and Olive Smith, Bramleigh, Baralaba. This year’s sale was the biggest since its inception in 2010 and saw 932 females gross $811,500 and average $910. The McCamley’s Isaac Waters Pty Ltd invested in five pens of 12 head each from Class 1, paying equal top price of $2000/hd for the second Mr Nobbs was the most successful exhibitor on the day, yarding five pens that went for an average of $1290/hd. His line-up included 22 Les Smith, Brahmleigh, Baralaba is pictured with his third place pen of PTIC heifers which made equal top price of $2000 Andy and Marg Olsen, Thordon Park, Wandoan are pictured with their winning pen of Cows and Calves June 2012 21 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere 21 three pens of Brahman yearling heifers from Class 4. The 14-head pens sold for $1250/ hd to Trigger Grazing, $1300/hd to S. and R. Hooper, Taroom; and $1150/hd to Dennis and Denise Quinn, Voewood, Calliope. Staunch sale supporters George and Lorraine Bartolo, Carrinyah Park, Nebo, presented 12 pens of females, which averaged $681. Their seven pens of p.t.i.c. heifers in Class 1, comprising six pens of greys and one pen of reds, peaked at $1000/hd to average $778. Their five pens of yearling heifers in Class 4 sold to a high of $575/hd. 23 Eric Nobbs, Lyndhurst, Biloela is pictured with his winning pen of Weaner heifers Alistair Davison, Lumeah, Middlemount is pictured with his second placed pen of Weaner heifers Andrew Olive, Raglan Station, Raglan is pictured with his third placed pen of Weaner heifers 22 June 2012 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere 22 Taking the top title in Class 2, p.t.i.c. Brahman cows under 10 years of age, was a pen of 10 honey coloured cows from Jennifer McCamley, Kaiuroo Developments, Dingo. They were knocked down for $1150/hd to Dennis and Denise Quinn, who also paid $1050/hd for 10 grey p.t.i.c. cows from the same vendor. However the top price in that class was $1700/ head, paid for the second placegetters, 10 grey cows offered by Fenech Grazing, Craigleigh, Wowan. They were purchased by Lincol Grazing. Andy and Marg Olsen, Neslo Brahmans, Wandoan, won Class 3 with a pen of eight red cows and calves that sold for $1150 per unit to Isaac Waters Pty Ltd. Second placegetter was Kaiuroo Developments with a pen of eight greys, knocked down for $1350/unit to L. and C. Trevor, Gracemere. Jennifer McCamley, Kaiuroo Developments, Dingo is pictured with her winning pen of PTIC cows Claiming top price in Class 3 was the Oates family, Mt Brett, Comet with their pen of eight grey cows and calves selling for $1850/unit to the Trevor family. The Oates’ other pen in that class realised $1600/unit, going to Isaac Waters Pty Ltd. Class 4 for yearling heifers was the biggest of the sale, attracting 37 pens. The top price of $1400/hd was paid for the winning pen of reds from the Lamb family, which went on to be named the reserve champion pen of the show and sale. The Lambs offered four pens in that class, which sold for the excellent average of $1075/hd. 24 Christopher Fenech, Fenech Grazing, Craigleigh, Wowan is pictured with his second placed pen of PTIC cows which sold for $1700 Major sponsors Suncorp were represented at the Brahman Commercial Breeding Female Show and Sale by George Hunt Senior Manager Agribusiness, Lizzie Hanrick Agribusiness Graduate, Len Lawlor Agribusiness Manager, Patrick Heagney Agribusiness Officer, Sasha King Agribusiness Officer and Sandy Donovan Agribusiness Manager June 2012 23 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere 23 Fenech Grazing sold 14 grey yearling females to the Bishop’s Garglen Brahman Co, Gympie, for $1300/hd. Tim and Lynette Olive, Apis Creek, Marlborough, sold three pens of yearling heifers, peaking at $1000/hd. Three pens of yearlings from Eric Nobbs sold to $1300 to average $1233, the top pen going to S. and R. Hooper. Mr Nobbs’ weaner heifers were the winners of Class 5, the pen of 18 greys selling for $750/hd to Nobbs Grazing. Alistair and Pam Davison, Lumeah, Middlemount, sold their second placed pen of weaners to D. and G. Brennan for $675. Max and Hilary Gunthorpe, Namoi, Dingo, claimed the next best price in that class, their weaners going to Diamond L Charbrays for $600/hd. 26 Matthew and Janelle McCamley, Eulogie, Dululu are pictured with their Champion Pen trophy presented by major sponsor Suncorp Agribusiness Manager Sandy Donovan while Judge John Burnett, Bendamore, Clermont looks on Sponsor Lyndon Constable Director Sales and Marketing Bioniche Animal Health (second left) is pictured with successful exhibitors in the PTIC heifer class from left Eric Nobbs (second), Matthew McCamley (first) and Les Smith (third) ABBA President Andrew Olive presented the awards for the PTIC cow class on behalf of sponsors Westco Truck Sales to successful exhibitors from left Christopher Fenech (second) Jennifer McCamley (first and third) Lyndon Constable (second right) representing sponsor Bayer presented the awards to successful exhibitors in the Cow and Calf class, from left Marg and Andy Olsen (first), Jennifer McCamley (second), and Brad Mulvihill representing Robert Oates (third) Terry Farrell, Senior Sales representative, Pfizer Animal Genetics (right) who sponsored the Yearling heifer class is pictured after presenting the awards to successful exhibitors from left, Eric Nobbs (second), Phillip Lamb (first and third) 24 June 2012 TOKEN DOMINATOR (P) 13/11/2009 T2K236/0M Yenda Chazz Manso 336/9 (P) S: JDH La Normande Manso Yenda K Miss 15/3 S: JDH Stafford Manso LICENSED SEMEN NOW AVAILABLE Tony & Kathryn Mortimer ‘Cotswold’ Eidsvold Qld 4627 07 4165 1160 [email protected] June 2012 25 Biggest line-up of commercial females sells well at Gracemere 24 Major buyers were Isaac Waters Pty Ltd with eight pens at $1638/hd avg, and D. and G. Brennan who outlaid $816/hd for eight pens. Taking home four pens each were: D. and D. Quinn, who paid $1088/hd avg; S. and R. Hooper, $963/hd; R. Bond, $713/ hd; N. and T. Ferris, $600/hd; Diamond L Charbrays, $588/hd; and Granite Vale Partners, $525/hd. RESULTS Class 1 PTIC Brahman heifers under three years: 1st & Champion Pen Eulogie Cattle Co, Dululu 2nd PEC & Est. of VK Nobbs, Lyndhurst, Biloela 3rd L & O Smith, Bramleigh, Baralaba Class 2 1st 2nd 3rd PTIC Brahman cows under 10 years: Kaiuroo Developments, Dingo Fenech Grazing, Craigleigh, Wowan Kaiuroo Developments, Dingo Class 3 1st 2nd 3rd Brahman cows and calves: R & M Olsen, Neslo Brahmans, Wandoan Kaiuroo Developments, Dingo R & U Oates, Mt Brett, Comet Class 4 Brahman yearling heifers: 1st & Reserve Champion Villawood Nominees, Dingley Dell, Biloela 2nd PEC & Est. of VK Nobbs, Lyndhurst, Biloela 3rd Villawood Nominees, Dingley Dell, Biloela Class 5 1st 2nd 3rd Ken Roche, is pictured receiving the voucher for buying the top priced pen on behalf of Isaac Waters Pty Ltd from sponsor Ancare representative Tony Newman. Ken paid the equal top price of $2000 for the first, second and third place getters in the PTIC heifers class, as well as another 3 pens from the same class Brahman weaner heifers: PEC & Est. of VK Nobbs, Lyndhurst, Biloela A & P Davison, Lumeah, Middlemount A & R Olive, Raglan Brahmans, Raglan Martin Pentacost, Landmark, Rockhampton (right) representing sponsor VIrbac Animal Health presented the awards for Class 5 the Weaner heifer class to successful exhibitors Andrew Olive (third), Alistair Davison (second) and Eric Nobbs (first) Most successful exhibitor Eric Nobbs (right), Lyndhurst, Biloela is pictured receiving a voucher from Ancare representative, Tony Newman 26 June 2012 Phillip Lamb, Villawood Nominees is pictured after receiving the trophy for Reserve Champion pen from Sandy Donovan Agribusiness Manager, Suncorp, Rockhampton June 2012 27 Unlocking the secrets of gene markers by Lindel GREGGORY Photos by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE Close to 120 people attended the Sire Progeny Test/Beef Information Nucleus (BIN) Project field day at Banana Station, Banana, on March 14. The project is being conducted as part of the CRC/MLA Strategic Plan for DNA Marker Commercialisation and aims to facilitate the independent validation of DNA markers relative to Australian beef breeds and production systems. The Central Queensland field day showcased August 2011-drop Brahman steer and heifer progeny from AI programs at Mark and Belinda Wilson’s property Camboon, Theodore, and steers from Rob and Annie Donoghue’s Baradoo property at Bauhinia. All the cattle on display drew favourable comments from the attendees. ABBA general manager John Croaker said the quality of the steers and heifers was testament to the fact that semen from some of the breed’s top sires had been used in the first round of the project’s AI program. The raw weights and flight times for each of the steer groups were also presented at the field day. 29 Brett Coombe, Roxborough Brahman stud, Moura is pictured with Dr David Johnston, principal scientist, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), University of New England, Armidale, NSW and project co-operators Mark Wilson, Banana Station, Banana and Annie Donaghue, Baradoo, Bauhinia Downs Close to 120 people attended the BIN field day at Banana Station on 14th March 2012 28 Ju 28 June JJun un u ne 22012 012 001 12 12 Unlocking the secrets of gene markers 28 “That data has now been analysed in BREEDPLAN and is available for viewing on the ABBA website,” Mr Croaker said. By incorporating genomic data into BREEDPLAN, breeders will be able to more accurately and reliably select animals based on economically important performance traits such as carcase and meat quality, female reproductive traits and growth traits. “Breeds not doing BIN Projects are at a significant disadvantage in utilizing this DNA marker technology, which has been shown to be breed specific,” Mr Croaker said. Some of the most important parts of the BIN Project, in particular the meat science and female reproduction traits, won’t be delivered until the end cycle of the project. “This is a long term project, the first steers won’t be killed until 2014 and the final joining data won’t be available till 2017,” Mr Croaker said. The field day also provided an opportunity for leading researchers to present their findings. Dr David Johnston, principal scientist, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), University of New England, Armidale, NSW delivered three presentations. He spoke on putting genetic data into EBVs, and the role of BIN information; shared research into the genetics of lifetime female reproduction and key measurements in BIN Guest speaker Dr Sophia Edwards, from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science Dr David Johnston, principal scientist, Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), University of New England, Armidale, NSW standing with BIN AI sires heifer progeny produced at Camboon Project females; and spoke about the causes of calf losses. Attendees also enjoyed a presentation from Dr Sophia Edwards, from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science, on managing and improving fixed time AI. Mr Croaker said applications had been called for sires for the third round of AI joining. “A key benefit of the project from our point of view is to identify sires that will have a major impact on the breed. This will be the final joining under the current donor company funding arrangements,” he said. “We will need to collect more data once this funding arrangement is finished but are unsure as yet where the funding will come from.” The BIN calves were drafted and displayed in sire groups June 2012 29 Rich pickings for Whitaker stud at Nanango Feature Show by Lindel GREGGORY Photos by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE Whitaker Mr Avo took top honours at the Nanango Brahman Feature Show in April, claiming the senior and grand bull championship. The seasoned show campaigner is a grey August 2009-drop son of Eureka Creek Marksman and the JDH Martin Manso (imp) cow, Whitaker D199. He was shown by Clint and Robyn Whitaker, Whitaker stud, Mundubbera, who had a successful day out, also parading the senior and grand champion female, the junior champion bull and the reserve calf champion female. Both the Whitaker Grand Champions, Whitaker Mt Avo and Whitaker Ruby Red went on to claim the interbreed supreme make and female awards. The impressive Brahman line-up was judged by Santa Gertrudis breeder David Greenup, Rosevale, Jandowae, who shared the ribbons around between 13 studs. He selected Sha Ann Apache Gold, runnerup to Mr Avo in the 30 months and over class, as the reserve senior champion male. Paraded by David and Robyn Raymont, Sha Ann stud, Tuchekoi, the bull is an IVF product of PBF Hennessy Manso and Sha Ann