The Australian Brangus | Spring 2023

SPRING 2023

PHEASANT CREEK S95

PHEASANT CREEK S96

This year’s Roma and Rockhampton Brangus Sales proudly offer catalogues with all registered bulls and females listed with completed DNA results, as well as standards of condition scoring, motility, and morphology semen results.

This offering will provide buyers clear and concise information on sale animals.

THE EXECUTIVE PAPER

Welcome to the Spring edition of the 2023 Australian Brangus magazine.

The first six months of 2023 have proven to be very successful for Brangus. Some highlights have been the inaugural Brangus Ladies Invitational Notable Genetics (BLING) Sale, the Zone 2 Field Day hosted by Justin & Kate Boshammer and the Belview 40th Anniversary Sale.

As previously advised, the sale format for the 2023 Rockhampton Brangus Sale has been changed due to constraints applied by CQLX. This year, the females will sell on Sunday 8th of October starting at 4pm and the bulls will sell on Sunday 9th of October.

Brangus Australia is happy to announce that our transition to Single Step has begun. The considerable investment Brangus breeders have made to DNA testing, along with the commitment to performance recording, has allowed Brangus to reach the required milestones to transition to Single Step. This achievement is outstanding considering there are many other breeds that have been DNA testing for considerably longer which are yet to achieve this milestone. The Single Step transition is set to happen later in the year, with November earmarked as the month our SingleStep BREEDPLAN figures will be first made available. Breeders should be commended on their commitment to DNA testing and providing themselves (and potential purchasers) important selection data and security. Members can expect to receive very detailed and comprehensive information regarding SingleStep in the coming months, the Office and Board is committed to communicating with Members during the transition and providing as much information as possible to assist in a greater understanding and adoption.

Brangus have continued to be represented well at major annual field days such as FarmFest, Toowoomba and Ag-Grow, Emerald. I’d like to thank the members who dedicate their time to showcasing our breeds at these field days on behalf of the Association. Your commitment to promoting Brangus is appreciated and admired.

The ABCA has a rich past and this year the Association will be hosting a special anniversary dinner to celebrate 60 years. The dinner will be held in Rockhampton during November, with official correspondence to be shared with the membership in the coming months. The success of this great breed is a credit to all past and current ABCA members, and we invite all members to attend this special occasion. The night will be a great walk down memory lane and an opportunity for long standing and new members to celebrate all things Brangus.

I would like to encourage all members to attend the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Member Forum which will be held 10am on Sunday 8th October 2023 at CQLX, Gracemere. The AGM and Member Forum provides a great opportunity for all Brangus members to discuss the direction of the breed with the Board of Directors and also a great chance to network.

At the time of this edition being published, I will be a few weeks into my maternity leave. I look forward to transitioning back to work later in the year and seeing many of you at Roma and Rockhampton Brangus sales which are set to be another highlight for the breed.

Kayla Preston has joined the Brangus office as the Member Services Officer (MSO). Kayla and her young family live in Armidale, and she brings with her 10 years’ experience in Breed Societies as well as a wide range of skills which ensure she is perfectly suited to this role. Kayla started her Breed Society career at ABRI where she serviced several breeds - during her time at ABRI Kayla transitioned to working predominantly for Shorthorns. Shorthorn Beef left ABRI to create their own independent office and Kayla joined them in the move. Kayla also has experience in customer service and financial roles.

Kayla’s position as MSO will focus on providing members support and completing the wide variety of processing received by the ABCA office each day. Kayla will be the point of contact for all Registrations, DNA and Society queries. Kayla will also undertake the bookkeeping for the Association and aid the Board where required in my absence. Kayla can be contacted at the following via email to office@brangus.com.au or phone on 02 5775 9900.

Tessa Pearson Chief Executive Officer Australian Brangus Cattle Association Ltd

SPRING 2023

Publisher Australian Brangus Cattle Association PO Box 814 Armidale NSW 2350

BrangusAustralia

BrangusAustralia

AusBrangus brangus.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Tessa Pearson 02 5775 9900 ceo@brangus.com.au

LACHLAN TRUSTUM'S GREAT OPPORTUNITY THROUGH INAUGURAL BARLOW INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

SULTAN SNARES ROCKHAMPTON FEATURE SHOW TITLE

BLING HEIFERS HIT $32,500

BRANGUS WORLD CONGRESS ARGENTINA

BELVIEW 40TH CELEBRATED IN STYLE

NEBO BRANGUS STEER OFFERING CROWNED CHAMPION IN SARINA

Member Services Officer

Kayla Preston 02 5775 9900 office@brangus.com.au

Marketing & Communications Manager Simone Roll 02 5775 9913 marketing@brangus.com.au

Printing & Distribution Curtis Print Enoggera Qld 4051

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26 January 2024

Editorial

2 February 2024

Print- Ready Adverts

9 February 2024

COVER

Congratulations to the Hanson Family, Bullakeana Brangus on winning the Supreme Interbreed Female, and also taking out the Interbreed Breeders Group at the Rockhampton Feature Show. Brad and Arianna Hanson with their cow and calf, Bullakeana Unaware.

DISCLAIMER

The Australian Brangus magazine is published twice a year by the Australian Brangus Cattle Association (ABCA). While every effort has been taken to ensure that all details are correct, ABCA cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained within the magazine or for the consequences of any actions taken or not taken as a result of this information.

Views and opinions expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of ABCA.

I would like to remind all ABCA members that they are welcome and encouraged to attend the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Member’s Forum, to be held 10am on Sunday, 8th of October at CQLX Gracemere.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

Welcome all members and Brangus enthusiasts to the Spring edition of the 2023 Australian Brangus magazine.

Since my last report, the cattle sector as a whole has seen a major easing in prices across the board. Despite this decline, Brangus, Ultra Blacks, and their crosses have continued to shine, commanding premium prices well above the going rate. There are also reports of lines of Brangus steers and heifers achieving outstanding compliance percentages at abattoirs for the premium grass-fed markets. Demand for Brangus heifers, PTIC (Pregnancy Tested in Calf), cows and calves, and paddock bulls has been very strong, according to all reports.

I wish to congratulate our (CEO) Tessa and her husband Jason on the arrival of their son, Charlie. We look forward to welcoming Tessa back later this year.

At the office level, I would like to welcome Kayla Preston and Simone Roll. Kayla has joined us as the Member Service Officer, and Simone is in Marketing and Promotions. Other exciting news is that our transition to Single Step is underway and will be implemented later this year.

I also welcome Juanita Trustum onto the board as the Zone 3 representative. Juanita has a lifelong history with Brangus and a real passion for the breed. She replaces Fleetwood Grobler, who has been a very proactive member of the Board for several years, and we would like to thank him for his input.

I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families of Kay Geddes (Doonside, Qld) and Maurice Bush (Castle, Vic) on their recent losses.

I would like to congratulate all exhibitors who presented cattle at the recent Rockhampton Feature Show and to all members who exhibited Brangus at shows, field days and carcass competitions throughout the year! There were 84 outstanding Brangus presented at the Feature Show, the cattle were a credit to there breeders and attracted a lot of positive feedback.

I would like to congratulate the Hanson Family from Bullakeana Brangus on winning the Supreme Interbreed Female with their cow and calf Bullakeana Unaware, Bullakeana also took out the Interbreed Breeders Group this is an outstanding achievement!

The Spring Bull selling season is fast approaching, and I would like to wish all vendors at the Roma and Rockhampton sales all the best, as well as all members conducting on-property sales. I hope you all achieve strong results.

Here’s hoping we have an early wet spring and a strengthening cattle market.

Brad Saunders President Australian Brangus Cattle Association Ltd

LACHLAN TRUSTUM'S GREAT OPPORTUNITY THROUGH INAUGURAL BARLOW INTERNATIONAL

As many of you would know I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to travel to America, after receiving the inaugural, Robert Barlow Brangus International Youth Scholarship.

On January 23rd of this year I flew out of Australia and after four flights I arrived in Tallahassee (north central Florida) where I contacted Eddy Roberts from W.E.T Farms, O’Brien, Florida. Eddy is a past President of the IBBA (International Brangus Breeders Association) and runs a registered Brangus herd. Along with selling bulls to local producers Eddy also operates a hay business. After spending a few days with Eddy, he gave me lift to meet with Tommy Taylor, Little Creek Brangus, Alachua. Tommy has been breeding Brangus since the 1990’s producing some big framed cows and quality yearling replacements.

Later that day I met up with Rob Singleton, Ranch Manager, Phillips Brangus Ranch, Bunnell, located on the east coast of Florida. This is a very impressive ranch, great infrastructure such as a number of two bedroom stone cabins, sand horse arena, large undercover cattle yards work area which is utilized for the AI and ET programmes as well as a selling arena for their own on-property sales. Their operation consists of select group of donor females that they flush and using these embryos in their recipients. All maiden heifers were put into AI programmes in small groups of the month they were born at the age of 14-months. They try and get the most out of their females calving all year round. We tagged some calves what were born the day of my arrival and this is an extremely intensive process. It involves catching the calf, administering a respiratory spray up the nose, a multimin and immune shot, ear tagging (spraying the back of the button with iodine solution), a navel spray (stop infection), collecting a DNA sample and weight recording. The ranch experiences a lot of drainage problems, once it gets wet, cattle could be standing in water for weeks at a time and are very dependent on grain and hay feeders all year round.

I then headed to a sale partner of Phillips, Fenco Farms. Here I met with the manager, Clay Cooper. We started by dropping into a new property they have purchased and are developing by clearing and harvesting some selfestablished pine and cypress pine to use in the new cattle yards. The cattle breeding operation includes a small herd of Simmental/Angus females inseminated to ‘Club Calf’ bulls. The progeny of this offshoot is mainly sold to school children for led steer competitions across the state. We saw all their commercial cattle places where all their records are stored in CattleMax along with their registered cattle and DNA collection data. All cattle are electronically tagged and are scanned and weighed every time they come through the race, everything is data driven and collected in their programme. Their steers and cull heifers are finished in feedlots in Kansas with data still collected, with updated weights and analytics on these cattle sent back to them up until the point of slaughter. Even though their stud operation is relatively new they have massively expanded the operation and run over 500 recipient cows carrying quality Brangus genetics they have purchased and multiplied. Clay assisted me to search for more places to visit south of them. My next destination was Kempfer Cattle Company. This played out to be a massive part of my trip. Their operation is now five generations deep and has been in existence for over 120 years on the 35,000 acre property at Deer Park, central Florida. The Kempfer family were some of the first to introduce Brahmans into Florida and still producing some of the most sought after genetics. This herd and operation are one of the most impressive commercial operations I’ve seen. They have a very strict selection criteria for female, based heavily on phenotype and fertility traits. Their registered Brahman females are more moderate when compared to many US cattle and they expect all their cows to wean a calf half the cow’s body weight each year. An important part of their commercial breeding programme is Heterosis. They add hybrid vigour

Main: Dragging M females in the paddock at their Ranch, El Dorado, Arkansas.

01: At another of the concerts during the Houston Livestock Show. Tim and Prue Flynn, Liz Flatley and Lachlan.

02: A very nice IVF Brangus calf at Cavender Ranch, Jacksonville, Texas.

03: Stand out female at Town Creek Brangus, West Point, Mississippi.

04: My visit to a ranch. I’m with Eddy Roberts of W.E.T Farms, O’Brien, Florida.

05: Red Brangus cattle at GKBs Ranch, Desdemona, Texas.

to the females by breeding all commercial Brahman heifers to young Angus bulls using one to 20 females due to an extremely small breeding window of 60 days.

The Kempfer’s helped me contact a few good commercial Brangus and cattle producers south of Lake Okeechobee. These included Buck Island Ranch. Gene Lollis has been the ranch manager at Buck Island, a 10,000 acre property, for 30 years. Gene alongside scientists of the Archbold Biological Station, Lake Placid, Florida conduct different field research assisting the cattle industry understand sustainable ranching practices, also showing the importance of grazing land and how that has a positive effect on the environment. I next visited Lykes Brothers Incorporated, Tampa, Florida and Flint Johns. Flint is the manager of Lykes Brothers, the largest cattle operation in Florida, consisting of 15,000 head of Brangus/Beefmaster cross cattle run on over 330,000 acres that also includes sugar cane, citrus plantations and wetlands for which they receive royalties. They use Brangus bulls sourced from some of biggest studs now they have been buying high quality Beefmaster bulls to use over those their Brangus females. After six weeks in Florida, I headed back up to Orlando catching a flight to Dallas, Texas to meet with Allen Goode at his operation Trio Brangus, in Ponder, Texas. Allen runs his cattle on block with donors and a group of recipients. Allen works with a lot of breeders and has shares in red Brangus cattle that he shows for his various partners. Later that day Allen took me south west of Dallas to GKB Ranch, Desdemona, where I met with the manager Andrew Conley.

