SIX ESSENTIALS OF BEEF PRODUCTION Fertility Weight Conformation Hardiness Temperament Milk Production
27TH SEPTEMBER 2024 ‘Medway Stn’ Bogantungan QLD 40 Top Quality Beefmaster Bulls
THE
FRIDAY
FERTILITY
Arguably the most important economic trait in your herd. Its pretty simple to assess and influence “every cow has a calf every year” and Beefmasters have a long history of selection for fertility. Our early indications are exceptional, 23 of 24 yearling mated heifers returned a positive pregnancy test at just 12mths of age.
When you add fertility with the exceptional maternal strengths of the breed you get higher weaning rates and higher weaning weights, which drive the bottom line of any breeding operation.
MILK PRODUCTION
Milk production, next to genetics is the single most important factor for producing high weaning weights. In the early days of the breed development (in the 1930’s) milking shorthorn genetics where incorporated to boost this trait.
When asked to describe the perfect cow, Tom Lasater (Beefmaster breed founder) said, “She’ll look like a cow that gives a hell of a lot of milk.”
TEMPERAMENT
Gentle cattle are easier to manage, they breed better, feed better and sell better it’s as simple as that.
Along with fertility and feed conversion, temperament is a very heritable trait and that puts Beefmasters on the front foot when compared. Management that’s safe for family and staff has no compromise in a modern production system.
WEIGHT
Of obvious importance, we all get paid on weight. Weight is another highly heritable trait. Beefmasters are renowned performers both in the paddock or feedlot. They have been selected to produce optimum (not necessarily maximum) weight with minimal inputs. In a recent USDA (United States Department of Ag) feed conversion trial, Beefmasters placed 2nd with both steers and heifers against 18 other major USA beef breeds.
CONFORMATION
It goes without saying, animals that are put together right can function more effectively. Beefmasters are well balanced cattle that move freely. Lovely length throughout and clean underlines. It’s that ease of movement that gives the breed their range and longevity. On our first look at the breed in Texas in 2018, we were really impressed with the even lines of functional square cows with long strong tops, perfect udders, all on a free moving frame.
HARDINESS
Low maintenance and high weaning rates in tougher years drive the economic positives of the Beefmaster breed. Beefmasters balance hardiness with cattle that meet your fertility and market suitability.
They excel in calf liveability, low death losses and low maintenance costs. “They’re cattle that are easy care and productive in our Hills” as one South Texas cattleman stated.
FRIDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2024
‘Medway Stn’ Bogantungan QLD | 40 Top Quality Beefmaster Bulls Inquiries: Will Haviland 0437 849 478 or Brenten Donaldson 0417 070 376
EMS BET ON BUBBA LOGAN
WB SOLUTION TRAIT LEADINGSIRE S REP R ESENT E D
CF BRAVADO
EEFMASTERS