Miss Super Ele, by Mr V8 287/5 (imp). The junior bull championship was awarded to the curiously-named Whitaker Mr Pumpkin Magnate 1, winner of 17-19 months class. The young red bull is an IVF son of HK Magnate (imp) and Whitaker Miss Pumpkin Dot Com, who is sired by Mr JH 2000.com 10/0. Sha Ann also collected broad ribbons for the reserve junior champion bull and the male calf champion. Their reserve junior champion bull, Sha Ann Rolling Thunder, is by JDH Sir Shank Manso 51/7 (imp) and out of the Mr D Bar 101/1 (imp) daughter Sha Ann Miss De Elegant, while their calf champion male, Sha Ann High Roller, is a July 2011-drop son of PBF Hennessy Manso. Mr Greenup awarded the reserve calf championship male to Droonoodoo Might and Power, a Lancefield M Billionaire Manso son from Dean Rasmussen’s Droonoodoo stud, Kingaroy. The Whitaker’s senior and grand champion female was Whitaker Ruby Red, who is by SRS Profiler 729 (imp) and out of Whitaker Maggie. She won the 30 months and over class ahead of Rodlyn Miss 76/06 who went on the claim the reserve senior female championship. The Rodlyn cow, paraded by Rod and Lyn Sperling, Rodlyn stud, Bell is by the well-regarded Tartrus Redmount and out of Lancefield D Sonia. As well as her show credentials, Rodlyn Miss 76/06 has also proven herself as a donor female, producing the Nanango reserve junior champion female, Rodlyn Trish (ET). Trish, who won the 17-19 months class, is sired by the import LB Mr Derringer Manso. The junior champion female was Rodger and Lorena Jefferis’ Elrose Spring Time 8575, winner of the 19-21 months class. She is a grey daughter of JDH Modelo Manso 268/5 (imp) and out the imported blood cow Elrose Spring T ime 6230 (by SMG Monumental). Alastair and Pam Davison, Viva stud, Middlemount showed the winner of the 12-15 months female class and the calf 32 Robyn Whitaker, Whitaker Brahman Stud, Mundubbera, Qld with Judge David Greenup, Rosevale Santa Gertrudis, Jandowae,Qld is pictured with Grand Champion Brahman Male and Supreme Exhibit of Show Whitaker Mr Avo, handler Brent Evans, Kingaroy, Qld and Amy Wicks, 2012 Nanango Rural Ambassador 30 June 2012 A whole herd of beef financial experts. Our Agribusiness specialists understand the practical and seasonal requirements of the beef industry, and can equip you with tailor made financial solutions to help you manage your business. Call one of our local financial specialists today or AgriLine on 1300 245 463. Ross Leggett North Queensland 0409 997 260 Graeme Nowland South West Queensland 0427 755 023 Errol Bambrick Central Queensland 0427 371556 Daniel Elder Roma region 0409 015 730 Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. CLA1390 June 2012 31 Rich pickings for Whitaker stud at Nanango Feature Show 30 champion female, Viva Felicity. The grey heifer is by the import JDH Federation 76/1 and out of the Wilangi Riddle cow Viva Wilda. Whitaker Miss Lurleen, a grey March-2011 drop daughter of Garwin 1199, claimed the reserve female calf championship. Whitaker stud finished up a winning day by taking the blue ribbons for the Exhibitor’s Group and Sire’s Progeny. The Dam’s Progeny class was won by Viva stud. Nanango Brahman Feature Show Judge David Greenup, Rosevale Santa stud, Jandowae, Qld pictured with Lyn Sperling, Rodlyn Brahman stud, Bell, Qld sashing Grand Champion Brahman Female and Supreme Interbreed Female of Show Whitaker Miss Ruby Red, Clint and Robyn Whitaker, Whitaker Brahman stud, Mundubbera, Qld The Brahman calf champion was awarded to Sha Ann High Roller, owned by David and Robyn Raymont, Sha Ann Brahmans, Traveston. Parader Ashleigh Backhouse accepts the prize from BGA Agriservice sponsor Nicole Finney, Murgon Ashleigh Backhouse and the reserve champion junior bull Sha Ann Rolling Thunder, with Amy Harch, Danarla Brahmans, Wondai Nanango Brahman Feature Show Exhibitors, Handlers, Committee Members and Volunteers that made the 2012 event possible 32 JJun 32 June Ju un u ne 22012 0012 01 1122 Getting world’s best cattle genetics drives pastoralist to Nuffield Scholarship Media Release NUFFIELD AUSTRALIA For Lorre Herrod, producing top quality cattle is a serious business – and for her, successfully turning off the ideal beast is heavily reliant on genetics. So much so that Lorre decided to apply for a Nuffield Scholarship and last year she embarked on the trip of a lifetime to see how the world’s top cattle producers managed their herds. Lorre is a beef and Brahman bull producer in the Northern Territory, managing the 20-thousand acre Ballongilly Station which is 35 kilometres north-west of Katherine. It is a family business run in conjunction with the 1,100 sq km Western Creek Station, located 220 kilometres south-west of Katherine. Working in such a harsh environment with her family drove her to study how to improve genetics and fertility in Bos indicus cattle for her part of the world. “Considering I am a bull buyer and fertility is becoming very important in Brahman cattle in the Northern Territory for greater production, I thought if I could get better genetics in my herd, I could supply people with better genetics on their doorstep.” Lorre knew immediately that her travels needed to include Brazil, saying, “With such leading genetics and so much artificial insemination and in vitro fertilisation being done, they’re increasing their genetics faster than anywhere else in the world, so that was an obvious choice. And with their grazing and land being very similar to where I live in the Northern Territory, I realized Brazil was going to be a key destination for my study.” Lorre also toured Argentina, where she found similar pastures but much more fertile soil, making it hard to compare to her own property, and she also visited the USA where she unfortunately didn’t find the great genetics she was looking for. “I found Brahman studs in the US are leading more towards a show animal, not the practical, versatile animal that’s needed in the commercial breeder. It didn’t surprise me though, as being a Brahman breeder in Australia I do get to look at a lot of different genetics being brought in.” Lorre says she did discover however, that the US industry is doing some impressive crossbreeding with the Brahman breed to create a more fertile animal and larger carcass traits. The collective lessons from the US and south America for Lorre all centred around genetics, but with some stipulations. “The key things I found were, the quickest way to improve fertility is through genetics – they can take herd fertility much higher in a much quicker way. It’s important to remember through, that without proper nutrition, genetics aren’t going to help your herd - both genetics and nutrition work hand in hand,” she says. “To help improve the genetics in our industry, I believe it’s essential for Brahman bull producers to start measuring Estimated Breeding Values for fertility to enhance greater genetic material in northern Australian herds,” Lorre concluded. Lorre says she did find some practices which can be implemented in her herd. “I think there’s merit in culling anything that’s not in calf every year and I’d also like to look at creep feeding in my maiden heifers to induce fertility. A big corporate farm in Brazil has increased their fertility in maiden heifers by 16 per cent using creep feeding, which is all about feeding your calves in a small area so your cows can’t get in to also eat the supplementary feed.” For Lorre, the experience of seeing the extraordinary potential of agriculture in countries like Brazil was a memorable one, but still left her returning to Australia feeling good about her local industry. Lorre Herrod “I believe our industry is right up there with the leading ones in the world – we work in conditions that not many other people in the world have to deal with, so it was ver y hard to f ind relevant environmental situations that were the same. But we’re always striving to go ahead for better production, better genetics, and as long as we keep on that line, I think we’re going to stay amongst the leaders in the world.” Lorre’s scholarship was supported by Macquarie Agricultural Funds Management. Nuffield Australia is an organisation which provides opportunities to Australian farmers between the ages of 28 and 40 to travel the globe investigating a research topic impor tant to them and Australian agriculture. Applications for 2013 open on April 1st 2012. For more information please head to www.nuffield.com.au and follow us on twitter @nuffieldaust. June 2012 33 Polled red dictates the terms at Sydney Show by Lindel GREGGORY Photos courtesy of THE LAND The polled red bull Destys WB Dictator collected the most awards at the 2012 Sydney Royal Easter Show, being named senior and grand champion bull and best Brahman exhibit. The October 2009-drop son of Aintree TX War Baron and Jomanda Fleur 432 was shown by Bryan D’Este, Destys stud, Bundarra, NSW. Queensland cattleman Brett Coombe, Roxborough Brahman stud, Bindaree, Moura, judged the quality line-up from five NSW studs. The reserve senior bull championship went to the 30-36 months class winner, Mogul Zurf, exhibited by Dr George Jacobs’ Mogul stud, Maclean, NSW. Zurf is a grey Hudginsblood son of El Ja Data Axcess Manso, out of Droonoodoo Monica 262. John Park, Chairman of the ABBA NSW branch in the early 1970’s presented the sash for Grand Champion Brahman Bull to Destys WB Dictator shown by Bryan D’Este, Destys stud, Bundarra, NSW. Destys WB Dictator also won Senior Champion Bull and Best Brahman Exhibit Mr Coombe awarded the junior bull championship to the JDH Sir Mitchell Manso (imp) grandson, BT Carinda 54, winner of the 16-20 months class. Carinda is by Carinya 2/418 and out of the Lancefield-blood cow Mogul Miss Edith Manso V296. He was shown by Peter Brooks and Colin Tinks, BT Brahmans, Dubbo. Diddine Red, a good-looking son of Tartrus Redmount and Bizzy Red Doll, collected the reserve junior bull championship for owner Stephen Sivewright, Diddine stud, Cumbalum. The senior and grand female championship went to Bidgee View Rose, owned and paraded by BT Brahmans. The October 20 09 - drop female is a produc t of Lancefield Sir Rich Manso and Mogul Miss Wittlesea 53rd. Bizzy Gillian was the winner of the over 30 months female class, also taking out the reserve senior championship for owner Stephen Sivewright. The red daughter of Wandilla Xcise is out of the Kandoona Romeo cow Bizzy Rom 2093. Michelle Jacobs, Mogul Brahman stud (right) is pictured sashing the Grand Champion Female Bidgee View Rose exhibited by BT Brahmans, Dubbo and is held by Luke Pascoe with Casey Carruthers holding her calf Destys and Mogul studs shared the junior female awards, the junior championship going to the polled red Destys Eternity. Eternity is by Palmvale Ace and out of the Palmvale Unicorn cow Langley Dale Maria. Miss D Nita 2nd, a red daughter of Palmvale Damascus, out of the Billabong Round Tree cow Mogul Miss RT Nita. Palmvale bloodlines also featured in the reserve champion junior female, Mogul BT stud took the blue ribbon for the pair of bulls, and Blanco Ganado stud won the 34 June 2012 sire’s progeny class with progeny of Kabala Yanqui. The best maintained teams were Destys (five head and under) and Mogul (over five head). SETTING TODAY’S R. R M E M EL POLLED STANDARDS Genuine Smooth Polled Semen available for immediate shipment to all countries, Semen available in the USA and at BBS in Australia. Excellent EPD’s Current Weight: 2200 lbs. NC MR. ELMER 17 (P) 2011 FLORIDA STATE FAIR GRAND CHAMPION 4 Grand Championships 3 Reserve Championships 9 Division Championships 12 Reserve Division Championships Class Winner in 30 of 33 shows! N USTAR CATTLE COMPANY JEREMY BEST AND JOHN HUTTO Contact: Jeremy at +1 863 205 3446 P.O. Box 174, Bartow FL 33831 USA www.nustarcattleco.com • [email protected] June 2012 35 6 TRADE SHOW Measuring 25m x 55m plus the 15m x 10m hospitality area, the Brahman Compound was the largest trade site on the grounds The unique timber furniture items supplied by Shane and Bonnie Keough, Blue Dog stud, Charters Towers and Ian Lobergieger, Ausburl, Gympie were greatly admired Andy and Marg Olsen at their Neslo trade site Lawson, Charlie and Mitchell Camm at the Cambil trade site Anthony and Emma Olsen at their Lindley Park trade site Troy Lindsay, Toy Boy stud, Caboolture was an exhibitor in the Brahman Compound Matthew, Aimee, David and Melodie Harch, Danarla stud are pictured at their Brahman Compound site 36 June 2012 TRADE SHOW Will, Chris and Tony Fenech at the Fenech Brahmans site in the Brahman Compound Rodger, Lorena and Brooke Jefferis at the Elrose site in the Brahman Compound Felicity and Joe Streeter were exhibitors in the Brahman Compound Allana Parker, Lucie-Ann, Logan and Brett Kirk are pictured at the Hazelton trade site Suzette, Les and Lenesha Smith and Brendan McAuliffe are pictured at the Delta Grove site in the Brahman Compound Sam, Glenn and Emma Oppermann at the Tango site in the Brahman Compound The Raglan team, Ryan, Jacqui, Andrew, Roxanne and Aimee Olive are pictured with their impressive display board The Kenrol team, standing Nathan Ryan, Ken and Wendy Cole, Trish Draper and Samantha Cooksley and in front Sandy Ryan and Nick Curran are pictured with their carved sandstone stud feature sign June 2012 37 Nioka’s polled reds attract premier prices in Toowoomba by Lindel GREGGORY A polled red heifer from Nioka stud, Warialda, NSW, topped the Toowoomba 6th Annual Premier Brahman Female sale on April 21. Nioka Joline, who is a daughter of Aintree TX War Baron and the 2003 Brisbane Royal Show champion cow Nioka Catalina, sold to Brett Becker, Barkly Brahmans, Murgon, for $3750. Mr Becker bought the three highest priced females at the sale, paying $3500 for Nioka Jenny and $2750 for Nioka Jodei - both polled reds by War Baron. Jodie was pregnancy tested in calf to Abbotsford Ruben, and her stablemates had been running with Rockley 1891. Tim and Vicki Nicolle and family enjoyed the highest sale average of $2150 for their 10 Nioka heifers. Reds sold slightly better on the day with 19 red females going for $1763 average and 27 greys averaging $1667. 