Andrew was a big part of Black Water Brangus a decade ago. GKB started with Herefords but have transitioned into Brangus cattle, utilizing this transition through IVF. They have one man on a property solely involved with recipients and programming IVF cows. The operation has at least 30 to 40 cows calving every month of the year. They had a great feedlot system they purchased which is circular in design. All pens are connected via a roundyard in the centre and feed bunks around the outside with lane ways through the middle. GKB are heavily show orientated having a team of people working solely in a big shed with the show cattle all year round. Having a week up my sleeve before Houston Livestock Show, I took the opportunity and dropped into a few places on my way down. One of these was MP Brangus run by Mark and Tammy Perry and their two children outside of Waco, Texas. They run a large Brangus operation, annually selling females and bulls. Another address I visited was Indian Hills Ranch, owned by Buck and Sidney Thomason, Cranfills Gap, Texas. Here I got the chance to see some of the heifers they had prepared for the livestock shows and commercial

competition. Commercial breeder, Bradley Hodde gave me a lift south to his ranch in Brenham and I saw some of his Brangus cattle.

After renting a car for the weekend I called in on Geary Stutts, DOS XX’s Cattle Company, Washington, Texas. He operates a small but high quality red Brangus herd. He owns such notables, as the donor dam, Miss TK Highway 225W, the mother to one of biggest names in the red Brangus world, DOS XXs Dynamite TNT’s Dynamite 917/7, the 2019 International Grand Champion Bull at Houston. Then I headed south to JD Hudgins Ranch, Hungerford where Colin Hudgins, showed me around all seven divisions operated by various members of the Hudgins family, run separately but all under the same banner. Colin showed me their small Brangus breeding program that they have been working on using some of their own genetics.

Below: Doing some mustering with Kempfer Cattle Company, Deer Park, Florida.

01: Brangus judging at the Houston Livestock Show.

I then headed onto the Houston Livestock Show, taking the opportunity to introduce myself and meet a lot of show cattle breeders and also those involved in the IBBA. It was great meeting up with Australian breeders attending the show and exchanging different views of the cattle we seen. Interestingly, I found that a lot of breeders are ‘purpose’ breeding cattle for the showring rather than showing their best breeder cattle. This being the case, not many of the larger breeders are involved in the show arena. I was hoping to find more about their Junior Committee of the IBBA but after talking to some breeders I found a lot of what that group does is focused on show cattle. Being mainly school students, they really don’t have a roll for these members to progress into after this.

At the conclusion of Brangus judging, we stayed a few more nights in Houston and travelled with fellow Australian breeders, Tim and Prue Flynn, Wildcard Stud, Ridgelands, Queensland where we both visited some nearby ranches. We called into Santa Rosa Ranch, Crockett, Texas after meeting with Lance Roasa, Managing Partner at Houston Livestock Show. Lance, has recently purchased the operation and runs a lot of commercial cows where they ‘incubate’ other breeders’ embryos, calving them out and taking them to

weaning for their owners. They also have a Brangus operation mainly selling bulk numbers of bulls into west Texas and Mexico.

The next day we all headed to Mound Creek Ranch, Leona, Texas where we got to walk through all the sale heifers and bulls for their Spring Sale. It was very interesting seeing their cattle and operation and large numbers of quality, very useful Brangus cattle. We then headed to Integrated Breeders, Hearne, Texas, where they collect and process both domestic, export and international genetic material. At time of our visit there were a lot of Brangus bulls being station for collection. Tim and Prue headed back to Australia, so Liz and myself kept the little hire car headed back up to Fort Worth, Texas before heading back across to Jacksonville, Texas. We got to attend the CDP Brangus Sale, Neches River Ranch. The event was a great experience, renewing friendships with a lot of people I had met already, as well as Australian breeder, Matthew Sirett and his family, Diamond Valley Stud, Gatton, Queensland. The majority of the bulls sold seemed to go to commercial operations. This I think is mainly due to the widespread use of AI, ET and IVF so widely utilized by stud breeders.

Checking out sale heifers, Mound Creek Brangus, Leona, Texas

We also got the opportunity to meet some of the partners of CDP Sale and visit some of their ranches. First port of call was to Jo Cavender’s Ranch, Jacksonville where we were shown around by manager, Justin Matejka. We witnessed a great group of cattle of high quality and standard that are supported by repeat clientele due to these parameters. We then caught up with Grady Green, Draggin M Ranch, El Dorado, Arkansas where we saw some really good Brangus females that I think would have fit into programmes back in Australia. It was great to see their leading sire, DMR Empire 795D12, a bull that seems to be breeding very consistent cattle. From there we headed south to Mississippi to catch up with Trey Cuevas at T3 Brangus, Purvis, Mississippi. Although a smaller operation than we have been previously seeing, Trey has been doing a lot of ET programmes and purchasing different genetics to grow and develop his gene pool.

After that we were headed north to Cow Creek, Aliceville, Alabama. This is owned by Kempfer Cattle Company, Florida who have recently purchased this ranch. It’s running a lot of their first generation Brangus as well as some Cow Creek Brangus they purchased with the property. Cow Creek was purchased from Joy Reznicek. Joy is major partner alongside Milton Sundbeck at Town Creek Brangus, West Point, Mississippi. Town Creek Brangus based their genetics on the Cow Creek breeding programme. After we left Cow Creek, we headed north west back into Mississippi to meet with Joy Reznicek and their manager, Cody Glenn. Joy and her late husband, Joe Reznicek were once the 21st largest seedstock cattle operation in the US. One of the many great achievements made by Joy and her late husband was trademarking of Ultrablack cattle in 1998 after breeding them for five years prior. It was a terrific opportunity to speak with Joy, her knowledge about the Brangus, the breed and her achievements are a big portion of what it is today. Some of their cattle were the most relatable cattle I had the chance to see and visit. After starting her new venture,

breeding up to Brangus using Kempfer Brahman genetics, producing three quarter Brahman bred Brangus cattle and putting those females back in their herd. They market bulls at their annual sales to commercial breeding operations. This genetic mix brings much needed Heterosis back into the Brangus cattle in the form of fertility and longevity.

In conclusion this trip was a great experience for not only myself but the US breeders. Through interaction it gave both parties a better understanding of how far the breed has come in Australia, particularly in the last decade. Many of these breeders have never had an Australian breeder visit their operation and it was a great chance to share breeding ideas and talk about and witness natural pressures.

I’ve learned a great deal about some great programmes. One of these was Bull Tests. Here breeders send bulls to be fed out on a single property, with comparisons on daily weight gains and performance. This a great idea as currently we in Australia involve ourselves in a lot of feedlot trials for steers. At the end of the day these cattle are steers, they’re not the top end of what we all are breeding as stud producers. Another great initiative is ‘The Brangus Value Project’. Producers supply widely used Brangus and Ultra Black semen to be used in large commercial operations. The cost sharing of the programme, delivering steers to a feedlot after weaning, the collection of raw data is all supported of IBBA breeders by pledging $500 per annum.

Some of the highlights of my trip was meeting some of the large commercial operations and discussing what we both are looking for in our breeding females, finding common ground with what the final product should be. It was also a great chance to see some of the registered stud genetics we hear about back home and getting a great insight of how these cattle are reproducing in each herd.

I would thoroughly recommend this Scholarship to any young Brangus breeder who wants to further their

knowledge in the breed and wants to grow a bigger understanding in such a fast developing industry. I found it invaluable and that it was best to travel with an open mind. You’ll find some the best cattlemen might not be so easy to find. After this experience I have returned home with a renewed and even greater urge to breed and produce great genetics, to become involved in different aspects of the agricultural industry.

There are so many people I wish to thank for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Firstly, can I start with the Barlow family for sowing the seeds, putting into place the process together and formulating the Scholarship with Australian Brangus Cattle Association. I certainly hope my win, trip and experiences is a forerunner for others into the future. The privilege and the prestige associated with being the first recipient of this great award has not gone unnoticed to me. The award I believe, will become an integral part of the future of the Brangus breed, it will help forge a pathway for young Brangus breeders like myself whereby we can look back on and learn from. It (the award) has delivered me endless opportunities. Opportunities, that I will always be grateful to have been allowed to experience. Among these, the greatest accolade, the ability to represent the Australian Brangus breed internationally.

Yours sincerely Lachlan Trustum.

01: A Brangus bull developed by using Brahman genetics at Town Creek.

SULTAN SNARES ROCKHAMPTON FEATURE SHOW TITLE

Article + Images KB CONSULTING

In a forerunner to next year’s Beef expo, the breed mounted an impressive display at the recent Rockhampton Feature Show. Coinciding with the 150th Rockhampton Show, a total of 71 head were exhibited before judge, Lachlan Trustum, Weona Stud, Casino, New South Wales and his associate, Cody Mortimer, Cadet Brahman Stud, Dalma.

In all 16 studs from across Queensland supported the event with awards spread throughout the field of exhibitors. Nine prefixes shared in the broad ribbon wins and 14 taking out individual class placings.

Culminating in a successful day for the breed, Brangus mounted a massive assault on the Supreme Interbreed titles grabbing two of the three top awards of the show involving some 350 head, the Supreme Interbreed Female and the Supreme Interbreed Breeders Group.

Taking out his first ‘major’ of his limited career was the 18-month-old Pheasant Creek Sultan S166. Exhibited by Brad and Nicole Saunders, Pheasant Creek Stud, Wowan, Sultan claimed victory against seven other

opponents in his respective class (Bull 17 months and under 19 months). The 708kg son of Yaraandoo Wylie (Weona Yellowstone) then took the first of his two broad ribbon wins against two other class winners to take out the Junior Champion title. Sultan S166 then made the day a memorable one for the Saunders stable taking on his two other title contenders to snatch the Grand Championship. These were the Calf Champion Bull, Bullakeana Who’s Handsome and the senior recipient, Punchagin Solomon (AI). It’s It is understood that Sultan’s next outing in open company will be at the Brisbane Royal.

Senior Champion Bull, Punchagin Solomon (AI) (Weona Cruz) won the first of the senior bull classes (21 and under 24 months). Weighing 648kg,

Solomon also claimed his first major title for owner, Jeff Frank, Punchagin Stud, Monto. Solomon defeated the entries from Lazy S and Pheasant Creek to rest the title pushing the 910kg, Pheasant Creek Rambo R030 (Tannyfoil Jackson) (34-months) into reserve senior spot.

Calf Champion Male, Bullakeana Who’s Handsome (seven months) (461kg) claimed the first male class win of the day (under 9 months) for owners, the Hanson family, Bullakeana Stud, Theodore. The son of the $34,000 Palgrove Prime Mover spearheaded a great day for the Hanson stable taking seven individual class wins with other winners carrying the prefixes name for new owners. Reserve to Who’s Handsome was stablemate, Who What Where a paternal half to the winner

was aged 11-months and weighing 536kg. Paul and Denise Studt, Coolabah Stud, Capella claimed the Reserve Junior Champion Bull title with the 17-month-old entry, Coolabah Kojak a son of the prepotent Coolibah David weighing 738kgs.

It was an extremely productive day at the office for the Bullakeana prefix taking out the Grand and Senior Champion Female with the Yaraandoo Wylie daughter, Bullakeana Unaware. The 31-month-old nursed an impressive heifer calf by Bullakeana Ultimate, toppling the winner of the previous class, Lazy S Edna 11th (Bonox 823) into the Reserve Senior Champion position. Bullakeana Unaware was the

Main: Grand and Junior Champion Bull, Pheasant Creek Sultan S166 with Brad and Nicole Saunders, Pheasant Creek Stud, Tyler Hyden, Pheasant Creek Stud, Associate Judge, Cody Mortimer and Judge, Lachlan Trustum. Presenting the trophies are Texas and Edward Quinn, Voewood Stud.

01: Reserve and Calf Champion Females, Beejay Sapphire and Bulla Miss Sako 222 with Alicia Magee, Beejay Stud, Vicki Hanson, Bullakeana Stud, Les Lee, Leegra Fitting Service and Leanne Sedgman, Bulla Stud.

02: Reserve and Calf Champion Males, Bullakeana Who What Where and Bullakeana Who's Handsome with Greg Magee, Beejay Stud, Hayden and Isabella Hanson, Bullakeana Stud and Julie Sheehan, Kraken Stud.

03: Grand and Senior Champion Female: Bullakeana Unaware with Lachlan Trustum (Judge), Brad, Arianna and Vicki Hanson, Bullakeana Stud and Cody Mortimer (Associate Judge).

Reserve and Senior Champion Bulls, Pheasant Creek Rambo R030 and Punchagin Solomon with Rory Saunders, Pheasant Creek Stud, Jeff Frank, Punchagin Stud and Julie Sheehan, Kraken Stud.

FEATURE SHOW AWARDS

Calf Champion Bull

Bullakeana Who’s Handsome

Reserve Calf Champion Bull

Bullakeana Who What Where

Grand & Junior Champion Bull

Pheasant Creek Sultan S166

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

Coolabah Kojak

Senior Champion Bull

Punchagin Solomon

Reserve Senior Champion Bull

Pheasant Creek Rambo R030

Calf Champion Female

Bulla Miss Sako 222

Reserve Calf Champion Female

Beejay Sapphire

Junior Champion Female

Bullakeana Victoria Secret

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Bullakeana Velvet

Grand & Senior Champion Female

Bullakeana Unaware

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Lazy S Edna 11th

Breeders Group

Bullakeana Stud

Sire’s Progeny

Bullakeana Stud (Palgrove Prime Mover)

SUPREME INTERBREED AWARDS

Interbreed Female

Bullakeana Unaware

Interbreed Breeders Group

Bullakeana Brangus

Reserve Senior Champion at last years Brisbane Royal.

Lazy S principal, Sue Fawcett, Condamine, took with her seven placings throughout the day. These included a class winner in the male ranks with Lazy S Gambler (Bonox 823) in the 24 and under 30-month division. The Lazy S trio sired by their leading resident and former RNA Champion, Diplomat (Glenoyra Fair Dinkum 95) claimed a second in the Sire’s Progeny class. Bullakeana’s winning Breeders Group consisted of Unaware, second place getter and paternal half sister, Vo Vo and blue ribbon winning male counterpart, V.I.P. (Palgrove Prime Mover). The other group winning trio for the Hanson family was the Sires Progeny Group, all youngsters sired by Palgrove Prime Mover, Bullakeana Who’s Handsome, Who What Where and Velvet.

Bullakeana Victoria’s Secret (Bullakeana Titanium) was a $22,000 purchase by Georgie Spencer, Daly Creek Stud, Bungundarra from the Bullakeana draft at the recent BLING Sale. The 16-month, took the Junior Champion Female sash ahead of another of the Bullakeana entries, Velvet V43 (Palgrove Prime Mover) whom took the Reserve Junior for her new owners, the Lamb family, N-Bar P Stud, Banana.

Calf Champion Female went to the 11-month-old, Bulla Miss Sako 222 (Bonox 1039) exhibited by Daniel and Leanne Sedgman, Bulla Stud, Dalma. The Magee family, Beejay Stud, Capella took with them the Reserve

Calf Champion Female with Beejay Sapphire S110 (15-months) (Burenda Deal Maker P984 (AI)) and four class placings.

Jack and Jennifer Wright, Ramsey Creek Stud, Banana were one of the most consistent performers on the day taking eight placings including three firsts and two seconds. Ramsey Creek also claimed a third in the Breeders Group and the Sire’s Progeny contest with their trio by Lunar Lantern L51 (Castle Heathcote H208 (ET)). Foundation prefix, Couti Outi Stud, Kunwarara collected three placings including a second to the eventual Reserve Senior Champion male with the 940kg, Couti Outi Bradman 1240 (Couti Outi Tulsa) (32-months). The Goodwin family, GL Stud, Duaringa exhibited a team of red youngsters all by the US semen import, R2 Extra Style 880 (AI) gaining three placings on the day.

Nev and Megan Hansen, Oaklands Stud, Kalapa took a second to the eventual Junior Champion Female with their River Run 20 daughter, Oaklands Amelia. Lucy Roche and Martin Nolan, Dynamite Stud, Gympie collected a third placing with their 812kg, under 24 months entrant, Dynamite Simba S13. Simba S13 (Telpara Hills Element 468P42) was the 2022 RNA Junior Champion.

THE BIRTH OF BRANGUS REFLECTING ON 60 YEARS OF HISTORY FOR THE ABCA

Article LUCY MOORE

WHAT A MILESTONE A DIAMOND JUBILEE IS.

A time to pause and appreciate the combined efforts of all involved in supporting a relationship throughout generations.

The 60th anniversary of the ABCA is no different, with thanks going to the many men and women who were unyielding in their belief in the breed, some of whom were present in the very beginning and still proudly represent Brangus today. For the Australian Brangus Cattle Association particularly, the preceding 60 years were garnished with various tests, times of change, growth, near misses, and resounding successes.

Any breed containing Bos Indicus content faced criticism in these early days, yet Brangus forged ahead, now highly regarded and admired from all corners of beef production throughout Australia.

As proud participants in the Brangus breed, please enjoy this 60-year historical journey kindly contributed by yourselves—a testament therein to Brangus’ evolution in Australia.

The following milestones document just some of the many highlights and challenges of the Brangus breed in Australia.

We recognize Mr. Lionel De Landelles whose vision and foresight to breed a stabilized Brangus article resulted in his bull ‘Cherokee Lothar’ in 1951. The bull is widely regarded as one of the foundation sires of the Brangus breed in Australia. Several recognized breeders were also exploring the Brahman/Angus genetics in this period.

IMAGES: THE FIRST 40 YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN BRANGUS BY LEX KUNST

1960s

Prior to the formation of the ABCA, Australian Brangus seedstock producers belonged to the Tropical Breeds Association, based in Rockhampton, Queensland. The Association was also a home base for Braford, Droughtmaster, and Brahman breeders.

1961

After consulting with the American Brangus Breeders Association and noting movement within other breeds to form unified and goal-driven associations, Mr. De Landelles gathered nine fellow Brangus breeders to form the Australian Brangus Cattle Association, and the first bank account was opened in its name.

In just two years, ABCA membership had doubled, with 34 active members and a herdbook of 1054 Brangus cattle compared to 200 head prior to the association’s inception.

> FOUNDING MEMBERS <

President: L De Landelles

‘Cherokee’, Rockhampton

Vice President: RA (Aussie) Clark

‘Allawah,’ Monto

Aj & J James ‘Cedarvale,’ Monto

DC Clifford ‘Glenayre,’ Gympie

Cook Pastoral Co ‘Greenmount,’ Mackay

CW Langdon & Son ‘Ellendale,’ Gin Gin

LAC Walker ‘Bingara,’ Bundaberg

I Hunt ‘Santa Glen,’ Gladstone

BA Burnham ‘Bimbadeen,’ Monto

1963

Allawah Black Bounty of Allawah Stud, Kalpower, won senior grand champion bull at Monto All Breeds Show, this being the first tropical bull to receive such an accolade in Australia.

1964

Allawah Black Bounty and Allawah Black Baron feature on the cover of the American Brangus Journal.

1965

By the mid-60s, a number of members were showing stock at local shows as well as the Ekka. Notably, Bill Geddes Senior exhibited prime cattle in Rockhampton, winning the coveted KKB award for his inaugural exhibit of nine steers judged on both hoof and hook. The Geddes family won this award 12 years out of the 14 it existed.

As time progressed, the ABCA recognized a need for expansion in the promotion of Brangus cattle, with interest increasing from states outside Queensland.

The first interstate branch of the ABCA was formed in Victoria, with Western Australia joining in 1970.

1969

JA Camm and Sons, Ellaroo Stud, Bloomsbury, won nine firsts, four seconds, and two championships, including grand champion bull with 13 entries at the Mackay Show.

“Surum” field day at Kingaroy hosted visitors from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and America inspecting Brangus cattle at the home of the late Eton Webster, Surum Angus Stud.

01: Membership Certificate of Bimbadeen stud #9.

02: Notice to all members suggesting an Association be formed, 4 November 1961

03: Certificate of Registration for Cherokee 826

04: First meeting minutes of ABCA

BRUCE BURNHAM

BIMBADEEN, STUD NUMBER 9

"Beautiful big, black, shiny cattle."

Founding member of the ABCA, Bruce Burnham, wistfully describes his first impression of Brangus cattle as an impressionable fourteen-year-old on his way to boarding school, traversing the Brisbane Valley. In those days, his family was in the thick of Hereford health issues, and Bruce admits to becoming a wizard at removing cancer eyes.

1957 (later to be renamed Bimbadeen, which translates as ‘good view’ in Aboriginal) and joined the Tropical Breeds Association. “There were nine of us in the Tropical Breeds Association who bred Brangus and were prepared to form the ABCA,” Bruce said. “The atmosphere at that meeting was exciting - I was just a young fella, so I took the last stud number given out that first day - stud number nine. The first few Brangus sales were pretty tough as we got established in our own right - there was quite a bit of resistance generally in the beef world to tropical breeds back in those days.”

Brangus cattle answered many prayers, and this first sighting and investigation into what the breed could offer led to Bruce starting his own Brangus stud at just 17.

Bruce said he remembered well the goodwill of the breed’s stalwarts, particularly Lionel De Landelles and Ossie Clark, whose early work with the breed led to Bruce purchasing his first three Brangus females. “Mr. Clark was very good to this ‘young fella’ and sold me three heifers - Pretty, Amber, and Betty,” Bruce said. “Betty was very quiet, Amber tended to throw red calves, and Pretty, well, man was she alert, but in 15 years, she never had a bad calf.”

As his passion for Brangus grew, Bruce created the Fairview stud in

Coming out the other side of the beef depression, the ABCA was well placed and on the front foot to put Brangus front and center in beef producers’ minds. Bruce attributes the ongoing success of Brangus to their moderate frame, ability to handle conditions and “walk,” and their exceptional mothering ability, particularly in dealing with wild dog threats - all marketing aspects relevant to beef production now and in years gone by.

Bruce said the Brangus breed has exceeded the expectations he had as a young man helping form the ABCA. “It’s amazing to see Brangus so strong these days in the show ring, in the carcass arena, and in (seedstock) sales. The

media is writing Brangus up all the time now - it was much harder back in our day to get them recognized in print. They are just great cattle, and there are so many good cattlemen breeding Brangus these days - I reckon they’ve got them all pretty right now.”

Bruce is the only surviving member of the original nine breeders who formed the ABCA, with ‘Bimbadeen’ being Australia’s oldest stud – celebrating 66 years this year.

Brangus are so widespread now. They are doing so well from one end of Australia to the other.

Bruce with wife Barbara, who was also very active in the ABCA over many years

1971

1970s

Brangus topped the average at the Rockhampton Tropical Breeds Sale, with nine bulls averaging $1100 and the top price of $1800 going to JA Camm and Sons, Bloomsbury (a West Australian buyer).

‘Bri Teddy’ was the first bull to win Champion Brangus at the Melbourne Show, presented by Mr. G Briant.

1973

The swift arrival of the beef cattle slump (The Beef Depression). Prices plummeted, almost overnight, seeing bullocks sold for as little as $40.00/head, cows $5.00/head. The turmoil lasted five years and decimated the Australian beef industry, taking the ABCA along with it. Membership fell low enough to threaten the ABCA’s existence; however, passion for Brangus cattle prevailed, and doors remained open.

1974

Debate surfaced around the breed percentages permitted in registered Australian Brangus cattle. An ABCA meeting recorded a motion to limit the breed to 3/8 Bos Indicus and 5/8 Bos Taurus. The motion was dismissed. In its place, a motion allowing a range of ¼ to ¾ Bos Indicus content was passed and remains today.

Some Victorian breeders who were strongly in favor of percentage limits broke away from the ABCA to form their own group in Victoria, the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA).

1977

The first ABCA Brangus bull and female sale was held at Gracemere. Conducted as a show and sale, more than 60 bulls and some females were inspected and sold, judged by patron Mr. Lionel De Landelles. Prices remained extraordinarily low in line with the Beef Depression, with the top-priced bull achieving just $500.

Peter Ward, CEO of the Australian Brahman Breeders Association (ABBA), took over the secretarial work for ABCA at Brahman House, where it remained until 1994.

1978

Beef prices began returning to normal, encouraging the ABCA to rebuild its ranks, with John Croaker becoming CEO of both the Brangus and Brahman Associations this year.

PERSISTING THROUGH THE '70s

No doubt, a decade remembered for widespread pain and pure survival tactics for many graziers, the Brangus breed was not immune to the pressures of the beef slump.

The era started positively with the first Brangus feature show held at Bundaberg in 1973.

Thirty-two head were paraded, with the Grand Champion bull ‘Sunnyside Beau’ paraded by Joy Kunst. Unfortunately, the Brangus breeders had to wait until later in the decade to enjoy similar success & better prices.

Foundation member Bruce Burnham, testified that Brangus, both the cattle and the Association, survived this slump better than most breeds.

01: Grand Champion Bull Punchagin Domino, Brisbane Royal 1979.

02: Grand Champion Female Punchagin Elegance, Brisbane Royal 1977 and 1979.

03: Susan Fawcett, 10 of Widgee, near Gympie, is proud of prize-winning Brangus bull Coreenfella, aged 22 months.

04: Jeff Frank at 14 years of age with Punchagin Benny at Ekka 1975.

ROGER DAVIS

SOUTHERN-MOST BREEDER

In testament to Brangus’ farreaching application throughout Australia’s vast array of climates, seasons, and country types, Brangus’ southernmost active breeder, Roger Davis, said the breed owed him nothing. Roger operates in Inverloch, overlooking Bass Strait in Victoria.

“I’ve been breeding Brangus for 50 years in what is predominantly a dairy area,” he said.

“I first laid eyes on Brangus cattle and thought they were beautiful, shiny, rather fancy black animals, and a friend at the time told me they were the breed for the futureI suppose the rest is history.”

Roger bought a small mob of Angus females in 1973 and joined the ABCA in 1975. He first borrowed a Brahman bull aiming to breed his first Brangus progeny but was not convinced by the initial result.