40 Vendors Tim Nicolle (centre) and daughter Letitia Nioka Brahman stud, Warialda NSW are pictured with Landmark Auctioneer Anthony Ball and the top price heifer Nioka Joline, bought by Brett Becker, Barkly Brahman stud, Murgon, Qld for $3750. The Nioka draft of ten recorded the top average of $2150 Vendors Bill and Lyn Dahlheimer, Tangalooma stud, Brigalow, Qld are pictured with the buyers of the equal second top priced greyheifer at $2250, Tangalooma Ooranna, Kate and Tony Mortimer, Token stud, Eidsvold and sons Darcy, Cameron and Cody. The Tangalooma draft of eight recorded the top grey average of $1844 38 June 2012 + JDH GREGORY R MANSO 386/5 Sire: + JDH MR CHARLEY MANSO 590/6 (IMP SA) + JDH LADY EQUITO MAN 438/2 MR V8 690/4 (IMP US) (H) + MR V8 700/3 (H) Dam: MISS V8 409/4 + MS CLAYDESTA 203-807U5 April 2012 Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN Birth Wt. (kg) +4.9 77% 200 Day (kg) +29 83% 400 Day (kg) +39 83% 600 Day (kg) +46 82% Mat. Cow Wt. (kg) +64 75% Milk (kg) 0 70% Days to Calving +4.5 37% Carcase (kg) +33 70% Flight Time (secs) +0.04 28% Shear Force (kgs) +0.10 28% Much sought after JDH Charley Manso 590/6 bloodlines. Proven sire with sons selling to $50,000. Semen $100 straw & $50 per registration. Selling in 5 straw packages. Limited semen available. JDH MANSO GRANDE 488 Sire: + JDH A DAKOTA MANSO (IMP US) (H) JDH LADY SHANO MANSO JDH SHANO MANSO (IMP US) (H) JDH LEONARD DE MANSO Dam: JDH WS SHANOAH MANSO 480 JDH MS WINCHESTER MANSO April 2012 Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN Birth Wt. (kg) +3.3 73% 200 Day (kg) +20 80% 400 Day (kg) +24 79% 600 Day (kg) +27 80% Mat. Cow Wt. (kg +42 72% Milk (kg) 0 71% Scrotal Size (cm) +0.3 52% Carcase (kg) +20 65% Imported in 1994. Sired by JDH Dakota Manso 599. Sire of Cambil Shamrock 3666, sold at Big Country 2012 for $20,000. Semen $100 straw & $50 per registration. Selling in 5 straw packages. Limited semen available. + JDH A DAKOTA MANSO (IMP US) (H) Sire: + JDH KARU MANSO 800 (IMP US) JDH LADY REM S MANSO TARTRUS REMBRANDT MANSO 4382 (AI) (ET) (H) JDH SIR REM MANSO 95 (IMP US) Dam: TARTRUS MISS REM 3666 (H) TARTRUS MISS MAGICO 061 (ET) (H) April 2012 Brahman GROUP BREEDPLAN Birth Wt. (kg) +2.8 77% 200 Day (kg) +19 84% 400 Day (kg) +28 85% 600 Day (kg) +41 88% Mat. Cow (kg) +65 83% Milk (kg) +2 67% Scrotal (cm) +0.7 57% Days to Calving +1.1 42% Carcase (kg) +22 73% EMA (sq.cm) +2.2 53% Rib (mm) +0.2 51% Rump (mm) +0.1 57% RBY (%) +0.6 49% Flight Time Shear Force (secs) (kgs) +0.08 -0.31 49% 39% RURAL DESIGN STUDIO 0407020080 Purchased for $50,000 in 2003. Breeding consistently high quality progeny. Semen $50 straw & $50 per registration. Selling minimum of 5 straws. Limited Semen Available Lawson Camm 07 4945 5939 0438 461 233 Bill Camm 07 4946 1162 0412 461 162 Mt Julian Proserpine Qld 4800 www.cambilbrahmans.com June 2012 39 Nioka’s polled reds attract premier prices in Toowoomba 38 The highest priced grey was $2500 Tangalooma Oomay from Bill and Lyn Dahlheimer’s Tangalooma stud, Brigalow. The 22-month-old heifer was sired by the JDH Casa Grande Manso (imp) bull Tango Image, and was out of the Spring Valley Kryptonite cow Tangalooma Hocus Pocus. She will join Paul Hass’ and Morag Watt’s Tobermorey stud, Westbrook. Tobermorey invested in five head, paying $1500 avg. The Dahlheimers averaged $1844 for eight head, their draft including another Tango Image daughter, $2250 Tangalooma Our Girl, and $2250 Tangalooma Ooranna, by H H Park Hercules 396. Our Girl was one of 41 Buyer Rosie Freeguard, Toowoomba and George Miller, Milldale stud, Mt Whitestone are pictured with the equal second top priced grey heifer at $2250, Milldale Gem Brook, Sam and Tony Noller, Oakey are pictured with the 5 heifers they bought at the sale for a $1700 average, including the $2250 equal top priced grey Tangalooma Our Girl Buyers Sandra and Shane Bishop, Garglen Brahman stud, Kandanga and vendor Glen Oppermann and daughter Emma, Tango stud, Gayndah are pictured with 4 of the 5 Tango heifers Shane and Sandra bought Colin Chevalley, Coliana stud, Tenterfield NSW is pictured with Tangalooma OK Joesie which he bought from Bill and Lyn Dahlheimer for $1750 Sale Organising Committee Chairman Glen Oppermann (right) is pictured presenting the award sponsored by Ancare to Tim Nicolle, Nioka stud, Warialda NSW for exhibiting the winning pair of red females Hein Pretorius, Ridley Agriproducts and Judge Norm Tranberg are pictured with Letitia Nicolle, Nioka stud, Warialda NSW after presenting the awards sponsored by HS Seeds and Ridley Agriproducts for second place in the pair of red heifers won by Nioka entries lots 26 & 27 40 June 2012 Nioka’s polled reds attract premier prices in Toowoomba 40 five heifers purchased by Tony Noller, Noller’s Transport, Oakey, and Ooranna sold to Tony and Katherine Mortimer, Token stud, Eidsvold. Hamish (by JDH Heyworth Manso) was one of three Milldale heifers at $2000 avg sold to Rosie Freegard, Toowoomba. The eight head Milldale draft averaged $1781. Another $2250 sale was Milldale Gem, offered by the Miller family, Milldale stud, Mt Whitestone. The daughter of Milldale Rodlyn Miss 82/10, a light red Lancefield D Zest daughter, was the top seller from Rod and Lyn Sperling’s Rodlyn stud, Bell. 42 Sale Organising Committee member Margaretta Morgan (right) presented the awards sponsored by Riverina Stock Feeds to Marg Olsen, Neslo stud for third place in the pair of red heifers judging won by Neslo entries lots 16 & 17 Lyn Dahlheimer presented the awards sponsored by Bayer to George Miller, Milldale stud, Mt Whitestone for winning the pair of grey heifers section of the judging Sale organising Committee Chairman Glen Oppermann is pictured presenting Lyn Dahlheimer with the award for third place in the pair of grey heifers judging sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health Hein Pretorius, Ridley Agriproducts and Ben Shephard, Coopers Animal Health are pictured presenting George Miller, Milldale stud, Mt Whitestone with the award for second place in the pair of grey heifers judging Sale Organising Committee Chairman Glen Oppermann is pictured presenting George Miller, Milldale stud, Mt Whitestone with the award sponsored by Virbac for Champion Grey Heifer won by Georges entry Milldale Jenine 22/0 Hein Pretorius, Ridley Agriproducts and Judge Norm Tranberg (right) are pictured presenting awards sponsored by Downs Sheet Metal and Ridley for Champion Red Heifer to Tim Nicolle. The Champion Nioka Kindi was bought by Norm for $1750 Vendors Rod and Lyn Sperling, Rodlyn stud, Bell are pictured with Elders Auctioneer, Michael Smith June 2012 41 Nioka’s polled reds attract premier prices in Toowoomba 41 She was knocked down for $2000 to Noller’s Transport. Shane and Sandra Bishop, Garglen Brahmans, Kandanga, invested in four Tango heifers and one Milldale heifer, paying $1550 avg. The Chevally family paid $1375 avg for four heifers, and four at $1625 avg went to Mark Leicht, Sunnyside Park stud, Goombungee. Judge Norm Tranberg, Loma stud, Allora and Margaretta Morgan, Walubial stud, Condamine are pictured with the grey and red section Junior Judging winners from Dalby State High School, Bunya Campus, Kean Eden and Dallas Horne Dalby State High School Junior Judging participants (back row l to r) Kean Eden, Emma Carter, Sophie Carter, Lawrence Wyllie, Dallas Horne, Judge Norm Tranberg, (front row l to r) Joel Vink, Zoe Lerch, Brooke Foat, Eryn Jackson, Elise Pointon, Matt McDonald, Committee member Margaretta Morgan and Ag teacher Sue Burrowes. 42 June 2012 Stockman heifer tops Fassifern sale by Lindel GREGGORY Photo by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE An impressive red heifer from Stockman stud topped this year’s Fassifern Valley Elite Brahman Female Sale at $4750. Stockman Lady Rouge was offered by Chris McCarthy and is an ET daughter of the 2008 international champion MR JS Rouge 493/5 Redneck (imp) and out of donor female Lancefield S Matilda. The top selling heifer was in calf to the polled 2011 RBWS sale topper Fairy Springs Duracell, and was purchased by James and Carol Scott, Echo Creek stud, Monto. The annual sale, held at the Silverdale Saleyards on March 24, cleared 42 lots for $2442 average, with buyers drawn from throughout southern Queensland and northern NSW. The top priced grey at $4500 was the full Hudgins cow and calf unit El Ja J Gabrielle Manso, offered by the Donald family, Theodore. The June 2009-drop cow by JDH Mr Abel Manso (imp) was sold with a bull calf at foot by El Ja Sambo Manso. She will join Anthony and Kylee Curtis’ Wellcamp stud, Barambah. Bill and Vicki Braun, Bundella stud, Blackville, NSW paid $4500 for the polled red heifer Palmvale Rose Gum, offered by Kearin and Beth Streeter, Palmvale stud, Marlborough. The daughter of Palmvale Cassanova is out of the Roseborough L Red Monte cow, Reldarah Rose Gum. The Brauns also outlaid $3750 for Palmvale Miss UK Pablo, a polled April 2010-drop daughter of Kandoona Ukraine, who had been running with Mt Callan Jed. Chris McCarthy, Stockman Brahman stud with the top-priced Red Brahman Stockman Lady Rouge who was purchased for $4750 by James and Carol Scott, Echo Creek stud, Monto The Streeters also sold Palmvale Kirstie 2844, by $37,500 Palmvale Zephyr, for $4000 to Bernie Flanagan Schneider, Firefly stud, Tuncurry, NSW. This helped set up a $2503 average for 13 Palmvale females. paid $2750 for Reldarah Miss Dynamite, a 15-month-old daughter of Reldarah Kongo; $2500 for the Roseborough L Monte daughter, Reldarah Bonnie Rose; and $2000 for another Kongo daughter, Reldarah Lady Kacey. Peter Tuxworth, Halgenaes stud, Ingham received $3750 for his polled red heifer Halgenaes Hattie. The daughter of Cha Walla Warrick had been inseminated to Fairy Springs Duracell, and was knocked down to D. and S. Bourke, Burradoo Stud, Meandarra. Halganaes sold three heifers for an average of $2583. Mogul stud manager, Glen Pfeffer, travelled from Maclean, NSW, to purchase four El Ja heifers. His choices included $2750 El Ja Dolly Manso, a two-year-old heifer by JDH Sir Dixon Manso (imp), and $2500 El Ja Tara Manso, a full American-blood heifer by JDH Sir Tobe Manso (imp). Graham Prior, Carpri stud, Dalby, invested in three of the five polled red heifers offered by the Schubel family, Reldarah, Gin Gin. He Andrew Baird, Kattlom stud, Moogerah took home three El Ja heifers, paying a top of $2500 and an average of $2333. SELLING RBWS 2012 June 2012 43 George’s rich and full life will be long remembered by Lindel GREGGORY Decorated fighter pilot, respected agricultural scientist and foundation Brahman breeder George Robertson will be remembered for a long and well-lived life. George, who died on May 7 at the age of 93, joined the association in 1960 and registered Birrahlee Brahman stud as stud number 24. Born in Nanango in 1918 and christened William George Robertson, George lived in Isisford and Torquay before attending Queensland Agricultural College (QAC) at Gatton (now UQ Gatton Campus) where, in 1934, he became the youngest person to complete a Diploma in Agriculture. This achievement was followed by a Diploma in Horticulture in 1935 and a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from the University of Queensland in 1950, where he was equal Dux. In 1935 George became the first Queensland employee of CSIRO, and this was the start of a long and rewarding career in agricultural science which culminated in the receipt of the QAC Council Gold Medal in 1987. The top award was for “distinguished service and leadership in rural activities in Qld and many overseas countries”. However George’s career was put on hold in 1941 when, at age 22, he joined the air force, becoming a Beaufighter pilot in No. 30 Squadron. In 1943 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for services in New Guinea, and from 1944-1946 he served as a test pilot, putting 25 different types of aircraft through their paces, from Tiger Moths to Spitfires and Lancaster bombers. These aircraft included the Avro Lancaster G (G for George) which is on display in the Australian War Museum in Canberra. George Robertson time George was heavily involved in the local community, where he was Taroom Shire councilor for eight years, chairman of the P&C Association, chairman of the United Graziers’ Association (UGA) and Rural Youth Advisor. He was also foundation chairman of the Central Queensland branch of the ABBA and the Australian Charbray Society. The Rober tson family relocated to Ridgelands near Rockhampton in 1968, where George continued to breed Brahmans as well as immersing himself in agri-politics. He was chairman of the Rockhampton Branch of the UGA, chairman of the Queensland Graingrowers’ Association, and served on a number of committees including the Australian Societ y of Animal Production and the QAC Past Students’ Association. In 1946 George married Patricia Rudd in Aramac and the couple had three children, Margaret, Sue and Bill. George resumed work at the CSIRO Cooper Laboratory at Lawes, this time as officer in charge, and initiated pasture and agronomy trials at Texas (Qld) and Taroom. He was also a foundation member of the CSIRO Advisory Committee to Narayan Research Station, Mundubbera, on which he served for nine years, and spent six years on the Spring Valley Cattle Research Station Advisory Committee at Gympie. In 1953 he was fortunate to draw a brigalow block at Wandoan, under the War Service Land Settlement Scheme, and named it Birrahlee. It was here he established Birrahlee Brahman stud and Birrahlee Border Leicester sheep stud, as well as growing grain and planting improved pastures. During this George’s work in agricultural science took him to many interesting and far-flung places. In the late 1960s he was a consultant agronomist on projects in Uruguay, Brazil and Africa, working for the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United N at i o n s . T h e p ro j e c t i n c l u d e d a 44 June 2012 crossbreeding trial in South Africa which mated Afrikander, Hereford and Jersey cows to Charolais, Simmental and Brahman bulls. In 1969 George supplied Brahman bulls for Australia’s first crossbreeding trial of Brahmans and Charolais, which was the catalyst for the foundation of the Charbray breed. A pioneer in so many areas, in 1975 George spent six weeks on a Qld Government Trade Mission to the Middle East, Africa and South Africa, promoting live export of sheep and cattle. In that same year he was also elected a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science for his contribution to pasture and crop research and extension in Qld and South America. After a lengthy and distinguished career, George sold his Ridglands property in 1994 and retired to Rockhampton. Today Birrahlee Brahman stud is operated by his daughter Sue Paterson at Williams in Western Australia. George’s community service continued on well into his later years. At age 82 George instigated and organised the building of the San Remo War Memorial at Kimbe, in the New Britain province of Papua New Guinea, to commemorate the members of the Beaufighter, Boston and Spitfire squadrons who lost their lives in air battles in 1943. June 2012 45 Brahmans deliver the benefits on vast Pilbara property by Lindel GREGGORY Veteran Top End cattleman Don Hoar believes that the introduction of Brahmans has delivered the most significant improvement to beef production across northern Australia. “I see Brahmans as being the really big turning point up here,” Mr Hoar said. “That and the BTEC* program which cleaned everything up and people started replacing Shorthorns with better quality cattle. It all got better from there.” Mr Hoar has dedicated the past 15 years to upgrading his cattle herd and making significant property improvements on his massive 639,484 hectare open range property Balfour Downs Station, located east of Port Hedland in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia. Don Hoar and Dick Allpass, Elders Brisbane at one of the excellently affronted yards on Balfour Downs “The Brahmans are good mothers and we get a good calving rate. They do well here and are far superior to Shorthorns or any other breed. Also, our exporters like the reds with pretty high Brahman content so that means that we get a little bit of a premium price most of the time.” The steers and heifers gain weight quickly and are sold to Wellard Rural Exports at about 300kg then shipped for live export via Geraldton or Perth ports, and occasionally from Port Hedland. The property receives an annual average of 400mm of rain, mostly from November to March, although for four years in a row averaged just 250mm. Although the rainfall is relatively low, the property features extensive river, watercourse and channel country opening on to flood plains grassed with Mitchell, Flinders and Buffel grass. Four years ago, fearing future backlash from animal welfare groups about dehorning, Mr Hoar decided to purchase only polled sires. “When I came here I bought the place with a pretty feral Shorthorn herd. They were big long horned things, wild, and pretty shocking really,” Mr Hoar said. He looks for bulls with “good length, sound feet, softness, a good head and a good pizzle”, buying privately and through Queensland sales. He also spays and fattens 800-1000 heifers a year, selling them to “whoever wants to pay the most”. “We started cleaning up the mickey bulls and tidying the cattle up and bought our first Brahmans bulls, about 150 of them, back in 1996 or ’97.” In May he returned from Beef Australia 2012 in Rockhampton with 60 news sires including an “outstanding” $20,000 Palmvale bull. During peak times the property employs up to 18 staff including truck drivers, two helicopter pilots, cooks and a bore-person, scaling back to five staff in the wet season. His first Brahman sires were sourced from the Charters Towers sale and privately from Rathlyn stud. “I don’t even know what he’s called, the papers are on the way but papers don’t mean much to us up here, he was just a great bull and we will put him in with our stud cows.” Since then Mr Hoar has concentrated on only buying good quality Red Brahman bulls, paying an average of $3500 to $4000 for 5060 herd sires a year. He also breeds 60-70 of his own bulls, using high quality registered sires over his 300 stud Brahman cows. This strategy has created an impressive herd of 15,000 red breeders featuring high Brahman content. “We can run far more cattle on more marginal country with the Brahmans,” Mr Hoar said. Part of the Balfour Downs breeding herd 46 4 6 Jun June JJu une un ne 22012 0012 01 1122 “He’s a beautiful bull,” Mr Hoar said. The vastness of Balfour Downs Station means that cattle are mustered once a year, using the property’s two helicopters, backed up by vehicles and bikes. Mr Hoar said the cattle were weaned at six to seven months of age then trucked for 14 hours to the family’s property 200km north of Perth where they are finished for three to four months on the “spring flush” of native pastures and clover. Mr Hoar said he would never go back to finishing older steers, as the $100/head additional revenue did not justify keeping the cattle an extra 12 months. Property improvements at Balfour Downs include 35 new dams, 55 new bores equipped with windmills and submersible pumps, state-of-the-art steel cattle yards that can hold 3000 head, and huge banks of solar panels. Balfour Downs is up for sale, with an estimated price tag of $15-20 million, and Mr Hoar said he was looking forward to retirement. “I’ll have a spell. I’ve been working for 60 years so I think I’ve done my apprenticeship and I wouldn’t mind doing a little less work,” he said. *Brucelosis & Tuberculosis Eradication Campaign (BTEC). Reproduction Fertility and Infertility by Alex ASHWOOD The causes of infertility are many and complex and of ten involve a combination of factors. Cattle are categorised as infertile when they are unable to deliver viable eggs/sperm or complete a pregnancy, or sub fertile when their reproductive ability is less than optimal. These conditions can be temporary or permanent. The common forms of infertility in females relate to inadequate follicle development and maturation, unsuccessful oestrus onset, ovulation and fertilisation and impaired development and delivery of the foetus. organs, avoiding inbreeding and implementing rigorous culling programs for infertility. 3-10 per cent of the herd may be culled due to reproductive disorders FUNCTIONAL CAUSES OF INFERTILITY Functional infertility includes anoestrus (lack of visible heat), abnormal oestrus and early embryonic mortality resulting in repeat breeding and extended calving intervals. Functional infertility is generally more common than infertility due to congenital causes. CYSTIC OVARIES Bulls also have a wide range of morphological and functional factors that affect their reproductive soundness including poor service capacity, genitalia disorders and poor quality semen. Anything that interferes or disrupts the normal reproductive processes such as disease, poor nutrition, inadequate feed and herd management, genetic disorders, hormonal disturbances and adverse environments can impact negatively on fertility and reproductive performance. A key cause of anoestrus is cystic and inactive ovaries. Sometimes the corpus luteum (yellow body) persists beyond its usual life expectancy. If the “persistent” corpus luteum also has a fluid filled cavity it is referred to as a cystic corpus luteum. This is one form of the so called “cystic ovary” conditions. Cows with extensively lutenised cysts become infertile Luteal cysts are difficult to differentiate from follicular cysts and is a further reason why it is necessary to seek proper diagnosis and treatment by your veterinarian. Events in the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary and various target organs (eg ovaries) appear to be involved in the development of cystic ovaries. Generally there is an increase in the level of follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) and a reduction in lutenizing hormone (LH) which results in a failure to ovulate. Cystic ovaries contain one or more persistent fluid filled cavities. Ovarian cysts can be classified as follicular and luteal and range in size from a ripe grape to the size of an orange. There is a reported genetic predisposition to cystic ovaries with estimates of heritability ranging from 0.05-0.43. Optimising rather than maximising fertility is more realistic The effects of cystic ovaries vary according to their number and degree of lutenisation. Improving herd fertility takes time. Depending on the seriousness and level of infertility it can take up to 3-5 years to totally resolve some herd fertility problems. In some herds with the problem the occurrence of repeat breeders can range from 1-13 per cent. Follicular cysts are follicle like structures more than 2.5 cm in diameter and persist on the ovary for more than 10 days. They grow in a disorderly manner, fail to regress and accumulate with fluid. Since there is no ovulation such cows are infertile until the situation is corrected and normal cycles resume. This article looks at some of the common morphological and functional causes of infertility that reduce breeding performance and profits. PROBLEM COWS CONGENITAL CAUSES OF INFERTILITY These are frequently inherited and include developmental abnormalities of the ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix and vagina. Some of these have morphological significance whilst others are functionally significant. Common morphological issues include ovarian hypoplasia (underdeveloped), anomalies of the genitalia, hermaphraditism, (ie some male and female genitalia), free martinism and double cervix. Most abnormalities can be avoided by using animals with normally developed sexual Many unlutenised follicles tend to lead to extreme oestrus behaviour (nymphomania) with frequent irregular heats. Often the heat periods are extended and the cows mount others and stand for mounting showing extensive vulva oedema and copious amounts of mucous. Often called ‘bullers’ because of persistent