“I quickly realized we were getting too much inconsistency in color and also a lot of horn, so I borrowed a Brangus sire and invested in some American genetics to fix the problem,” he said. “In 1984, I entered a 25 percent semen share for 100 straws to bring new Brangus bloodlines in and have built my cow herd from there.”

Roger runs between 150 and 180 breeders, keeping steer progeny for as long as pasture provides and selling a small portion of bulls privately from the paddock.

1980

1980s

The Brisbane Royal Show welcomed the largest class of junior Brangus bulls ever shown, with nine on display.

Computerization became imperative, and all stock recorded in herd books were transferred onto a digital platform at ABCA.

BRANGUS BOOM THROUGH THE '80s

With tribulations witnessed throughout the 1970s left behind, confidence in Brangus cattle and the breed’s future in the Australian beef industry looked positive.

1981

The ABCA registration system was also replaced with the B1, B2, and B3 breeding program, denoting generations of the breeding of an animal.

Major increases in the number of Brangus feature shows included Farm Fest and Casino Beef Week.

Technology became a cornerstone for the breed, and while this early adoption of new ways of operating may have been painstaking at the time, it paved the way for today’s Brangus breeders.

1982 AND

1983

The Angus Society recognized Brangus as a breed in its own right. Later this year, a black cattle Feature Show was held at Dalby with 60 head paraded - Les and Jeff Frank (Punchagin) winning Grand Champion Bull, and Lex and Joy Kunst (Sunnyside) taking home the Grand Champion Steer.

1984

The ABCA welcomed the first New South Wales member onto the committee.

1986

Harry Eaglet 135 became the first Brangus female imported into Australia when Brian Webster of Sar Chee, Kumbia liaised with Bill Harry of Mount Pleasant Brangus, Texas USA, to bring new genetics into the country.

1987

The first semen arrived in Australia from Riley Ranch, USA. The first issue of the Australian Brangus Journal was produced. Barbara Burnham was instated as the public relations officer, collecting information on Brangus’ achievements and referring the information to the secretary, Tony Elton, for publication.

1988

Grafton hosted the first feature show to be held in New South Wales with 55 head. Weona Cochisee won the Junior Champion Bull title and went on to become one of the most decorated bulls in Australia.

JEFF FRANK PUNCHAGIN BRANGUS CLOSE TO 50 YEARS OF SHOWING HISTORY

There can be no question that showing stud cattle is not for the faint-hearted. Early winter mornings spent washing and vacuuming prized four-legged specimens, long days and weeks on the road, not to mention the rather lopsided cost-to-prizemoney comparison. That said, those like Jeff Frank of Punchagin Brangus have lived and breathed the show ring for almost 50 years and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Jeff’s father and brother, Les and Dennis Frank, established the Punchagin stud in 1968, with Jeff becoming a partner in 1976 and taking on full responsibility for the show team at that time. Punchagin cattle have graced the show ring since 1974, continuing every year through to 1995, including 21 consecutive years at the Brisbane Ekka. Jeff said showing recommenced in 2010.

“Our first major show was the 1974 Gympie Feature Show, where we were awarded the reserve junior champion bull with Punchagin Guy,” he said. “Two bulls were shown at the Ekka for the first time the same year and offered at auction, however bids of $1200 did not meet our reserve, so they returned home. We returned to the Ekka the following year with a team of seven, including those previously mentioned two bulls, and with the Beef Depression upon us, they sold for $500.”

Despite the turmoil facing the entire beef industry, the Punchagin stable was not discouraged, clocking up thousands of kilometers traveling to shows. “Being based in Warwick, we traveled as far north as Rockhampton,

south to Grafton, and west to Roma, competing at feature shows,” Jeff said. “After almost 50 years of showing, there have been numerous highlights, but I would say the most memorable aspect would be the many people we have met and the many long-lasting friendships that were made and continue to this day. As for awards, some highlights include winning four Grand Champion awards at three feature shows over three years - Rockhampton in 1982 (bull), Dalby in 1983 (bull and cow), and Gympie in 1984 (bull). We also won six grand champions in six years at the Ekka. Our most award-winning animal, Punchagin Fancy, won grand champion at the Biloela feature show in 1987 and Grafton in 1988, the Ekka in 1987 and 1988, and Beef Week in 1988.”

Jeff noted many changes in the show ring since his introduction, namely the number of different breeds and the number of exhibits from each breed.

“I can remember throughout the ‘70s when the dominant breeds were Hereford and Poll Herefords, with up to 400 head on the grounds at the Ekka,” Jeff said. “Even though Brangus was first exhibited at Ekka in 1956, numbers have ebbed and flowed over the years from zero to around 40 entrants.

The increasing number of young people becoming involved in the show ring through school agriculture programs and led steer competitions has largely grown, along with the number of fitting services feeding and showing cattle on behalf of exhibitors.”

Jeff said he believed showing played a big part in the expansion of the Brangus breed. “The fact that members were prepared to put in the effort and put led or prime cattle in front of the public helped raise the profile of the breed,” he said.

01: Brangus street parade of Champions at Beef 1988 Rockhampton.

02: 1985 Rockhampton Show Champion Carcase.

03: Judge Brian Webster, Vera Fordyce and Jeff Frank with Junior Champion Bull Punchagin Eclipse at Brisbane Royal Show, 1980.

04: Champion Brangus Female, Coreen Edna at the Royal National Show

1990

1990s

The Australian cattle herd entered a rebuilding phase following widespread drought conditions throughout the 1980s. This encouraged record prices for stud stock, initially demonstrated with Weona Cochisee selling for $21,000 at the ABCA Brangus sale at Gracemere.

1994

Greendale Brangus exhibited the Beef Australia Brangus Champion Bull and Female.

NEW HEIGHTS IN THE '90s

Brangus continued to cement its place as the breed for any country throughout the ‘90s, with recognition for many breeders both in the show ring and in the commercial cattle sphere.

Prices continued to improve, giving cattlemen and women confidence to seriously invest in Brangus genetics.

1995

Tony and Ruth Thomas of Greendale Brangus, Jandowae, held their first all-Brangus on-property sale with invited vendors, the Fawcett family of Coreen Brangus. That same week, Doonside Brangus, Milman, also held their first Brangus on-property sale - a huge week for the breed!

1998

The Burnham Youth Award was instigated by ABCA founding member Bruce Burnham and his wife Barbara (also a lifetime member) to recognize and encourage young Brangus breeders. The Inaugural winner was Tim Flynn, who now runs Wildcard Brangus.

The inaugural Oakey Brangus Female Sale was held at Oakey Saleyards.

01: First winner of the Burnham Youth Award (1998) Tim Flynn

Australia's first all-Brangus on-property sales - Greendale and Doonside.

LEX KUNST BRANGUS HISTORIAN

Passion is a theme running strong throughout the Brangus breed’s history, and there is arguably no more passionate Brangus spokesman than Lex Kunst of Sunnyside Brangus.

Lex embarked on his Brangus journey in 1965 and became member number 26 in 1972.

“The breed had a huge variation in type in the early days, which was understandable as the first cross of Angus and Brahman were all we had to work with,” Lex said.

“It’s very pleasing to see the uniformity represented in the cattle today through sales and shows. It may have taken 60 years to get to this standard, but I have always said breeding stud cattle is a lifetime job, and I always dreamt Brangus would prove their worth as the highly adaptable cattle they are.”

Lex attributed the breed’s longevity to the work of the ABCA and its members in all aspects of showing, sales, marketing, and promotion. It should be noted that Lex compiled ‘The First 40 Years of Australian Brangus’ book published in 2001.

“The future of this great breed is very sound with access to genetics from around the world and the increasing demand for protein worldwide - I fail to see anything to hinder progress for this great breed,” Lex said. “I’m a very proud man to have been a member of ABCA for over 50 years and wish everyone associated with the breed every successcongratulations on 60 years.”

2001

2000s

The ABCA held a celebration marking the anniversary of the 25th annual Rockhampton Brangus sale, in combination with 50 years since the first Brangus animal was registered in Australia.

A special ‘Leading Ladies’ sale achieved a new record price for Brangus females.

2005

The Greendale stud held three dispersal sales, with records tumbling (Stage 1: total $1.3m with registered females up to $10,250, heifers up to $8000, semen up to $4200/package, embryos up to $4000).

Belview Sherlock broke the NSW Brangus record of $11,000 at the 2005 Tamworth Brangus Sale.

2009

Jane and Brad Saunders of Charlevue Brangus Stud, Dingo, won Champion Interbreed Female at Beef Australia 2009 with Charlevue Bella.

THE SECOND DECADE OF THE 2000s

The World Brangus Congress was hosted by ABCA at Beef Australia 2012.

2012

Beef Australia champions were judged, with the Grand Champion Brangus female trophy awarded to the Lill family of Chadwick Downs Brangus, Coonabarabran, and the Grand Champion Brangus bull going to the Dingle family of Redline Brangus Stud, Eidsvold.

2013

Lindsay and Fiona Barlow of Triple B Brangus held their inaugural on-property sale at Araluen, Dingo.

A new breed record was set when Telpara Hills Van Damme 541H30 sold for $110,000 at the ABCA National Brangus Sale, Gracemere, in a 3/4 share. The record stands today, shared with Lunar Brangus. 2014

2015

Beef Australia Champion Brangus bull was Duarran Havelock from Duarran Brangus (Ian and Ann Galloway), while the champion Brangus female was Oaklands Miss Csonka from Oaklands Brangus (Hansen family, Kalapa).

2017

Telpara Hills Miss Van Damme 15M3 (P) (AI (ET)) set a new Australian female record, selling at the ABCA Ladies of Legacy sale for $60,000.

Work began to introduce compulsory DNA testing for all registered stud sires.

Mark and Amanda Salisbury of Bimbadeen Brangus held their first on-property sale at Arthur’s Knob, Wuruma Dam.

2018

Brangus was the fourth largest breed at Beef Australia 2018, represented in 190 exhibits. The Grand Champion male was Charlevue Bid Baldy 11-16 from Charlevue Cattle Company, and the Grand Champion female was Diamond Valley Miss Foundation 468L from Diamond Valley Brangus P/L.

2012 WORLD BRANGUS CONGRESS CHARIMAN

The 2012 World Brangus Congress represented a firstclass opportunity for the ABCA to promote Brangus on a global level, and the opportunity was not missed.

Event chairman Ian Galloway said many would agree that the Congress, held in conjunction with Beef Week 2012, was the greatest boost to the presence of the Brangus breed in Australia.

“The (World Congress) committee put together a very comprehensive program that promoted Australian Brangus to the world as well as to all Australian cattlemen,” he said. “Our Congress was the envy of other breeds in the way we promoted Brangus cattle as a whole, involving stud and commercial enterprises in organizing the event.”

Up to 200 Brangus breeders from four continents converged at the conference, including North and South America, South Africa, and Australia. The event aimed to develop relationships between international Brangus Associations and their members, simultaneously updating interested parties on significant development milestones relating to genetic gain and marketing within the breed.

Mr. Galloway said the congress was enhanced with meet-andgreet opportunities, social events such as a camp oven dinner, a campdraft, and cattle dog trials, and was a time proudly remembered by all involved.

IAN GALLOWAY

Kellie and Michael Silverster held the Inaugural Forest Hills Brangus Sale in Emerald.

TURNING THE PAGE ON A NEW BRANGUS CENTURY

The digital era had firmly taken over by now, allowing for marketing and technological advancements to push Brangus to the top. Accolades abounded for the breed in the show ring, with a number of prefixes rewarded for years of dedication.

TELPARA HILLS LARGEST ON-PROPERTY SALE IN AUSTRALIA

The rise of on-property Brangus sales reflects the breed’s evergrowing presence throughout Australia. Telpara Hills, on the Atherton Tableland, is now the nation’s largest on-property Brangus sale. Stud principal Trevor Pearce said the decision to host their own sale at home was based on a high level of production of top-quality seedstock from their extensive ET, IVF & FTAI programs. The Pearce family previously sold through ABCA Sales at Gracemere, Roma, and through their site at Beef Australia. Telpara Hills’ first on-property sale took place in 2020, with a huge online presence helping overcome their greatest challenge – the stud’s location and the sheer distance to markets.

In 2022, 119 bulls and 36 heifers were offered to 100% clearance.

MARK BECKMAN DNA TESTING

With demand increasing for measurable data in the late 2010s, the ABCA saw a need to introduce DNA testing across the breed. This significant milestone fell under Mark Beckman’s presidency, who said the move was initially made to increase the integrity of the Brangus herd book. “We saw a need to increase the percentage of accuracy on registrations that could be sireverified,” Mark said. “The move into DNA provided genomic detail in both horn and coat color, along with a potential score on the genetic tenderness of the animal, while paving the way for those wishing to use DNA for full parent verification, further strengthening the herd book’s integrity.”