homosexual tendencies Follicular cysts may regress but should they persist it may be necessary to discuss therapeutic options with your veterinarian. Luteal cysts are less frequent than follicular c y s t s a n d co nt i n u o u s l y p ro d u ce progesterone rendering the cow anoestrus (no heats). The incidence of cystic ovaries tends to increase with age thus in low generation interval herds the likelihood of the problem increases. Cows with endometritis and/or metritis (forms of uterine wall inflammation) and those with retained placentas have a higher incidence of cystic ovaries than healthy cows. Other factors influencing the incidence of cystic ovaries include prolonged intervals from calving to first detected oestrus and the time period between oestrus and conception indicating the importance of good reproductive management. Studies suggest that there may be a close association between cystic cows and certain herd mates which can increase “bulling” behaviour. Herd & nutritional management can affect the incidence of cystic ovaries 48 June 2012 47 Reproduction - Fertility and Infertility 47 NUTRITIONAL ANOESTRUS Temperate (eg clovers) and subtropicalwarm temperate legumes (eg lucerne) contain phytoestrogens that may reduce fertility. There is limited knowledge on the oestrogenic properties of tropical legumes. Cows with normal ovaries can show anoestrus Nutritional stress can be a major problem in some subtropical and tropical environments. Inadequate feed quality and quantity (or both) and low body condition pre and post calving frequently delay the onset of oestrus and normal ovulation. Underdeveloped heifers is a key contributing factor to herd anoestrus. The ovaries may not be completely active and the reduction of oestrogen secretion may result in underdevelopment of other genital organs and the endocrine system. POST PARTUM ANOESTRUS Retention of foetal membranes and subsequent post partum metritis is a frequent cause of anoestrus and sub fertility. These conditions damage the endometrial lining of the uterus and reduce the secretion of luteolytic prostaglandin. The cyclic activity of the ovary is thus often interrupted and the cow or heifer may show anoestrus or return to service until the condition is corrected. LACTATIONAL ANOESTRUS Postpartum anoestrus is longer in high producing Bos indicus cows and heifers and is often associated with reduced feed intake and availability relative to milk production and condition score. This is a survival technique, so in times of low nutrition, the cow puts her resources into calf survival rather than a new pregnancy. Depressed cycling and conception is due to suppressed growth of the follicle and restricted ovulation. In the short term improved management (eg supplements) may not improve the situation in early lactation (up to 120 days) since the cow/heifer may produce more milk and not gain body condition until mid-late lactation. With stock with low condition score stock may not cycle until the calf is weaned. Herd management strategies including early weaning, temporary weaning and restricted suckling are dependent on how economically the calves can be reared as well as the incorporation of efficient calf management programs to allow adequate growth. Early weaning can be useful during periods of extreme feed shortage or when feed quality is exceptionally low. It allows the cow/heifer to recover body condition and reconceive. Early weaning at 3 months compared to 7 months has been shown to increase weight gain of the dam and reduce post partum anoestrus. Temporary weaning at 40-50 days post partum has been shown to provide mixed results. Oestrus may or may not occur and sometimes the oestrus is short and pregnancy may not be obtained. Partial suckling at 60 days encourages an earlier oestrus and conception. Table 1 shows the reproduction performance of restricted v’s continuous suckling of Bos indicus cows. Extended calving intervals due to delays to first service (days open) is frequently caused by low feed intake, poor feed management and difficult seasons. Seasonal influences dramatically impact on fertility Days open should not exceed 80-85 days if a calving interval of 12 months is to be achieved. This requires re-establishment of ovarian activity soon after calving and high conception rates. Days open is influenced by nutrition, season, milk yield, condition score, uterine involution and generally, a combination of these factors. OTHER FACTORS Studies indicate that fertility increases up to 8 year old cows then declines rapidly after 10-12 years. The cause of age related fertility disorders and anoestrus include lactational stress, poor feed intake (reduced grazing activity) and a shutting down of the endocrine system (bovine menopause). PROBLEM BULLS The function of the bull is to produce viable sex cells (spermatazoa) and deliver them to the vagina to fertilise the ovum released from the ovary of the cow. The male reproductive organs are shown in Diag 1. GENETIC FACTORS The fertilising ability of the bull is critical to determining the reproductive performance of the herd. Subfertile and infertile conditions occur in bulls due to a variety of morphological and functional disorders. The most common of these are discussed in the following section. 50 Heritability rates for fertility, conception and calving are low (0.15-0.25) which demonstrates the importance of herd and feed management. Outbreeding improves fertility rates whilst inbreeding reduces fertility rates. At an Once-a-day suckling 57 Continuous suckling 29 Cows in oestrus by 90 days postpartum (%) 74 63 Conception rate (%) At 60 days (P<0.005) At 90 days 31 61 12 44 57.1 + 4.19 72.24 ± 4.35 71.42 + 3.72 82.27 ± 3.80 Anoestrous period (d) (P<0.05) SEASONAL FACTORS Whilst calves can be weaned at 8-12 weeks the stock generally require increased herd and feed management involving good yard facilities, high quality roughage and energy/ protein supplements. TABLE 1 : EFFECTS OF RESTRICTED V’S CONTINUOUS SUCKLING ON POST PARTUM REPRODUCTION PERFORMANCE Cows in oestrus by 60 days postpartum (%) (P<0.005) inbreeding coefficient (ibc) of 7 per cent there is only a small effect of inbreeding but at ibc levels of 12 per cent and above, calving intervals and are markedly longer and the number of services for conception higher. DIAGRAM 1: REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE BULL Rectum Prostate Seminal vesicles Ampulla Bladder Retractor penis muscle Sigmoid flexure Vas deferens Head of epididymis Testis Service period (d) (P<0.05) 48 June 2012 Cowper’s glands Tail of epididymis Scrotum Nutritional Requirements ? It’s all here in black and white “We have been using Rural Supplements for the past 3 years and are very impressed with the presentation, performance and health of our sale bulls. The products and service supplied has been very good.” “When buying feed I want 3 things – consistent quality, good reliable service and value for money. Rural Supplements has always provided this and that is why I will continue to use their products into the future.” “Rural Supplements provides us with a wide range of nutritional products from molasses based phosphorus licks for our breeding herds through to high performance grain rations for our show and sale teams. The consistency, quality and value of the products has met our expectations over the past 6 years.” DAVID McCAMLEY /DQFHÀHOG'%UDKPDQV 3DOPDOPDO'LQJR LAWSON CAMM &DPELO%UDKPDQV Mt Julian, Proserpine GEOFF ANGEL *OHQJDU\%UDKPDQV Glengarry, Kunwarara Stockfeed Rations Feed Mill 1300 272 545 0RODVVHV6XSSOHPHQWV%DUU\:LOOLDPV%UHQW:LOOLDPV UXUDOVXSSOHPHQWV#DFWLYQHWDX32%R[*UDFHPHUH4 Servicing areas from Charters Towers (North) to Longreach (West) and Gympie (South) June 2012 49 Reproduction - Fertility and Infertility 48 TESTICLES Defective testicle development (hypoplasia) occurs in 1.5-2.0 per cent of bulls, although with insufficient culling and inbreeding the incidence in some herds can be higher. The condition may be unilateral or bilateral and in the latter case the bull is likely to be subfertile. These bulls should not be used for breeding since the condition is usually permanent and has a hereditary nature. Cryporchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotal sac during foetal development. Although testosterone is produced, spermatogenesis (sperm production) is inhibited and these bulls are sterile. If only one testis descends (unilateral cryptorchidism) sperm production is seriously reduced and these bulls should be culled because the condition can be inherited. Providing bulls are properly fed, total sperm production is correlated with the weight of the testes and the bull, thus mature bulls produce more sperm than young bulls. The testes secrete testosterone which maintains the function of the male reproductive tract, male characteristics and sex drive. Studies suggest that Bos taurus and Bos indicus bulls with a scrotal circumference of less than 30 cm and 28 cm respectively produce inferior semen especially if they have soft testicles. Poor fertility from bulls with inferior sized testicles is mostly due to insufficient quantities of semen to service 40-50 cows. The minimum size for Bos indicus bulls testicles is 33 cm at 24 months Because testis size is highly related to sperm production it is generally assumed that bulls with large testicles can be joined to more cows (Table 2). Whilst scrotal size is related to testes size, other factors such as feeding can affect scrotal size (eg highly fed bulls can increase scrotal circumference by 3-6 cm without increasing testicle size, fertility and service capacity). Bulls that are underfed at puberty have low rates of testes growth and smaller testicles at maturity and lower fertility. TABLE 2 : THE MATING POTENTIAL OF BULLS No. of females 40 60 80 50 June 2012 Scrotal Circumference (cm) 33 35 36+ Within reason and taking into consideration the age/growth/condition of the bull, scrotal circumference can provide a guideline to mating loads to avoid low-marginal fertility rates (Table 2). Various conditions can make the extrusion of the penis painful and difficult, eg virus induced benign tumours and trauma induced ruptures of the tough membrane surrounding the penile tissue causing fibrous adhesions. Note: EPIDIDYMIS • Other factors also need to be considered (eg age, libido, condition score, correct leg structure and structural unsoundness, size of paddocks, level of nutrition). • Bulls with satisfactory to excellent semen quality provide similar levels of herd fertility. • Bulls with adequately sized and positioned testicles which are firm and not “hard” or soft generally provide suitable levels of reproductive performance. • Key semen quality factors include suitable morphology and motility scores. • Servicing capacity should also take into consideration the elongation of testicles of Bos indicus bulls. • Bulls should be in good not fat condition. This is a highly convulated sperm storage tube which is more than 30 metres long. It comprises of a head, body and tail which lie close to the testis (Diag 1). SPERMATAZOA A variety of morphological abnormalities of sperm occur which can be associated with infertility eg detached sperm heads, coiled tails, immature sperm. Lack of use or overfed bulls frequently leads to abnormal sperm which is corrected by exercise, more frequent use and proper feeding. It is not simply a matter of the number & motility of sperm produced Recent studies indicate that overfed bulls even with apparently satisfactory crushside semen evaluations can have significantly lower successful matings. It is suggested that the semen of overfat bulls undergoes oxidative stress and DNA damage and is less likely to fertilise an egg. Sperm DNA of overfed bulls is packaged differently PENIS AND PREPUCE Prolapse of the prepuce is often due to congenital hypoplasia of the retractor muscles of the sheath (a condition more common in polled bulls) and often results in erosion and inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the prepuce and sheath. Deviation of the penis may take a variety of forms (eg lateral, ventral and spiral deviations). Persistent frenulum which is the attachment of the penis inside of the sheath results in the deflection of the penis at erection and in serious cases the penis cannot be extruded or not enter the vagina properly. Although the problem can be rectified surgically these bulls should not be used for breeding purposes due to the possible hereditary nature of the condition. During passage through the epididymis, the sperm mature. The time interval from this head to the tail is about 8 weeks. Thus, factors that adversely affect spermatogenesis usually become evident 2 months later. Sperm are not motile in the epididymis but become motile after ejaculation (an energy conservation mechanism) BOTTOM LINE Reproductive performance is crucial in determining the efficiency of a cattle enterprise. Unfortunately, it is quite common that herds are well below optimal levels due to slow and repeat breeders. The problem often takes some time to become evident, therefore early detection is critical in order to reduce losses. Repeat breeders are those females that require several services to conceive and have extended calving intervals reducing calving and weaning rates. The problem is often caused by a number of factors which can quite often be complex and interrelated. It is important that heifers and cows are well grown and in appropriate condition at mating, are appropriately vaccinated and are adequately managed (herd and feed). Fertility in cattle is affected by genetic, environmental, disease and management factors. These factors influence the efficiency of reproduction processes at follicular development, ovulation, fertilisation implantation, gestation and parturition in females. The quantity and quality of semen and reproductive soundness in bulls is affected by the same factors. Unless producers constantly monitor the fertility indicators of the herd, reproduction problems can be responsible for production losses through poor breeding performance and reduced calving rates. Possible indicators of poor fertility include heifer growth and size, cow and bull condition and health, heat observations, returns to service, low pregnancy, calving or weaning rates and long calving intervals. Proper diagnosis and treatment of herd infertility require good records and careful assessment June 2012 51 FBC bull comes out on top at Marlborough Feature Show Story by Lindel GREGGORY Photos by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE FBC Megatron Manso put in a mega effort at the 2012 Marlborough Brahman Feature Show in April, to be named the senior and grand champion bull. Shown by Fenech Brahmans, Craigleigh, Wowan, Megatron is an IVF son of JDH Modelo Manso 268/5 (imp) and the JDH Madison Man Manso (imp) cow FBC D Jewel De Manso, The feature show was judged by Matt McCamley, Lancefield M stud, Dululu and attracted a quality lineup of 87 head from 15 Central Queensland studs. Mr McCamley selected Megatron as winner of the 24-30 months class before graduating him to the senior and grand bull championships. The reserve senior champion bull was the 30-36 months class winner Whitaker Mr Avo, paraded by Clint and Robyn Whitaker, Whitaker stud, Mundubbera. Mr Avo, who is by Eureka Creek Marksman, has received a number of major awards this year, a month after Marlborough Show collecting the reserve senior bull championship at Beef Australia 2012. 2012 Marlborough Miss Showgirl, Sara-lyce Beak, Develin, Marlborough presenting the sash for Calf Champion bull to Raglan Laxargo 1461 (IVF) (H) & Roxanne Olive, Raglan Brahmans, Raglan The feature show’s junior bull championship was awarded to Raglan Mr Mac, winner of the 15-17 months class. The son of PBF Rutherford Manso was shown by Andrew and Roxanne Olive, Raglan stud, Raglan, 53 Event sponsor, Tim Olive, Apis Creek Brahmans, Marlborough, presented Grand Champion Brahman male to FBC Megatron Manso, exhibitor, Will Fenech, Fenech Brahmans, Wowan, and parader, James Kent, Ooline Brahmans, Goovigen 52 June 2012 FBC bull comes out on top at Marlborough Feature Show 52 who had a very successful day out. Raglan also exhibited the calf champion bull Raglan Mr Laxargo, by the import BNA Bar Manso 387/7 Lexington; the calf champion female Raglan Loretta, by JDH Prophet Manso (imp); and the reserve senior champion cow Raglan Matilda, who is by Brahrock Details. FBC took out the reserve junior bull championship with their FBC D Mr Arnie Manso son, FBC Messiah Manso, who placed first in the 17-19 months class. For the senior female championship Mr McCamley liked the look of Kenrol Georgeena Manso 0330, a daughter of JDH Jordan Manso (imp) and the highly decorated show cow Kenrol Miss Congeneality. She won the 3648 months class. However the grand female championship was awarded to the junior champion Glengarry Fantasy 2020, a January 2011-drop daughter of Glengarry Sub Zero. She was exhibited by Scott and Geoff Angel, Glengarry, Kunwarara. The Angels also showed the reserve champion female calf, Glengarry McCool, who is also by Sub Zero, and won the Sire’s Progeny class with Sub Zero progeny. Jennifer McCamley, Tartrus Brahmans, Marlborough presenting Supreme Champion Brahman male to FBC Megatron Manso, exhibitor, Will Fenech, Fenech Brahmans, Wowan, and parader, James Kent, Ooline Brahmans, Goovigen and Fiona Noakes, Solo Brahman stud, Marlborough Solo F Lady Tilly placed first in the 17-19 months heifer class before claiming the broad ribbon for reserve junior champion female. The JDH Sir Alamo Manso (imp) daughter was shown by Matthew and Fiona Noakes, Solo F stud, Marlborough. Rockley Miss Juliet, a red daughter of El Ja Romeo DP Manso, claimed the reserve female calf championship for her owners Chris Kirk and family, Rockley, Bajool. Inaugural Elders Invitation X Factor Sale John Wesley, Charlesville stud, Southern Cross was the sole Brahman vendor at the inaugural Elders X Factor Sale held at Narngulu on the day prior to the traditional WA Bos Indicus Group fixture. Editorial & Photos by Kane CHATFIELD FARM WEEKLY Charesville offered 20 quality Brahman bulls and saw 14 sell under the hammer to an average of $2271 and a top of $2400, which was achieved five times. Volume buyer and paying the $2400 equal top price on a stylish, grey sire was Hamish McTaggart, Bidgemia station, Carnarvon. Mr McTaggart runs 4000 Brahman breeders and often buys his sires from Garglen station, Queensland, however due to seasonal conditions decided to buy locally this year and in doing so took home three replacement bulls to an average of $2266. Keen not only to get its hands on Droughtmaster bulls but Brahmans too was Glenburgh station, when it snapped up two well-grown, quiet Charlesville bulls at $2400 each and another two smoothcoated specimens for $2200 each. Elders stud and commercial cattle manager Darren Chatley (left), Charlesville Brahman stud principal John Wesley and Hamish McTaggart, Bidgemia station, Carnarvon, with one of the $2400 equal top-priced Brahman bulls which Mr McTaggart purchased from the Charlesville stud at the Elders Invitation XFactor sale last week June 2012 53 Vale - Long-time Brahman Breeder Geoffrey Edgar Hill SHAWNEE BRAHMAN STUD, SOUTH MIDDLEBROOK, NUNDLE, NSW 27.6.1924 – 24.12.2011 Geoff Hill was born at Coonabarabran hospital on the 27th June 1924. He was one of four children born to May Beatrice Hill and Captain Harold (Bert) Hill, who was awarded the Military Cross and Bar for distinguished service in the Great War suffering severe wounds in combat. Geoff grew up with his family on the property “Carawatha” Mendooran. In his final year at Dubbo High School, he and his two best mates joined the RAAF Air Crew reserve and was enlisted shortly after his 18 th bir thday in July 19 42. Badly disappointed he failed an Air Crew Examination he then served in the ground staff of the RAAF for 2.5 years. He mentioned that his two mates were both killed. Jock Robinson bailed out at Port Pirie South Australia after two training planes collided, unfortunately his parachute did not open in time. Max Robertson’s flying boats were found over Karlshrue in West Germany after a Lancaster bombing raid. Early in 1944 Geoff re-mustered back to Air Crew where he attained his Air Gunners Half Wing late in 1944 at the Air Gunnery Flying Station at East Sale in Victoria. He was then posted to No 3 Operational Training Unit Flying in Catalina Flying Boats until the Wars end. He was discharged from the Service in April 1946. Geoff drew a Soldiers Settlement block on Goonoo Goonoo Station in October 1952, developing “South Middlebrook” into one of the premium properties in the district. Geoff married Pamela Clare, a daughter of Madge Clare and Wing Commander Alf Clare on the 3rd January 1955. They raised three children Andrew, Sebastian and Sara and sin ce b l e ss e d w i t h gr an d chil dre n Myles, Campbell, Xavier & Avril, daughters in law Sally & Rosalie and Son In law Roger. Pam & Geoff were together for 49 and a half years. Geoff was the first recognised person to introduce high grade Brahman Cattle in numbers to the North West of NSW in the mid 1950’s and formed Shawnee Brahman Stud in the 1960’s. Those cattle were moved by K-Wagons from the Herbert River Flats, Ingham. Geoff was well known some years ago for top quality weight for age vealers, yearlings, steers and bullocks. Included amongst these cattle were truckloads of grass feed milk tooth bullocks dressing over 400 kgs and breeding and submitting the heaviest slaughter bullock at Aberdeen meat works where he held the record for 34 years. Quality sale for charity Geoffrey Edgar Hill Geoff had a great love for animals and birds, introducing Emu’s to the area in the 1970’s. He was the owner of many Racehorses, some who raced with distinction. He always maintained a love of racing pigeons and has kept them from boyhood till his death. Geoff was regarded to be as a Man amongst Men, he said what he felt and was always prepared to back up his words. He had strong feelings but was always fair, he always said he was a straight shooter, one of the old school. STORY & PHOTOS: Gatton Star THE presentation of funds raised from the sale of Milldale Opal at the last Annual Laidley Invitation Female Sale in Laidley has meant two children will be able to receive the benefits of time away with Camp Quality. Milldale Opal was donated by Mt Whitestone farmer George Miller for raffle in order to raise money for charity. This time it was children’s cancer charity Camp Quality. Camp Quality representative Tony Stubbings said the money that was raised would be a great boost to the organisation. “More than $1500 was raised by the raffle, which is enough to send two kids away to a week-long camp,” he said. QUALITY SUPPORT: Laidley Brahman Breeders Association president Wayne Pitkin, Camp Quality’s Tony Stubbings and Mt Whitestone farmer George Miller, Milldale Brahmans “It’s amazing what that can do. You can really see the difference it makes. Mr Miller said it was the second year the donation element of the sale had been running. “The first year it was Care-Flight, this year it was Camp Quality and next time it will be another.” “This money is most appreciated and will all go to kids.” “The idea was we would always have the proceeds go towards a worthy charity,” he said. Another Laidley Invitation Female sale is planned for next January. 54 June 2012 Brahmans make history at Toowoomba Royal Show Mundubbera Brahman stud cattle breeders, Clint and Robyn Whitaker, have continued on their winning streak by taking out the coveted Interbreed Grand Champion Bull of the Toowoomba Royal Show. Held under perfect autumn weather their junior tropical bull Whitaker Yogi secured the title from a strong interbreed field. Having been judged the previous day as Champion Brahman bull by judge Mr Andrew Bassingthwaighte, “Yogi” also was given the nod of approval by all four interbreed judges. In praising the bull Mr Bassingthwaighte quoted the judges picked him for “his overall correctness and versatility within and across breeds”. Mrs Robyn Whitaker said her stud had attended Toowoomba Show for some years now and had claimed the Grand Champion Brahman bull title on the previous four occasions. However this was the first time they had won the interbreed competition in a mostly British and European cattle breeds dominated district. When contacted the Toowoomba Royal Agricultural Society was unable to confirm the last time (if ever) the Brahman breed had taken out the Interbreed Bull championship at the Toowoomba Royal. The stud showed eight head over the two day show to take all six champion ribbons and two Grand Championships in the Brahman ring. Their eye-catching senior female cow and calf unit Whitaker Miss Pebbles took out the Grand Champion Brahman female award. Judge Mr Andrew Bassingthwaighte sashing Interbreed Grand Champion of the Toowoomba Royal Show Whitaker Yogi with Clint Whitaker, Whitaker Brahman stud, Mundubbera, Qld. Whitaker Yogi also took out Champion Brahman bull “It really was a great show and we had great results, but to come home with the Interbreed Bull title just topped it off” said Mrs Whitaker. The Stark families Bundaleer and Ariat studs also from Mundubbera took out Reserve Calf Champion bull with Bundaleer Sir Jamaica Manso and Reser ve Senior Champion female with Bundaleer Miss Buttons and Bows Manso. Reserve Junior Champion