Mr. Beckman said the board consulted with many stakeholders and other breed societies before making the decision to make DNA testing compulsory for all stud sires. “Membership buy-in on mandatory testing was shaky initially, but continual assurance, explanations, and communication from ABCA staff ensured a smooth transition,” he said. “Ultimately, mandatory testing has given potential buyers the ability

to select animals based on genomic performance data if they wish.”

The process was lengthy, and the ABCA sought advice from IBBA Executive Vice President Dr. Tommy Perkins, USA, and ARCBA representative Mr. Alex McDonald, along with consultation with Neogen. “In my opinion, the introduction of mandatory DNA testing cemented the fact that the ABCA is striving towards a credible and integral herd book that strengthens buyers’ decisions in choosing Brangus cattle with genomic information to support the pedigree and eventually the performance data,” Mr. Beckman said.

Since retiring as ABCA president, Mr. Beckman and his wife Melinda continue to operate their stud, Glenoyra Brangus, on the Darling Downs, with Mark remaining a current ABCA inspector.

BRANGUS AS WE KNOW IT

THE THIRD DECADE OF THE 2000s

The Pearce family of Telpara Hills Brangus held their first official on-property sale at Tolga, Atherton Tablelands.

2020

The first Brangus Youth Camp was held to develop personal skills, inspire the involvement of young people in agriculture and create great memories!

After 27 years with ABRI breed secretariat services, ABCA moved to become an independent office, with Tessa Pearson as CEO. Initiation of the Robert Barlow Brangus International Youth Scholarship.

2021

Beef Week Champions: the Grand Champion Brangus bull was awarded to Viamonte Red Endure Q001 from Viamonte Brangus stud, Coonabarabran, and the Grand Champion Female went to Telpara Hills Miss Foundation 920, exhibited by John Collins of Yaraandoo Brangus, Gogango.

Long-time influential Brangus seedstock producers, Bruce and Leanne Woodard, Bonox Brangus sold top-price bull at ABCA Rockhampton Sale, Bonox 1251 for $80,000.

Telpara Hills Mach Five 920R4 equaled the Brangus world record price of $150,000, sold to a single purchaser in the Caldwell family of Milwillah Angus stud, NSW.

2022

Telpara Hills Mach Five 920R4 was awarded Champion of Asia/Africa and went on to receive silver for Brangus - Champion of the World.

Brad & Briony Comiskey of Lunar Brangus sold Lunar Rhodes for $110,000 to equal ABCA sale record.

Total active members: Full 309, Commercial 42, Youth 70 = Total 421. Over 100,000 total registered Brangus animals entered into the database over the past 60 years.

2023

The inaugural recipient of the Robert Barlow Brangus International Youth Scholarship, Lachlan Trustum, traveled to the USA. (SEE STORY)

Belview and Lunar Brangus studs hosted their inaugural on-property sales.

EXTENDING OUR SINCERE THANKS AND APPRECIATION TO OUR PAST ABCA PRESIDENTS

1961 - 1961 Mr. J Hunt

1961 - 1967 Mr. L De Landelles

1967 - 1969 Mr. Bill Geddes Senior

1970 - 1976 Mr. Gordon Gill

1976 - 1982 Mr. Bill Fordyce

1982 - 1987 Mr. Lex Kunst

1987 - 1990 Mr. Bruce Burnham

1990 - 1992 Mr. John Fawcett

1992 - 1995 Mr. Lex Kunst

1995 - 1999 Mr. Robert Barlow

2000 - 2002 Mr. Jeff Frank

2003 - 2005 Mr. Lex Kunst

2006 - 2008 Mr. Jim Maguire

2009 - 2010 Mr. Allen Schutt

2011 - 2013 Mr. Jim Maguire

2014 - 2014 Mr. Michael Bush

2015 - 2016 Mr. Peter Dingle

2017 - 2020 Mr. Mark Beckman

2021 - current Mr. Brad Saunders

TOTAL MEMBERS

421

TOTAL REGISTRATIONS

100,000+

BRAD SAUNDERS CURRENT PRESIDENT

Reflecting on 60 years of the ABCA and the influence of 19 passionate and driven presidents across that time, it is safe to say the breed has many to thank for its strong position in the modern-day beef scene.

The current president and Pheasant Creek Brangus principal, Brad Saunders, said it was an exciting time to be leading the ABCA.

RECIPIENTS OF THE BURNHAM YOUTH AWARD

1998 Timothy Flynn Inaugural Winner

1999 Graham Harvey

2000 Brad Hanson

2001 Tammie Robinson

2002 Naomi Maguire

2003 Kristopher Dingle

2004 Geordie Elliot

2006 Alex Dodson

2007 Casey Haywood

2008 Joel Stuart

2010 Jason Beckman

2011 Amy Drake

2012 Andrew Cook

2013 Sean Wright

2014 Stevie Jackson

2015 Lachlan Trustum and Grady Hansen

2016 Stephanie Roberts

2017 Matthew Petty

2018 Isabella Hanson

2019 Annalee Godwin

2020 Hayden Hanson

2021 Jack Salisbury

2022 Brock Dahtler (pictured above)

ROBERT BARLOW BRANGUS INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

The Robert Barlow Brangus International Youth Scholarship was developed in conjunction with the ABCA in 2021 following the passing of Triple B Brangus stud founder, Robert Barlow.

Robert was passionate about the Brangus breed as a whole and dedicated almost thirty years to the ABCA, with a particular interest in the development of upcoming generations.

The scholarship provides a $5,000 travel grant to the USA, where the successful applicant is encouraged to spend a minimum of one month exposing themselves to different Brangus production systems, developing personal skills, and consequently strengthening relationships between Australian and American Brangus associations.

The inaugural and current recipient is Lachlan Trustum of Weona Brangus, Casino, pictured below with Fiona, Lindsay and Elaine Barlow.

Mr. Saunders attributed Brangus’ longevity to all-round performance, carcass quality, and maternal value, stating that Brangus was an easy choice for market suitability. “Moving forward, I’d like to see the breed stay true to type while continuing to adopt new technologies to assist growth into the future.”

“The 60th anniversary is a major achievement for the Brangus breed - previous and current board members have put a lot of time and effort into the breed to achieve sustainable, consistent growth, and popularity.”

We're seeing unprecedented growth and popularity in the breed, and we're proud to have been at the forefront, as a breed, in adopting DNA and other technologies that give us a lot of credibility

LIFE MEMBERS

RECORD HOLDERS

01: Telpara Hills Mach Five 920R4 $150,000

02: Telpara Hills Van Damme 541H30 $110,000

03: Telpara Hills Miss Van Damme 15M3 $60,000

04: 2022 Rockhampton Brangus sale record 110,000 Lunar Rhodes with Brad Comiskey, Lunar Stud, Emerald (front) and buyers, Annalee Godwin, Black Label Stud, Springsure and Sid Godwin, Tanderra, Springsure. IMAGE: KB CONSULTING

05: 2022 Roma Brangus sale record breaking $64,000 Gunnadoo Park Mate with Jeff Parker, Gunnadoo Park Stud, Manilla, New South Wales and buyer, Edward Quinn, Voewood Stud, Calliope. IMAGE: KB CONSULTING

TOP 10 SIRES BY PROGENY REGISTERED

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BLING HEIFERS HIT $32,500

From the outset the

BLING (Brangus Ladies Invitational Notable Genetics) Sale

staged at Paradise Lagoons, Rockhampton, Thursday 27 April was a bold new concept for the breed.

The sale played out in spectacular fashion under lights in the evening with the support of 12 prefixes from across Queensland with sale result deemed a resounding success.

Twenty five lots set a bottom line average of $15,060. Contained within that figure was an IVF flush selling for $23,000 whilst heifers sold to $32,500 to average $14,729 to end in a complete clearance. One of the overriding features of the sale was the number of vendors making their debut at auction with registered females and the number of ‘first release’ sires onto the open market.

Sale topper at $32,500 was Triple B Omina S225. The 19-month-old was the first auction daughter of Triple B Networth N284 to be offered. Catalogued by Lindsay and Fiona Barlow, Triple B Stud, Dingo, the heifer sold to Paul and Catherine Mackenzie, Coolmaringa Pastoral Company,

Dingo and carried 11 EBV indices out of 14 above the breed average. Triple B averaged $22,625 for their four entries. This result included the $30,000 sale opener, Triple B Nerida S233 (Suhn’s Business Line 30D26 (US)) (20-months). The three-quarter US blood entrant represented the first female by her sire to be sold in Australia and carried 12 EBV indices out of 14 above the breed average. Taking her home where Charlie and Carmel McKinlay, Bloodwood, Emerald. The remaining pair from Triple B saw Reece and Shirley Muller, Yaringa Stud, Miriam Vale take the $14,000 Triple B Renee S173 (AI) (Suhn’s Business Line 30D26 (US)) (20-months). The $12,000 Triple B Powerhouse P544 (ET) (IN Bar None 820Y8 (AI) (US)) daughter, Triple B Maddison S258 (AI) (19-months) sold to Mick and Tanya Maddern, Earlwood Stud, Duaringa. Business Line’s progeny continue to be hot commodities due to his passing and limited access

and availability to semen. His first two auction daughters averaged $23,000. Coolmaringa Pastoral Company, Dingo emerged as the leading supporter of the sale taking four females for on average $20,875. Their acquisitions came the Oaklands, Pheasant Creek and M1B drafts.

Brad and Vicki Hanson and family, Bullakeana Stud, Theodore averaged $21,000 for their pair. Bullakeana Versace (17-months) fetched $20,000 selling to Jason Jeynes and Julie Sheehan, Kraken Stud, Dalma. She was also a ‘first release’ offering, this time in the $34,000, high selling 2020 Palgrove sale graduate, Palgrove Primemover P1135. Her stablemate, Victoria’s Secret (Bullakeana Titanium) (14-months) fetched $22,000 and was purchased by the Daley Creek Stud, Bungundarra operated by Cameron and Georgie Spencer. Victoria’s Secret is the first progeny of the Beef 2021 Junior Champion female awardee, Bullakeana The One And Only.

On debut, Pheasant Creek Stud, Wowan set a $12,000 average for their pair topping at $13,000 for Skye S168 (17-months) selling to Coolmaringa Pastoral Company, Dingo.

Skye was the first auction daughter of the introduced, Triple B Powerball P271 to the market. Pheasant Creek’s other entry, Sabrina S167 (Bindaree F812) (18-months) carried a safe four-month test to sire to be determined through DNA making $11,000 after selling to Mick and Tanya Maddern’s, Earlwood Stud, Duaringa.

Main: Fiona Barlow, Triple B Stud, Dingo and the $32,500, sale topper, Triple B Omina S225.

01: Brenton Bradford, River Run Stud, Dingo.

02: Ryan Honor, Rockhampton.

03: Sarah Mackenzie, Coolmaringa, Dingo.

04: Brad and Hayden Hanson with Bullakeana Versace and Victoria’s Secret.

05: Cameron and Georgie Spenser, Daly Creek Stud, Bungundarra.

06: Nev and Megan Hansen, Oaklands Stud, Kalapa and Chelsea Woodard, Taloumbi Stud, Eidsvold.

07: Texas and Edward Quinn with Voewood Stacie S361 and Suzie S417.

Mick and Tanya Maddern, Earlwood Stud, Duaringa scored a $9000 average for their two topping at $10,000 for the nine-month-old daughter of the $52,500 sale topping, Central Brangus Classic Sale graduate, Tannyfoil P79, Earlwood Livy, whom sold to Tim and Prue Flynn, Wildcard Stud, Ridgelands. The other Earlwood entrant, Darcie, a seven-month-old paternal half to her stablemate made $8000 selling to the Oaklands Stud, Kalapa.

Also making their female debut, the fast emerging Comet nursery, Bauhinia Park Stud released two weanling AI daughters of Bonox 1249. Catalogued by owners Ryan and Rachel Holzwart, the pair set a $14,000 average, topping at $16,000. Their entry, Miss Marvel T179 (eight-months) sold to Dave and Kay Franks, Jardine Stud, Jardine. Travelling partner of the same age, Princess T178 went to the Hansen family, Oaklands Stud, Kalapa.

Another of the debutants was the Calliope based address, Voewood Stud. Voewood averaged $9000 for two Voewood Logbook (AI) (IH Bar None 820Y8 (AI) (US)) daughters.

Owners, Edward and Kara Quinn sold their 19-month-old entry, Suzie S417 from a CB Hombre 541T3 (US) daughter for $10,000. She’ll join the breeder unit at Brenton and Tahnee Bradford’s, River Run Stud, Dingo. Their other entry, Voewood Stacie S361 (19-months) made $8000 selling to the Kraken stable, Dalma.

Taking with them a $22,000 sale tag for each of their two heifers were Oaklands Stud owners, Nev and Megan Hansen, Kalapa. Oaklands Crystal S417 a 13-month-old by

01: Brad and Nicole Saunders with Pheasant Creek Skye S168 and Sabrina S167. 02: Tammie Robertson, Elite Livestock Auctions.