bull award went to Bremer Vale Gardner Power Manso shown by Mike Peters, Bremer Vale stud, Mt Walker. Reiner Vresk’s Erderei stud, Yuleba took out the Reserve Junior Champion female award with Erderi Moesy On By. Grand Champion Brahman female award went to Whitaker Miss Pebbles, Clint & Robyn Whitaker, Whitaker Brahman stud, Mundubbera, Qld June 2012 55 Grey heifers make $12,000 at NCC FBC Sale by Kent WARD GREY heifers topped out at $12,000 while red maidens hit $11,000 at the NCC & FBC Female Sale, Inverrio, Duaringa in early March. Vendors, Brett Nobbs, NCC Stud, Duaringa and the Fenech family, FBC Stud, Wowan stood behind a result where 36 red heifers averaged $4722 and 49 grey counterparts set a $3704 average to culminate in a 96 percent auction clearance and a bottom line average of $4136. The two-year-old grey, FBC Jewel Power De Manso 355/1 (FBC D Charles De Manso) offered by the FBC Stud topped proceedings selling to Matthew Neilsen, Erneston Stud, Major’s Creek outside Townsville. Four grey daughters of Charles De Manso averaged $7250 for the FBC prefix. Making the top red money was the $11,000 NCC Mosadi 1693 (ET) (26-months) offered by the NCC Stud and selling to the Brownson family, Burdekin Stud, Charters Towers. Mosadi carried a positive test of three months to NCC Knight. Sired by the international champion, JDH Mr Elmo Manso, Mosadi was one of a trio of red daughters that averaged $8500 along with six greys that set a $5000 average topping at $9500 for the 14-month-old NCC Lady Grande 2039 (IVF). Lady Grande 2039 (IVF) sold to Richard Brownson, Ace Stud, Charters Towers. In total nine Elmo daughters averaged $6167. Burdekin Stud also purchased the $9500 red, NCC Revlon 1885 (P) (NCC Deniro) (15-months). Brian Harriman, Reedybrook Stud, Mt Garnet took home five to average $4400 topping at $6500 for a 26-month-old by Mr 3X HK Oro Rojo (US) while Brian and Cindy Hughes, Lanes Creek Stud, Georgetown claimed two to average $5750 including the $7500 NCC Merlene 2065 (P) (Deniro). Kelvin Jochheim, Hill Rise Stud, Proserpine picked up a trio for on average $6167 with a top of $7500 for the red, NCC Worth 1884 (P) (Rockley 2400). Picking up single purchases were Ion Jackson, Jaffra Stud, Gracemere the $8000 NCC Selena 1603 (Wandilla Zulu). Jack Myles, Monto secured the red $10,000 Elmo daughter, NCC Cindy 1996 (P). Darren and Sue Kent, Ooline Stud, Rannes paid $7000 for the Oro Rojo daughter, NCC Selinda 2062 (14-months) while Kimberley Pickersgill, Geneva Stud, Theodore took home the $9500 grey, FBC Miss Brony Manso 353/1, a 25-month-old grey by Charles De Manso from FBC. 56 June 2012 With the $12,000 sale topper, the grey two-year-old, FBC Jewel Power De Manso 355/1 at the NCC FBC Brahman Female Sale were the buyer Matthew Neilsen, Erneston Stud, Majors Creek outside Townsville (left) and Christopher Fenech, FBC Stud, Wowan Top selling red at the NCC FBC Brahman Female Sale, Duaringa was the 26-month-old, $11,000 NCC Mosadi 1693 (ET) sold by the NCC Stud to Nick and John Brownson, Burdekin stud, Charters Towers Volume buyer was Lindsay Dingle, Stoneland, Hivesville who signed off on nine to average $2333 topping at $4000 for a 14-month Wandilla Zulu daughter from NCC. Ray Vella, Vella Stud, Bald Hills, Marlborough took two greys from FBC to average $5250 topping at $5500 for the 26-month-old FBC Anne Dakota Manso 232/1 (JDH Modelo Manso 268/5 US). Colin Delahunty, Inland Stud, Hughenden secured a trio to average $4333 topping at $6500 for the red NCC Kosike 1614 (AI) while the Lynch family, Gracemere Stud, Gracemere also took a trio to average $3667 toping at $6000 for the 14-month-old red, NCC Sonja 1918 (Zulu). The Elsebach family, Gayndah took a trio of greys from FBC for on average $2000 with the Ensby family, Renco Stud, Dululu taking the 26-month, $4500, FBC Miss Anne Dakota Manso 308/1 for $4500. Bill and Vicki Gabel, Avee Stud, Wowan took a pair from NCC to average $4750 topping at $5500 for a 14-month-old Elmo daughter. June 2012 57 PTIC F1 heifers hit $1375 at Nettle Creek Commercial Female Sale An entire yarding of quality vendor bred females, excellent seasonal conditions and repeat buyer confidence proved to be a recipe for success at the 4th annual Nettle Creek Commercial Female Sale held in Grafton, NSW, on Thursday 23rd February. The sale, held by Michael & Elizabeth Fahey, Bizzy Brahmans, Copmanhurst, saw 1281 head of selected breeders + 260 calves, go under the hammer to achieve a total sale average of $910/hd. In what was one of the largest, one producer sales ever to be held at the Grafton Saleyards, a total yarding of quality Brahman, Brangus and Charbray cross females met strong demand selling across NSW and into QLD. Support in QLD came from St George, Dalby, Boonah and Lacey’s Creek while cattle in NSW went south to Gloucester, Taylors Arm & Kempsey, nor th to Murwillumbah, Nashua & Lismore and many staying in the local Copmanhurst and Grafton areas. One hundred and sixty five genuine F1 Angus x Brahman 24 month old heifers, PTIC to Nettle Creek Charbray bulls, met strong demand, selling to a sale top price of $1375 and averaging $1230. The top priced pen of 12 PTIC heifers sold to Chris Conn & Family of Bellbrook, via Kempsey. The Conn Family put together 23 PTIC F1 Brangus heifers for a $1363 average Harry and Caroline Hetherton of Nashua purchased 22 PTIC F1 Angus x Brahman females for $1350 and are pictured with vendor Michael Fahey, Nettle Creek, Copmanhurst and agent, Darren Perkins, George & Fuhrmann, Casino and also bought 5 Brangus cows & calves for $1020. Other purchasers of these heifers included repeat buyers, Harry & Caroline Hetherton, Nashua, who bought 22 heifers for $1350 and Ray Nardi of Murwillumbah who secured 24 head for a $1263 average. C & S Henderson from Lacey’s Creek, QLD, paid an $1163 average of for a line of 16 F1 heifers while John Lindsay from Urunga bought 15 head for $1175. Demand for young No 1 & 2 unjoined females was excellent with 180 F1 Brangus and Charbray heifers topping at $890 and averaging $815. S & J Ralston, Taylors Arm, returned this year to pay $890 for a pen of 5 unjoined F1 Charbray heifers while I Zuill & S George paid the same for another 13 F1 Charbray heifers. Volume buyers included Eastern Rural, Dalby, and the Milton Family from Gloucester. 59 Vendor, Michael Fahey, Nettle Creek, Copmanhurst is pictured with Ken Murray, Manager of Lantana Downs, Fine Flower, Bill Bultitude, owner of Lantana Downs, Fine Flower and agents Ray Donovan, Ray Donovan Stock and Sation Agents, Grafton and Darren Perkins, George & Fuhrmann, Casino. Mr Bultitude put togther a line of 87 head at the Nettle Creek Commercial Female Sale 58 June 2012 PTIC F1 heifers hit $1375 at Nettle Creek Commercial Female Sale 58 In total, 665 Brahman, Brangus & Charbray heifers ranging in age from 5-24 months, unjoined & PTIC, averaged $887/hd. Two hundred and sixty Charbray, Brangus & Brahman cross cows and calves were sold for a solid $1070 average. A top of $1350 was paid for a pen of F1 Charbray cows & calves, bought by Tracey Conroy of Pulganbar. Ms. Conroy secured 26 Charbray and Brangus cows & calves for a $1250 average. Major buyer of the cows & calves was Bob Sommerville, Rock Valley, via Lismore, who put together a good line of 48 Brahman cross cow and calf units. Mr Sommerville also purchased 25 Brahman & Brangus cows. Kelvin Kane took the opportunity to stock his Round Mountain property with 27 Brahman cross cows and calves for a $1020 average and also 19 PTIC Brahman cross cows for $895. Also heading to the Murwillumbah area were 21 cows and calves purchased by Alan Hunter for a $1040 average. Peter Marshall from Coraki selected 17 Brangus cows & calves and 13 Brangus PTIC heifers for $1015. One of the main buyers across all sections of the sale was Bill Bultitude, Fineflower, who put together 67 head including 20 Brahman cross cows and calves at a $1007 average. Other purchases were also a pen of 9 PTIC F1 heifers for $1225, PTIC Brahman cross cows and 13 unjoined red Brahman cross heifers for $730. Peter Hannigan, Lismore put together 50 head of unjoined Brangus heifers and Brahman cross cows. Kelvin Kane (pictured right) took the opportunity to stock his Round Mountain property at Murwillumbah with 50 head of Brahman cross cows and calves & PTIC cows. He is pictured with Brent Casey, George & Fuhrmann, Murwillumbah & vendor Michael Fahey Three hundred and sixty Brahman and Brangus cross PTIC cows topped at $1180 to average $845. Tooloonki Agriculture at Tabulam were amongst the main buyers of the PTIC cows and put together a line of 95 red Brahman cross cows for an $875 average. L & D Thompson of Jackadgery purchased 32 PTIC Brahman & Brangus cross cows and 5 cows & calves for a $1005 average while Ben Thompson of Jackadgery paid an average of $907 for 26 PTIC Brahman cross cows. The sale was conducted by Ray Donovan Stock & Station Agents, Grafton and George & Fuhrmann Holdings Pty Ltd, Casino and will be held again in 2013 at the end of February. Jasen Somerville, George & Fuhrmann, Casino with buyer Peter Hannigan, Lismore and Michael Fahey. Mr Hannigan put together 50 head of unjoined F1 heifers and Brahman cross cows BOOKSEPTEMBER EARLY! DON’T MISS OUT! 2012 Bookings for Brahman News close Friday, 3rd August 2012. Advertising material due Friday, 10th August 2012. Call Liz on 07 4921 2506 or Email [email protected] today! June 2012 59 Glengarry Brahmans score a touchdown at The Caves Show RESULTS CALF CHAMPION FEMALE Glengarry Fantacy (SJ & GJ Angel) RESERVE CALF CHAMPION FEMALE RGS Jullette (Rockhampton Grammar School) CALF CHAMPION BULL Glengarry G Touchdown (GJ & GE Angel) RESERVE CALF CHAMPION BULL Glengarry McCool (SJ & GJ Angel) JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE Solo F Lady Tilly (MN & FM Noakes - TCC) RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE Palmvale Sandra Dee 2900 (K, B & R Streeter) JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL Glengarry Moonshine (SJ & G J Angel) Photo supplied by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE The supreme champion exhibit at The Caves Show was awarded to Glengarry G Touchdown. Pictured are judges Charlie Goodwin, Blackwater, Duncan Geddes, Telemon, Springsure, and Darren Kent, Ooline Brahmans, Goovigen, with exhibitor Scott Angel, Glengarry Brahmans, and Bill Geddes Junior, presenting the Doonside Perpetual Trophy RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL Glengarry First Rate (SJ & GJ Angel) SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE Apis Creek Madamoiselle (Tim & Lynette Olive) GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Glengarry Fantasy (GJ & SJ Angel) GRAND CHAMPION BULL Glengarry G Touchdown (GJ & GE Angel ) EXHIBITORS GROUP Glengarry Brahmans SIRES PROGENY Glengarry Sub Zero DAM’S PROGENY GROUP Apis Creek SUPREME CHAMPION BRAHMAN EXHIBIT OF SHOW Glengarry G Touchdown (GJ & GE Angel) PAIR UNLED PUREBRED BULLS ANY BREED Batandra Brahmans (Barry & Bev Hannam) PAIR UNLED PUREBRED HEIFERS ANY BREED Batandra Brahmans (Barry & Bev Hannam) Photo supplied by QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE The champion Brahman female Glengarry Fantasy, exhibited by Scott Angel, Glengarry Brahmans, Rural Supplements sponsor Barry Williams, and judge Darren Kent, Ooline Brahmans, Goovigen Keeping a close eye on the action at The Caves Show Stud Cattle judging was Ian Lovegrove, Gracemere, Barry Hannam, Batandra Brahmans, Milman, The Caves Show President Rob Robson, Paul Hoolihan, Yeppoon, Wendy Cole, Kenrol Brahmans, Gracemere & Stewart Jones, Forrest Home, Marlborough 60 June 2012 CHAMPION PEN UNLED BULLS OR HEIFERS Batandra Brahmans (Barry & Bev Hannam) Supporters of the unled pen classes at The Caves show were Tim & Lynette Olive Apis Creek Brahmans Marlborough, Bev Hannam Batandra Brahmans, Milman with Barry Williams Rural Supplements & Cattle Judges Darren Kent Ooline Brahmans, Goovigen & Duncan Geddes Telemon Springsure Buyers market to $4600 at WA BIG sale Editorial & Photos by Kane CHATFIELD FARM WEEKLY It was a buyers’ market at the sixth Invitation WA Bos Indicus (WA BIG) Bull Sale last week at the Coolina Sale Complex, Narngulu. Pastoralists that formed a modest list of buyers to register at the sale, filled their bull requirements from a quality catalogue of bos Indicus bulls at value-for money prices. While large areas of the Pilbara, Gascoyne and Goldfields enjoyed drought breaking seasons last year, the uncer taint y surrounding the Indonesian live export trade could have forced a number of pastoralists to reassess their spending until some stability returns to the industry. With Brahmans the preferred type for the Indonesian trade, the breed’s sale results were hit the most. The bull numbers on offer with 90 bulls nominated compared to 164 the previous year. With averages down on 2011 across the board, a more positive note was the increase on the overall clearance rate with 71 per cent cleared under the hammer, up 6pc compared to the previous sale. The 64 bulls representing three breeders and 11 studs to sell at auction under the Landmark and Elders banners averaged $2533, back by $274, while prices reached a top price of $4600. Opening the Brahman breed at the sale was regular volume vendor, the Teakle f a m i l y ’s O a k v a l e B r a h m a n s t u d , Northampton, with a team of 21 bulls. The stud’s $2800 top price was paid by Shane Flemming, Primaries Central Midlands, bidding on behalf of Sylvania station, Newman, which also collected another Oakvale bull for $2400. The top-priced bull, Oakvale 2518, was a 27mo red-coated and polled son of Queensland sire Palmvale Alabama. With the $3000 top-priced Birrahlee Brahman bull were Elders Geraldton branch manager Alan Browning (left), Birrahlee stud principal Sue Paterson, Williams and buyer Jamie Clinch, Condamine and Kindillan studs, Nallan station, Cue Wood, bidding on behalf of Melrose station, Leonora, paid the same price for two Oakvale bulls. Condamine and Kindillan Brahman studs, Nallan station, Cue, cleared seven of the combined nine bulls under the hammer to average $2229. Lang Coppin was also the volume buyer in the Brahman section of the sale totalling nine bulls from four studs. Five bulls making up Mr Coppin’s account, were selected from the Condamine and Kindillin studs, where he paid $2200 each while Melrose station paid the stud’s $2400 top price for the 22mo Condamine 0108C, a red-polled son of Canterbury Scottie. Beringarra station, Murchison, also picked out two Oakvale bulls with the operation’s $2600 top price paid for another Alabama son. Topping the Brahman section of the sale was the Paterson family’s Birrahlee stud, Williams, with Birrahlee Weeronga heading to the Kindillin and Condamine Brahman studs, Nallan station, Cue, for $3000. Bidgemia station, Carnarvon, was the volume buyer of the Oakvale line-up, with three bulls at $2200 each, while Daniel Beringarra station sourced two Birrahlee bulls and paid to $2600 for another son of Wundarra. Bidgemia station purchased two Birrahlee bulls while Sylvania station, Newman, was another buyer to bid to $2600 for a son of Wundarra. The Lovelock family’s Canterbury Brahman stud, New Norcia, was among the bigger vendors of the day with a team of 14 bulls. Clearance was again disappointing with e i g ht b u lls s e llin g at au c t i o n to average $2263. Melrose station claimed the stud’s $2500 top price for one of two bulls, a red-coated, 23mo bull by Canterbury Noble that carried two copies of the poll gene, so regardless of the females’ breeding, all progeny should be polled. Lang Coppin paid $2200 for three Canterbury bulls, Bidgemia station paid the same price for two bulls, while Karbar station, Cue, took home a son of Canterbury Memorabul for $2400. June 2012 61 ABBA General Manager John Croaker is pictured presenting Robyn Bennett with a momento of her time with the Association. Robyn resigned after 7 years service following her move to Moura with her family Innes and Jessica Fahey, Bizzy Brahmans, Copmanhurst welcomed their 3rd child, Olivia Jessica Fahey, on the 17th January 2012. Sister for Lacey and Wroxton Week old Alexander Michael Edwards pictured after reading the last edition of the Brahman News! Alexander was born on Wed 16th March - son of Alice & Matt Edwards, Bizzy A Stud, Jandowae. Alex is a brother to Will, Isabel and Sarah Jack & Brava - a winning duo Captain Jack continues to impress - he has now won Best Beef Bull, Champion and won blue in his class as well at the 2012 Apollo Bay Show. Not to miss out, Brava also got two seconds and two thirds... third in smallest pet category (against a bird and a tiny fluffy dog), are pictured showing off their ribbons with Christi Valentine-Anderson, Apollo Bay, VIC 62 June 2012 June 2012 63 PROMOTIONAL MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM AUSTRALIAN BRAHMAN BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD CODE ITEM SIZE COLOUR QTY PRICE 8209 Pocket Notebook 8244 Serviettes - Pack of 100 $5.50 8212 History Book $5.00 $5.00 8213 Native & Adaptive Cattle Book $28.00 8217 The Australian Brahman Book $5.00 8218 Book - Beef Industry History $95.00 8252 Book - Should Meat be on the Menu $35.00 8249 Stickers - Set of Brahman Heads (Clear or White) $10.00 8250 Stickers - Large Set of Brahman Heads $22.00 8251 Stickers - Round 8” Sticker $10.00 8260 Sticker - Large Gate or Truck $27.50 8220 Scarves $20.00 8253 Scarf - Large $33.00 8221 Belt Buckles - Small Pewter $15.00 8222 Belt Buckles - Large Pewter $20.00 8266 Kids Polo Shirt (Available in Green, Navy & Red - Sizes 4 to 14) $19.00 8272 Adult Polo Shirt (Available in Green, Navy & Maroon - Sizes M to 5XL) $25.00 8273 Ladies Polo Shirt (Available in Hot Pink & Jade - Sizes 8 to 24) $25.00 8235 Ties - Plain Tie Centred Logo $20.00 8236 Ties - Bulls Head Repeated $20.00 8275 ABBA Embroidered Cap (Navy with white trim & maroon logo) 8238 Golf Umbrella 8267 Keyring - Ear Tag 8239 Pewter Keyring - Brahman 8240 Pewter Keyring - Bull on Chain 8241 Pewter Letter Openers 8242 Pewter - Teaspoons 8245 Badges - Silver bull on stand - ABBA 8271 Hat Pin (enamel round) 8246 Bull Statues - Pewter (6cm x 5cm) $8.00 $25.00 $2.50 $5.50 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00 $5.50 $5.00 $25.00 8247 Bull Statues - Pewter Cow & Calf (6cm x 5xm) $25.00 8248 Bull Statue - Pewter (6cm x 9cm) $45.00 8274 ABBA Coffee Mug 8262 Brahman Coffee Mug $6.00 $10.00 8263 Small Tray 8264 Placemats (set 6) $29.95 8265 Coasters (set 6) $12.95 8268 Tote Bag 8269 USB Brahman Bull Flash Drive (2G) 8278 Lanyard 8270 Car Sunshade 8276 ABBA Stubby Cooler 8277 ABBA Brahman Temporary Tattoo $5.95 $1.50 $12.00 $1.50 $25.00 $5.00 .50¢ SPECIALS AVAILABLE PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS + Postage Please complete and return to together AUSTRALIAN BRAHMAN with your preferred method payment: PO Box 796, Rockhampton QLD 4700 TOTAL PAYMENT OPTIONS: (please ) BSB No: 064-710 Account No: 10468783 (Please use membership number as a reference) $10.00* BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD Phone: 07 4927 7799 Fax: 07 4922 5805 Email: [email protected] CREDIT CARD CHEQUE - Enclosed (goods delivered upon clearance of cheque) DIRECT DEBIT - Commonweath Bank TOTAL Visa Mastercard Name:....................................................................................................................................................... Card Number: .................................-.................................-................................-................................ Expiry Date: ................................-................................ DELIVERY DETAILS Name: ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Member No: ....................................... Address: ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Phone: .................................................................................................. 64 June 2012 Mobile: ...................................................................................... Postcode: ........................... Fax: ................................................................................ Prices as of June 2012 - All prices are GST inclusive - Postage extra *Subject to weight of parcel - with large orders the postage will be calculated by weight. ★★★★★★★★★★★★ BIZZY INVITATIONAL BULL & FEMALE SALE 1 September at Grafton Saleyards George Fuhrmann • Ray Donovan ★★★★★★★★★★★★ GREAT WESTERN FEMALE SALE 1 October at Great Western Hotel Elders • Landmark ★★★★★★★★★★★★ ROCKHAMPTON BRAHMAN WEEK SALE 1-3 October at CQLX Gracemere Elders • Landmark ★★★★★★★★★★★★ GOLD CITY BRAHMAN SALE Bookings for SEPTEMBER 2012 Brahman News close Friday, 3rd August 2012. 11-12 October at Charters Towers Elders • Landmark ★★★★★★★★★★★★ ROMA TROPICAL BREEDS SALE Advertising material due Friday, 10th August 2012. 18-19 October at Roma Saleyards Call Liz on 07 4921 2506 or Email [email protected] today! ★★★★★★★★★★★★ Elders • Landmark • GDL PB FENECH ANNUAL BRAHMAN SALE 27 October at Sarina Landmark • McCaffreys ★★★★★★★★★★★★ TARTRUS LANCEFIELD SALE 29 October at CQLX Gracemere Elders • Landmark • McCaffreys • Brodie & Co Alinta..................................................................27 Bizzy Invitational Sale ..............................45 Cambil ..............................................................39 Chadwick Downs .......................................57 Commonwealth Bank .............................31 Gold City Brahman Sale .........................51 Heliflite .............................................................19 Kenrol ...............................................................BC Lancefield ......................................................... 5 Landmark .......................................................... 9 Mogul..............................................................IBC NuStar Cattle Co .........................................35 Pfizer ..................................................................13 Rocky Repro ................................................IFC Rural Supplements ...................................49 Seiko...................................................................43 Suncorp Bank Agribusiness .................19 Token ................................................................ 25 ★★★★★★★★★★★★ NCC BRAHMAN SALE 30 October at Inverrio, Duaringa Elders • SBB • GDL • QLD Rural ★★★★★★★★★★★★ TROPICAL NORTHERN BRAHMAN BULL SALE WANTED A complete set of Australian Brahman News magazines. Contact 0428 636 494 Email: [email protected] 16 November at Mareeba Saleyards QLD Rural • Elders • Landmark ★★★★★★★★★★★★ BEEF COUNTRY BRAHMAN BULL SALE 16 November at Nebo Undercover Arena Elders • Landmark ★★★★★★★★★★★★ WILANGI INVITATION SILVER ANNIVERSARY SALE 29-30 November at Charters Towers QLD Rural • McCaffreys June 2012 65 SERVICES & SUPPLIERS BREEDERS' DIRECTORY ERIC & MARILYN FARMAN RED & GREY POLL BREEDERS p 4934 7551 m 0417 758 560 [email protected] INNISFAIL NORTH QLD WESTWOOD ROCKHAMPTON EL Mariah Cherry Reds % Heavy Polled Bulls El Arish, North Queensland Terry Hampson Terry Hampson Mobile: 0419 187 952 After Hours: 07 4065 3382 Email: [email protected] 66 June 2012 BREEDERS' DIRECTORY ORIGINAL AUSSIE GENETICS REDS - GREYS TENDER GENES % POLLS - IMPORTS Leichhardt Highway, Wandoan / Taroom Q Ph 07 4627 4909 Mob 0427 054 150 Email: [email protected] www.neslo.com.au BUNGARRIBEE RED BRAHMANS Jim & Bonnie Besley ‘Bungarribee’ Barmoya 1/2 HOUR DRIVE NORTH OF ROCKHAMPTON P: 07 4934 2673 • M: 0419 660 848 E: [email protected] Visitors & enquiries welcome June 2012 67 BREEDERS' DIRECTORY RED BRAHMANS MARK & TARSH ALLEN Thangool Q 4715 • p 07 4995 1208 [email protected] www.kariboevalley.com.au 68 June 2012 BREEDERS' DIRECTORY Boogal Cattle Co ‘Recognise the Brand ... Remember the Quality’ TEX & BRONWYN BURNHAM “BOOGALGOPAL” EIDSVOLD 4627 Phone 07 4167 5163 Email: [email protected] www.boogalcattle.com.au b l l Myrtledale Home of Beef Type Brahmans Incorporating the best of Australian & Imported Bloodlines BOB HYDEN Marengo, Bowen Qld 07 4785 3488 SHANE HYDEN Old Victoria Downs, C’Towers 07 4787 6475 www.myrtledale.com.au June 2012 69 BREEDERS' DIRECTORY BRAHMANS Ian & Debbie Frampton Widgee Q 4570 m 0439 826 718 p 5484 0008 [email protected] “Rosevale” 924 Hills Road, Mt Maria via Rosedale Q 4674 M 0427 194 986 Email: [email protected] TR AB 70 June 2012 BA STUD No 7 BREEDERS' DIRECTORY EMAIL [email protected] RON & DAPHNE KIRK Ph: 07 4161 6185 Email: [email protected] FOR QUALITY & CONSISTENCY John Kirk & Co Gayndah Qld John 07 4161 1661 Fax 07 4161 2433 Email [email protected] Matt 07 4165 0812 Michael & Christine Walz Formerly FBC Walz Division p: 07 4943 1211 • m: 0428 602 603 [email protected] Beef Be ef T Type ype eG Grey re ey B Brahmans rahmans s June 2012 71 BREEDERS' DIRECTORY Hazelton Breeders of Red & Grey Brahmans, Charbrays Brett & Susan Kirk Blackwood, Middlemount Q 4746 p 07 4985 7010 • m 0427 128 174 [email protected] Ted & Grace Kirk Hazelton, Gayndah Q 4625 p 07 4161 1589 • m 0407 128 174 www.brahman.com.au/hazelton Specialising in Polled Red Brahmans Our Family brand since 1888 Bernie & Jodi-Lee Flanagan Schneider Tuncurry, NSW P : 02 6557 5565 E : [email protected] 72 June 2012 > MOGUL MISS CINDY 70TH GSMB254F > MOGUL MISS MICHELLE 58TH GSMB257F > MOGUL BUICK MANSO (P) GSMB229M > MOGUL BROOKLYN MANSO GSMB283M > MOGUL MISS B EDIRH MANSO GSMB258F > MOGUL MISS Y INDY GSMB307F