03: Graeme McAdam GDL, Taroom and Sue Fawcett, Lazy S Stud, Condamine. 04: Les and Leanne Lee and Renea Rutherford.

05: Amanda Salisbury, ABCA Vice President, opens the sale. 06: Mark Brown and Peter Comiskey. 07: GDL Selling team after the sale.

08: Mark and John Brown with M1B Silhouette S820 and Sunni S829. 09: Nev and Grady Hansen with Oaklands Crystal and Jewel.

10: Charlotte Smith, Rockhampton and Jane Armstrong, Emerald. 11: Nikita Duffy, GDL Dalby and Kate Parker, GDL, Emerald.

12: Andy and Paddy Shaw, Bulugen, Bromelton. 13: Jason Jeynes, Kraken Stud, Dalma and Colin Kime, Amaroo Stud, Nebo. 14: Georgie Connor, GDL. 15: Joshua Heck, GDL and Lex Kunst, Sunnyside Stud, Gunalda. 16: Lawson, Bill, Louise and Fraser Dunne, Tarcoola, Dingo with Mark Brown, M1B Stud, Wowan. 17: Isabella Hanson, Bullakeana Stud, Theodore. 18: Kay and Davis Franks, Jardine Stud, Jardine.

19: Dan and Megan Lamb, NBB Stud, Banana. 20: Ryan Jackson, Stutzview Stud, Owanyilla. 21: Cathy and Ashlyn Hoare, Rockview, Bluff and Dan Tyson (middle) GDL, Rockhampton. 22: JPG: Paul Mackenzie, Coolmaringa, Dingo. 23: Les Lee and Mick Maddern with Earlwood

Lily and Darcie. 24: Darcy Jeppesen and Ryan Holzwart with Bauhinia Park Princess T178 (AI) and Miss Marvel E179 (AI).

the top selling $65,000 2020 ABCA Rockhampton Sale graduate, River Run 20 went to Ellie Parker, Parkavenue Stud, Manilla, New South Wales. The other entry, Jewel S417 (14-months) a ‘first release’ daughter of Oaklands Smooth Move (Oaklands Smooth Operator) sold to Coolmaringa Pastoral Company, Dingo.

Two daughters of the RNA and Feature Show champion, Lazy S Diplomat were offered by Lazy S prefix holder, Sue Fawcett, Condamine. They averaged $6500 selling to Mark and Leah Gorkow, Tinana Stud, Neusavale and Holland Holdings, West Lands, Dubbo, New South Wales.

Yet another making their foray with females was the M1B Stud, Wowan. This resulted in a $12,500 average for the pair. Owners, Mark and Katrina Brown sold their heifers to Coolmaringa Pastoral Company, Dingo and the Tinana Stud, Neusavale. M1B Sunni S829 (Burenda Deal Maker P938 (AI)) (20-months) made $18,000 going to Coolmaringa while M1B Silhouette S820 (M1B 7-308) (20-months) made $7000 joining the newly registered Tinana Stud owned by Mark and Leah Gorkow, Neusavale.

Selling two three quarter blood sisters were Dave and Kay Franks, Jardine Stud, Jardine. This resulted in price tags of $11,000 for each of their heifers. First of the Bonox 1093 daughters was Miss Beauty 0421 (16-months) selling to the Voewood Stud, Calliope. Stablemate, Hayley 2173 aged 18-months went to junior member card holder, Declan Barlow, Triple B Stud, Dingo. Bonox 1093 is a son of the 10-year-old, Bonox 876, currently the headline sire for the Wildcard Stud, Ridgelands for the Flynn family.

Foundation prefix, Bimbadeen Stud, Eidsvold attained a $14,500 for the final two heifers in the catalogue. Owners, Mark and Amanda Salisbury saw these sell to a top of $15,000 for Thandie T124 (Bimbadeen Q Litchfield L12 (ET)) (19-months) selling to Ellie Parker, Parkavenue Stud, Manilla, New South Wales. Thandie was ranked in the top 10 percent for EMA and Retail Beef Yield. The other entry, Tilly T44 also 19-months went to Mick and Kym Ellen, Diamond View Stud, Gin Gin. Tilly T44, a daughter of the Beef 2018 Champion, Bimbadeen Q Memphis, was ranked in the top five percent for Milk, RBY, Scrotal Size and Weight and a top 20 percent ranking for EMA. Closing out the sale in a fitting conclusion was the offering of an IVF flush in the Beef 2021 Grand and Senior Champion Female, Telpara Hills Miss Foundation 920Q (AI) (ET). The daughter of US import, Suhn’s Foundation 331Z28, Miss Foundation 920Q (AI) (ET) is owned by John Collins, Yaraandoo Stud, Gogango. The aspiration opportunity made $23,000 selling to Alan and Deb Marshall, Karakara Stud, Goomeri. Miss Foundation 920Q9 was a $7500 purchase at the inaugural Telpara Hills Sale in 2020 and Yaraandoo guaranteed a minimum six ‘A’ grade eggs from the programme, due to be conducted toward the end of 2023. Since her purchase, Miss Foundation 920Q (AI) (ET) has produced two heifers, both retained by the Yaraandoo prefix.

Commenting on the result Georgie Connor, GDL said, “That was a really great result, we couldn’t be happier,” “I didn’t expect that, it’s just so exciting, the venue, the concept and the way they (vendors and buyers) embraced the entire marketing campaign and have supported the sale. I’d say that we’ll definitely be back in 2024 with the same concept but with a different twist.”

Brangus Ladies Invitational

Notable Genetics Sale (BLING)

25 Females

Top $32,500

Average $14,729

Clearance 100%

Total Gross $376,500

Embryo Flush $23,000

Agents: GDL and livestreamed through Elite Livestock Auctions

01: Jeff Frank and Sue Fawcett with Lazy S Kym 4th and Wendy 2nd.

02: Joshua Heck, GDL. 03: Jason Jeynes, Julie and Hayley Sheehan, Kraken Stud, Dalma

04: Sheryl Pervis, Waterford, Capella and Alicia Magee, St Omer, Capella.

05: Shirley, Reece and Max Muller, Yaringa Stud, Miriam Vale.

06: Tom Cameron, Moura.

07: Les and Leanne Lee and Kay and David Franks with Jardine Hayley 2173 and Miss Beauty 0421.

08: Declan and Fiona Barlow with Triple B Maddison S258 Nerida S233 (AI).

09: Jack and Mark Salisbury with Bimbadeen Q Tilly T44 and Thandie T124.

S U P P O R T I N G T H E B R A N G U S B R E E D

BRANGUS WORLD CONGRESS ARGENTINA

David McKean and Martin Lill of Chadwick Downs, Coonabarabran, travelled to Argentina for the Brangus World Congress in April, and they certainly did so in style.

Brangus enthusiasts from around the world enjoyed a complete Brangus experience over the course of 10 days. Originally scheduled for 2020, the congress had to be postponed due to the global pandemic crisis.

The 'Congreso Mundial' began in the beautiful tropical city of Posadas in northern Argentina, situated between Paraguay and Brazil. Delegates from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Belize, the United States, South Africa, Thailand and Australia gathered for the official welcoming.

The outstanding team from the Argentine Brangus Association (AAB), led by President Victor Navajas and Congress Director Martin Goldstein, promised delegates an unforgettable

experience as they toured various Brangus production systems throughout the heart of the country, culminating in the show and sale in the northern city of Corrientes.

The scale of the beef cattle industry in Argentina is mind-boggling, and Brangus ranks among the top three breeds, along with Angus and Braford, with approximately 7,000,000 head. The AAB, established in 1978, boasts 570 members and over 360 active breeders, registering more than 30,000 head annually.

The congress tour departed from Posadas and ventured deep into northern Argentina, with a mission to visit six "Cabanas" (studs) in four provinces over six days, covering a distance of 2100 kilometers.

The first stop was Cabana Las Marías, housing an impressive herd of red Brangus that includes significant breeding lines in Argentina. They operate with a grazing system focused on sustainability. Like many large

Article + Images DAVID McKEAN

companies, they generate revenue from various sources. This particular company also operates a large agricultural operation producing Yerba Mate (tea that Argentines constantly sip)

On Day 2, the tour headed south 500 kilometers to Cabana Ita Siri, an extensive stud situated on light soils along the banks of the immense Paraná River, the second longest river in the Americas. Here, red and black Brangus are produced using a highly acclaimed intensive and rotational grazing system. Despite a severe drought over the past two years, their daily rotation through different paddocks has helped them achieve a remarkable 90% pregnancy rate. Dinner was at sunset, providing a breathtaking view of the dramatic river from rugged cliffs. A truly memorable day in a unique setting.

The following day, the congress group moved 250 kilometers east to Cabana La Victoria, located in the sandy plains of north-central Argentina. The journey to the stud was an adventure, as a bridge was under maintenance and delegates were transferred on foot across the wide river to smaller local buses. La Victoria showcases an impressive production system, specializing in forest grazing for their Brangus herd. They have spent years testing the spacing of pines and grass

species to determine the optimal alignment that allows for multiple uses of the same land. It was a magnificent sight to see these Brangus grazing amidst massive plantations. As with all stud visits, delegates enjoyed a lavish lunch with excellent Argentine wines and a delicious meat barbecue.

On Day 4, the group traveled 500 kilometers north to Formosa province, bordering Paraguay, to visit the beautiful business El Bagual. Since its inception with 100 U.S. embryos in 1998, this business has expanded to over 3000 breeding females. Situated in a tropical and often swampy region of northern Argentina, this stud has successfully adapted to environmental challenges.

The exhausting but rewarding pace continued another 300 kilometers to the province of Chaco and the stud La Leonor. It showcased more excellent examples of professional Argentine Brangus production, along with warm hospitality extended to global delegates.

The final leg of the journey took the group to the province of Santa Fe and Cabaña Los Guasunchos. Ending the tour with a display of 1000 premium Brangus integrated into a complex yet complementary agricultural farming system (maize, sorghum, soybeans, cotton) was a remarkable experience.

Main: The Congress country delegations at Corrientes

01: Traditional Argentine Gaucho (herdsman)

02: Grand Champion Male of the Congress Show from Santa Lucia stud

The exceptional quality of Argentine Brangus was fully evident at the show held in Corrientes. The province of Corrientes, similar to Central Queensland, and the city itself, somewhat more frenetic than Rockhampton, provided a serious and professional atmosphere for the cattle exhibition. The shows were generously sponsored by corporations and broadcasted live (with 24-hour beef cattle TV channels). It was impressive to witness the devotees, dressed in their pants, berets, and outfits, parading their exceptional cattle in the ring.

One of the television channels, Canal Ganadero, produced a series of 20-minute documentaries showcasing each of the studs featured on the tour. These beautifully filmed documentaries follow the journey of each family and highlight the incredible Brangus they have developed. Subtitled in English, I highly recommend checking them out. Episode 1 can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Z1ao2us_c

Unlike many breeders in Australia, most Argentinian studs produce both black and red Brangus. In fact, red Brangus are in high demand and often fetch higher prices at auctions. At the world congress show, both the Grand Champion Bull and Female were red, with a mix of colors leading each class.

What a trip it was! A proud moment for the breed, witnessing the dedication and investment from talented breeders on a scale that left us smiling from ear to ear. The Argentine people were warm and welcoming, greatly appreciating the support for their congress. The team at the Argentine Brangus Association did an exceptional job of planning, coordinating, and executing every aspect of this celebration of our breed.

It was confirmed that Brazil will host the next world congress in 2025. Returning to South America for that event will be amazing, but one thing is certain: Argentina 2023 will be a tough act to follow.

Viva la Brangus!

01: Food and wine was excellent

02: Example of excellent quality of bulls at Cabana Ita Siri

03: Amazing beef at every meal

04: Brangus grazing in the pine plantations at Cabana La Victoria

INSIGHT FOR SCHOLAR WINNER AT NORTHERN ICMJ CONFERENCE

Article ISABELLA HANSON Images CQ UNIVERSITY / ISABELLA HANSON

For the first time, the Australian Brangus Cattle Association (Brangus Australia) sponsored a youth member to attend this 4-day event, hosted in Rockhampton.

The Australian Intercollegiate Meat Judging (ICMJ) Association brings together tertiary students studying a degree in agriculture and those working in the beef industry to learn and compete.

I was so excited when I saw that ABCA was giving the opportunity for one youth member to attend ICMJ. I put in my application almost immediately and nagged Hayden (my brother) until he did the same. It was an event that I had been watching unfold on social media for the past two years.

I feel so incredibly grateful to have been chosen by ABCA to attend. I convinced Hayden to attend the event with me and started studying primal cuts a little too studiously. Having always judged live cattle, I was naive to how my skills would apply to meat judging. It was so different from what we expected.

The first night was a meet-and-greet dinner that rolled into a day of industry speakers and live assessment of cows and heifers at Gracemere saleyards, followed by a careers expo night. The following day we received tips and had a practice run at some of the meat judging classes. That evening consisted of dinner and line dancing at The Great Western.

The following day was the official meat judging competition at Teys, and that evening was the final event for ICMJ; a cocktail event hosted at Hendricks Lane where the winners of each section were announced.

One thing that stuck with me was Mick Crowley’s comment on ensuring the commercial relevance of seedstock operations. He suggested that this could be improved by applying kill data to our breedplans. More often than not, the ones that become steers or cull heifers in a seedstock operation are the ones that don’t make the cut, but it really struck me that we have the opportunity to test the impact of our seedstock breeding on the end product. The data is already there for us to use, we just have to apply it.

This year there were 128 competitors - the largest number ever to attend the northern conference. There were 8 classes of participants, with each starting at a different topic. The meat judging consisted of primal cut identification, retail cut identification, pricing class, beef butts, short loins, eating quality, and two carcass classes. There was a time limit on each class but we were still in the Teys chiller for approximately 3 hours. By the time my group made it to the final class, we were struggling to even move our pacers fast enough to write our orders.

The event was about more than just meat judging, it was arguably one of the best opportunities for self development in the beef industry. We got to be in the room with industry leaders and ‘movers and shakers’. The networks that we made and conversations that we had with like-minded people were invaluable.

Another message that stood out to me was when Peter McGilchrist said, “we need to put pressure on things that are hard to get data on. How many variables are there that we have no idea which way they will go? You could purchase a bull with a strong head but how do you know that specific gene will carry on to his calves? We don’t, but it would be exciting to see predictability data on that in the near future.

A few speakers also commented that methane will become a selective tool in the future - we could be selecting based on which is going to have less of a carbon impact.

All in all, I walked away with a completely different perspective on our operation at home. I have expanded my terminology and understanding of beef tenfold, and also have more ideas of how we could be aligning our end goal with our production.

The success of the scholarship funding is a testament to the generosity and support of the members who donated and purchased items at the Brangus Youth Auctions. It is heartening to see such a strong sense of community and dedication to the betterment of the next generation.

Once again, a big thank you to all the members who made this scholarship possible through their generous contributions.

Being in a chiller and trying to decide between 4 to 10 carcasses, and calculating grid results within a time limit, was far more challenging than being in a ring on a warm summer’s day judging a class of bulls

20+ YEAR RECORD BROKEN AT BILOELA SPECIAL WEANER SALE

A total of 1575 head were yarded at this year’s local Biloela Special Weaner Sale, perhaps the biggest yarding seen in Biloela for many years. Brangus cattle featured heavily in the accolades, taking home overall Champion Pen of Heifers as well as the highest steer price.

Cattle were drawn from as far away as Bauhinia Downs, Eidsvold, and Baralaba as well as locally. Cattle sold to strong demand from local buyers as well as buyers from further afield. Competition was strong on a large number of quality pens of both steers and heifers with prices staying consistent with the current market trends.

This year we held several judged breed classes with excellent support from vendors.

The Brangus/Angus class was sponsored by Bimbadeen Brangus. The steer winner was Parraweena Cattle Co. The heifers were won by the RL & SJ Lyons. The Euro section was sponsored by Williams Stock Feeds and Gordons Transport. The heifer class winner was the SJ & RL Pearce, and the steers was the Pickergill-Hansen family.

The overall Champion pen of Heifers for the sale was sponsored by Datamars, Zoetis and Agricon and was won by the RL & JS Lyons.

Overall champion pen of Steers was sponsored by Wild River Concrete, Zoetis and Agricon and was won by the Pickersgill-Hansen Family.

Steers averaged 358.2 c/kg and sold to a top of 412.2 c/kg for a pen of Brangus steers account Parraweena Cattle Co. and heifers averaged 268.2 c/kg and topped at 314 c/kg for Charbray steers account SJ & RL Pearce.

Main: Kellie Pickersgill with husband Cody Hansen and their Champion Pen of Steers and Champion Pen Euro and Euro Infused Steers.

BRANGUS EXPEDITIONS USA'S RANCHING WORLD

The Salisbury family of Bimbadeen Brangus, Eidsvold, the Sirett family of Diamond Valley Brangus, Gatton and Flynn family of Wildcard Brangus, Ridgelands travelled to the United States earlier this year to visit a number of Brangus operations.

HOUSTON RODEO & BRANGUS RANCHES IN TEXAS

Article + Images

MATTHEW SIRETT, DIAMOND VALLEY BRANGUS

Jodie, Arabella, and I embarked on an exciting journey to Texas to attend the Houston Rodeo and Stock Show in February and March. Our objective was to meet Mike Shelton from Old Colita Ranch in Livingston, Texas.

From Brisbane, we flew on an Air New Zealand flight to Houston, Texas, with a brief layover in Auckland. Our spirits soared upon arrival, and the flight experience was pleasant.

On March 1st, we joined the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show. After registration and receiving our International Visitor Passes, we enjoyed mingling with fellow international guests in the checkin room, which provided delightful refreshments and captivating entertainment. It was a great opportunity to connect with cattle producers from around the world.

We spent time exploring the Brangus and Ultrablack cattle sections, meeting Facebook friends in person, and admiring their magnificent cattle. Engaging in conversations about cattle with these passionate individuals was a pleasure.

Our captivating experience at the show lasted from March 1st to the memorable Saturday night of March 4th.

On March 2nd, we attended a concert and the Rodeo at the NRG stadium. The Rodeo showcased thrilling events such as roping, bull riding, calf scramble, and mutton busting, where young children rode sheep. The day concluded with a sensational performance by Lauren Daigle.

March 3rd brought us the remarkable experience of witnessing the Brangus judging, featuring a dazzling parade of exceptional cattle. The subsequent Ultrablack section also impressed us with its display of animals.

A highlight on Saturday, March 4th, was witnessing Mike Shelton's OCR Party Line 487J win the prestigious

Main: The Aussie contingent at the Houston Livestock Show & RodeoAmanda and Mark Salisbury (Bimbadeen), Elisabeth Flatley and Lachlan Trustum (Weona), Tim and Prue Flynn (Wildcard) and Matthew Sirett (Diamond Valley).

01: Matthew Sirett and Jodie Renwick from Diamond Valley Brangus with Mike Shelton Old Colita Ranch, Livingstone Texas.

02: Inspecting Heifers consigned in the Mound Creek sale.

03: Jodie Renwick, Arabella Renwick and Matthew Sirett from Diamond Valley Brangus at Rodeo Houston.

04: Inspecting ET calves born at Santa Rosa Ranch with Mike Shelton From Old Colita Ranch, Livingstone Texas

title of IBBA National Show Grand Champion Ultra Female for the second consecutive year. We were graciously invited to join the champion photo, highlighting the exceptional quality of this extraordinary female.

Saturday also featured two notable genetic auctions. The first, conducted online through Smart Auctions, saw GKB Cattle Company secure a herd sire pick from Allen Cattle Company for an impressive $30,000. The chosen bull, ACC Astro 674J11, showed promise as the son of Mr 101 Ltd Slugger and ACC Miss Profit 674E4, a daughter of MC Profit 948B16.

On Sunday, March 5th, we left Houston and headed to Mike Shelton's Old Colita Ranch in Livingston. We were fortunate to stay in a beautiful lake house owned by Mike's friends, Larry and Amanda, situated along the shores of Lake Livingston with stunning views. At the ranch, we spent an exhilarating day exploring Mike's exceptional herd sires, including MC Profit 924B16, BWCC Monument 10D7, OCR Fortune 948F, and OCR Big Rock 17F. These sires left a lasting impression with their remarkable structure and constitution.

On Monday, we continued our ranch tour, focusing on Mike's prized female herd. Carefully selected from the best offerings in the breed, these females demonstrated outstanding

structure and positive EBVs, a testament to Mike's commitment to quality breeding.

Tuesday brought us back to the Houston Rodeo and Livestock Show, where we eagerly watched OCR Party Line 487J in another thrilling event. Afterward, Mike treated us to a delightful dining experience at 'Fadis Meyerland Mediterranean Grill,' a renowned Lebanese restaurant known for its delicious and healthy cuisine.

Wednesday took us to Crockett, Texas, where we were welcomed by Lance Roasa, the cattle manager at Santa Rosa Ranch. The ranch boasted a stud herd of Brangus and a successful embryo grower business. We had the opportunity to inspect a significant group of embryo calves, including some developed by Mike. This visit provided valuable insights into Santa Rosa Ranch's operations.

Thursday had us accompanying Mike to Leon, Texas, to observe more of his embryo calves. We also visited Mount Creek Ranch, where we observed their prominent sires, such as Boom Town and Sho Time. The visit included inspecting the sale bulls and females for their upcoming sale. It was a day of discovery and camaraderie with fellow Brangus breeders.

Friday took us to Hicks Ranch in Atto, Texas, where we were welcomed by Adam and Brian Hicks and their

SOUTHERN STYLE – USA

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AMANDA SALISBURY, BIMBADEEN BRANGUS

Driving 5000 miles in 4 weeks, through five of the southern states of the USA in February and March this year provided rich fodder for both our stud industry knowledge and my camera. Our travels saw us visiting many Brangus operations and livestock events as well as taking in some ‘tourist spots’ en route. The tour culminated in the Houston Livestock Show - touted as the ‘largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world’.

Amongst the many Brangus highlights of this tour, were: time spent with Buck and Sidney Thomason at Indian Hills Ranch (Cranfill’s Gap, Texas) before their herd dispersal; the commercial sales at the San Antonio Livestock Show; a visit to IBBA headquarters; visiting with Marcos and Adriane Borges at their red and black Brangus stud, MBJ Ranch (west of Houston); seeing the commerciallyfocused operation at Miller Brangus (Waynesboro, Tennessee); touring pens of Brangus sale bulls and breeding stock at Joe Cavendar’s beautiful Neche’s River Ranch (Jacksonville, Texas); experiencing

the wild open plains of north-west Texas near the famous 6666’s Ranch (‘Yellowstone’ country, known for Quarter Horses and Angus at Guthrie, Texas), and being taken through Mound Creek Ranch (Brangus and Ultrablacks, Leona, Texas) by founder Eddie Blazek.

The weather for the first couple of weeks was incredibly cold and bleak – Houston had had ice storms just before we arrived in the country. We did get to enjoy the first days of Spring at the end of our trip, and the hospitality at each location we visited was (as always) exceptional, despite some of our hosts having very little warning of our visits. We learned so much from each ranch and operation, from humble commercial setups to spectacular ranches featuring breathtaking sale barns.

The intensity of the Brangus operations that we visited made for very interesting discussions, with the breeding focus on embryo and other artificial methods throughout many of the studs we saw. The offering of sexed semen also seems to becoming more commonplace in the industry. The American beef production system is based more around lot-feeding (producing beef for a much greater population) than we have here in Australia, with their seedstock often reflecting this style of beef animal.

A couple of intriguing activities of note we picked up on our travels included the work of Marcos Borges at MBJ, incorporating quality black Brangus cows with recessive red genes (ED/e), to achieve high-quality outcrosses to strengthen the overall genetic makeup his herd.

‘We wanted to introduce more genetic variation in the red Brangus breed and to the MBJ program, always working to identify superior bloodlines from the black Brangus breed.’

During our visit to Mound Creek (whose sires we have used in our own herd via AI) studmaster Eddie Blazek shared with us his determination to ascertain the ‘actual’ bos indicus/

01: Attendees at the IBBA International Committee Meeting.

From left: Allen Goode (International Committee Vice Chairman), Amanda Salisbury (Vice President ABCA), Dr. Darrell Wilkes (IBBA Executive Vice President), Macee Prause (IBBA Director Genomics & Research), Jeremy Jackson (IBBA President), Dan Marvel (Show Committee member), and Lachlan Trustum (2023 ABCA Robert Barlow Scholarship recipient). 02: Cowboy riding the fences at Miller Brangus, Tennessee.

bos taurus content (via blood samples) of each individual animal. He shares these results in his sale catalogues and noted that embryo flush brothers could vary up to 4% on their BI% results, despite technically being ‘twins’.

Throughout our visit to the USA, we were once again struck by the next-level marketing of ‘American Country’ as a lifestyle and brand – from the gorgeous gateways/entries to their ranches, to encouraging urban counterparts to feel a part of their operation (such as 6666’s and King Ranch in selling branded clothing and merchandise in outlets either on-site or in major centres like Fort Worth), preserving and showcasing the unique historical identity of their small towns and really celebrating ‘western’ culture in their outfits, vehicles, art and events.

Our final days in the US were spent at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR). Here Amanda attended the IBBA International Committee Meeting at HLSR, representing the ABCA (as Vice President) and reported on developments within the Association, as well as the excellent energy and growth around the Brangus breed in Australia. We were fortunate to spend time with many more passionate Brangus breeders ringside, in the stalls and even on the shuttle buses at this amazing event.

Mark and I also greatly enjoyed meeting up with fellow Australian Brangus breeders in Houston, Tim and Prue Flynn (Wildcard Brangus), ABCA Robert Barlow Scholarship recipient Lachlan Trustum (Weona Brangus) and partner Elizabeth Flatley and SEQ Brangus producer Matthew Sirett (Diamond Valley Brangus). We gathered to watch judging in the incredible HLSR undercover arena and enjoyed the hospitality at the Genetic Edge and IBBF Embryo Auction together.

A huge thanks to the American Brangus breeders, managers and IBBA personnel who were so very generous with their time and knowledge during our visit. An even bigger acknowledgement to our son, Jack Salisbury, who kept things running at Bimbadeen in our absence.

01: Mound Creek cows and calves in joining pasture.

02: Celebrating all things 'Texas country' - longhorns at their daily parade in Fort Worth. 03: Bulls ready for the 2023 Mound Creek Sale. 04: Marcos Borges of MBJ Ranch with a beautiful red heifer 05: Sidney and Buck Thomason with Mark and Amanda, at Indian Hiss Ranch. The Thomason's have hosted many Australians at their beautiful ranch over the past two decades. The couple recently held their herd dispersal sale, with some genetics heading for Australia. 06: Cavendar Sale Barn. 07: Embryo calf at Cavendar Ranch. 08: Eddie Blazek shows Mark Salisbury

Mound Creek heifers in joining pasture. 09: The 6666's Supply House, Guthrie Texas - not only the only 'store' in town, but also offering merchandise to tourists. 10: Cavendar breeding pasture, with recip cow and embryo calf. 11: Amanda and Mark at IBBA Headquarters. 12: Mr New Blood 50H in the paddock at one of the Hudgin's ranches near Hungerford, Texas. 13: Taking bids at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Commercial Sale.

14: Sarah Salisbury at the entry to 6666's Ranch, Guthrie, Texas.

15: Our tour-guides at Cavendar Ranches - Dustin Kennedy, Mark Cowen, Mark Salisbury (Bimbadeen) and Justin Matejka.

BRANGUS STEERS TOP AT SARINA

Article BEN HARDEN QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE Images GDL MACKAY

One of the biggest crowds gathered at the Sarina saleyards for the inaugural Battle of the Breeds feature sale.

Buyers and stock agents commented that the 900 head on offer made up one of the best yardings they had seen at the saleyards.

Hayes & Co selling agent Peter Hayes said the overall condition of the yarding attracted buyers from local areas as well as Rockhampton, Moranbah and southern areas.

"The sale was a lot firmer than we thought it would be on the current downward spiral in the market," Mr Hayes said.

"This was one of the biggest crowds at Sarina.

"There was a strong contingent of Brangus and Droughtmaster cattle offered at this sale, with the Brangus coming out on top as the overall champion pens."

Nebo's Tolsworth Hay and Grazing sold Brangus weaner steers for $900 which went on to win grand champion pen of the sale as judged by Phil Conaghan of Barmount Feedlot, Marlborough.

They also sold their brothers for $1010, which placed second in the Brangus weaner steer category.

Their Brangus feeder heifers made $1400 and were first in the feeder heifer category and reserve overall.

Steve Cook, Proserpine, sold Brangus feeder steers to $1250, which placed first in the feeder steer category.

J N Bates, Nebo, sold Brangus weaner heifers for $910, which placed first in the Brangus weaner heifer category.

Benson Grazing, Sarina, sold Brangus weaner heifers returning $1120 that placed second in the Brangus weaner heifer category.

Windsor Gordon, Sarina sold light weaner heifers making up to $1125 to average $1057 while Bill Trish, Curran sold number three Brangus steers for $1190.

RESULTS

Weaner Steers Brangus

1st Tolsworth Hay & Grazing

2nd Tolsworth Hay & Grazing

Weaner Heifers Brangus

1st J & N Bates

2nd R Benson

Feeder Steers Brangus

1st S Cook

2nd R Williams

Champion Pen of Weaner Steers

Tolsworth Hay & Grazing

Champion Pen of Weaner Heifers

J & N Bates

Grand Champion Pen

Tolsworth Hay & Grazing

Reserve Champion Pen

Tolsworth Hay & Grazing

Judge Phil Conaghan of Barmount Feedlot, Marlborough presented Nikki and Bessie Bates of Tolsworth Hay and Grazing, Nebo with the Grand Champion Pen.

BELVIEW 40TH CELEBRATED IN STYLE

The Jorgensen family celebrated with 100 per cent clearance for the 46 bulls and 12 heifers offered, recording a $12,739 and $5958 average price for bulls and heifers respectively.

Top priced bull, Belview Thor T036, sold for $74,000 to repeat buyers Lindsay and Fiona Barlow of Triple B Brangus, Dingo.

Top priced female, Belview Temple T057, made $15,000 and will also take up residence at the Triple B stable.

Lindsay Barlow said both Thor T036 and Temple T057 were from proven pedigrees and represented great genetic potential for the Triple B breeding program.

“There is a lot to like about Thor with plenty of depth in his pedigree and EBVs that are practically unmatched,” he said.

“We used a bull that was a full brother to Thor’s dam and knew the genetic cross was proven, which eliminates the ifs and buts.

“He’s (Thor T036) above all a very balanced, thick and square bull- he ticked a lot of boxes.”

Mr Barlow said both the bull and heifer would be used extensively in AI programs.

“We’ll collect semen from Thor T036 and proceed with an AI program in stud and commercial heifers, and he will also run with up to 50 stud females,” he said.

“The sire of Temple T057 was a bull we tried to buy, so we’ll flush her and get some genetics that way.”

Stud principles Trevor and Colleen Jorgensen said they were overwhelmed with results.

“The support we received from both the Brangus membership and commercial breeders from throughout New South Wales and Queensland was outstanding,” Mr Jorgensen said.

“Our milestone 40th anniversary sale was certainly a great way to celebrate being part of the Brangus community for 40 years.

“The number of people who joined us to celebrate at the open day and sale is a tribute to the wonderful friendships we have made over the years.”

The team from Ray White Tenterfield and Elite Livestock ensured the auction flowed seamlessly and there was a noticeable online presence, with 51 per cent of sale lots receiving online bids and 15 knocked down via Elite Livestock.

The 40th annual Belview Brangus sale received all the acknowledgement such a milestone deserved, with buyers in attendance on-property and online and exciting results across all sale lots.

Cattle sold to Bowen in North Queensland, Julia Creek and Barcaldine, North West Queensland, and Dingo, Banana, Theodore, Taroom and Kingaroy in Central Queensland.

The New South Wales buying contingent hailed from Jyndabyne in the Snowy Mountains, east to Casino, Lismore and Grafton areas, the tablelands at Tenterfield, Walcha & Dungog, west to Mungindi as well as locally at Inverell and Bingara.

Belview also held an open day on May 27 in the lead up to sale day, with visitors enjoying a great Autumn day out inspecting sale cattle in an informal atmosphere.

Trevor and Colleen sincerely thank everyone who attended the open day and subsequent sale, along with the team at Belview for enabling such an enjoyable and successful series of events.

Main & 01: Buyer Lindsay Barlow, Triple B Brangus, Dingo with Trevor and Colleen Jorgensen, Belview and top priced bull Belview Thor T036, and top priced female Belview Temple T057 respectively.

02: Scott McKinnon, Eagle View Brangus and James Berkaya, Bodrum Brangus both travelled from Lismore

03: Nathan Roberts with Eva and Jackson of Belview

04: The Belview Team: Earnie Leadbeater, Nathan and Emily Roberts, Colleen, Trevor, Nathan, Alice and Dane Jorgensen

01: George Greybill, Colorado with Lindsay Barlow, Triple B Brangus, Dingo and Ben Noller from Palgrove Pastoral Company who purchased the 2nd and 3rd top priced bulls on the day 02: Alice Jorgensen with friend and sale day photographer Kate Pearce, Brewarrina.

03: Dee and Mark Morawitz from Walcha, NSW. 04: Emily Roberts talking with Tammie Robinson and Kate Parker from Elite Livestock

Auctions with Jayne Robinson and Nick Gauld of Three Hearts J Brangus 05: Jay and Dan Lowe from Sunday Camp Brangus, Bellbrook, NSW purchased the 2nd highest heifer of the sale, Lot 60, Belview Tequilla T060 for $9000. 06: Matt and Amy Mason from Inverell.

07: Stuart and Raeleen Mason from Gwabegar, NSW. 08: Brangus Australia CEO, Tessa Pearson and Brangus Australia

Member Services Officer, Kayla Preston. 09: Julie Simmons and Morgan Thompson from Delungra, NSW.

10: Buyers of sale topping bull and heifer purchases are Lindsay, Fiona, Braden and Declan Barlow, Triple B Brangus, Dingo.

11: Karla Goldsmith with Allen Schutt, Kajarabie Brangus, Gympie, and Elle Parker, Park Avenue Brangus, Moonbi.

Jason

Kraken Brangus wishes to thank Kent Ward & Paula Driscoll for their dedication and passion in building up the

to a such a high quality in both

over the past few years.

Millions 111S Rocky Brangus Sale

Seminole 712S (AI) Rocky Brangus Sale

Cut The Sass 327S Rocky Brangus Sale

CQLX KUBOTA WEANER & FEEDER SALE SERIES BATTLE FOR CATTLE

SERIES 1 CHAMPION PEN OF BRANGUS

Morty & Meg Wilson of Dululu

Judge: Mark Howard

The 14 steers made 350.2c/kg

Averaged 310kg

Return $1088 per head

SERIES 2 CHAMPION PEN OF BRANGUS

Bella Grazing of Banana

Judge: Lenard Coombs

The 9 weaner steers made 334.2c/kg

Averaged 315kg

Return $1052 per head

Top right: Series 1 Champion Pen of Brangus with purchaser Morty Wilson offering of 14 Brangus steers.

IMAGE: QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE

Right: Series 2 Champion Pen of Brangus from Bella Grazing, Banana, with agent Joel Dawson of Brian Dawson Auctions holding the ribbon

IMAGE: CENTRAL QUEENSLAND LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE (CQLX)

BULL BREEDERS FIRST TO EMBRACE NEW IMMUNE READY VACCINATION PLATFORM

Bull breeders engaged with upcoming autumn and winter 2023 bull sales will be among the first cattle industry stakeholders to adopt the new Immune Ready vaccination platform.

A number of industry-leading stud enterprises are making provisions to embrace the new Immune Ready animal health program, including this Immune Ready logo and identity in their sale catalogues, advertising and promotional literature, and on rails above selling pens. The program was launched in October as an industrywide initiative designed to boost herd health and animal performance.

The Immune Ready Guidelines represent a cross-industry collaboration to enable cattle producers and lotfeeders to differentiate sale animals, based on their vaccination and health status.

The program will help enhance on-farm biosecurity and boost animal health and welfare performance, delivering better and more consistent production outcomes.

While isolated pre-vaccination programs have existed in the past in the feeder cattle and herd bull markets – with patchy success, at best – Immune Ready is the first attempt to engage the entire supply chain with vaccination protection, integrated into a broader program.

Different components of the program are designed to account for different cattle descriptions, from bulls and replacement females to weaners and feeder cattle heading to feedlots. Diseases specific to particular parts of Australia are also accounted for.

The program is underpinned and endorsed by national industry bodies including the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (a special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association), Cattle Australia, Australian Lot Feeders Association, Meat & Livestock Australia and Animal Health Australia.

In what is an extraordinary first for the animal health industry, the program is not limited to products from a single vaccine manufacturer, but embraces a suite of important vaccines (some region-specific) produced by all three Australian cattle vaccine manufacturers –Coopers, Virbac and Zoetis.

At the program’s heart is the need to drive greater cattle productivity and performance throughout the Australian beef supply chain, in an increasingly competitive global meat and livestock market. The 13 diseases covered by the program (see table above) collectively extract an enormous toll on the beef industry’s annual productivity performance.

Beef Central spoke to a sample of early adopters among the bull breeding community, representing a range of breeds and geographic regions across the country. Most said there were a few adjustments necessary in their existing vaccination programs to qualify for Immune Ready, but they all strongly supported the program’s principles and are working towards being eligible for their next sales:

PALGROVE, ULTRABLACK & BRANGUS, DALVEEN QLD

Palgrove general manager Ben Noller said his business plans to adopt and promote the Immune Ready program in its various sales through 2023, starting with the Hunter Valley Bull Sale at Scone in June.

“We are using a fair portion of the core vaccines already, so adoption of Immune Ready for us, is not such a big step,” Mr Noller said.

“As an industry, we need to make sure we look after vaccine side of animal health management, and ensure all cattle –not just herd bulls – perform up to their capacity,” he said.

“The diseases protected under Immune Ready represent a big risk for industry, and we need to ensure that we get it right – and that has to start at the seedstock level. Bull breeding is the obvious starting point for the program.”

Mr Noller said education of all stakeholders would be a key part of embedding the Immune Ready program across the industry, from vendors to buyers.

“It represents a level of insurance for bull buyers, and the program itself, the way it has been set up, is an easy way to communicate this to customers.”

Palgrove already routinely administers Seven-in-One, Pesti, vibrio and IBR (starting with all weaners this drop).

Asked whether he thought there was any beneficial connection between the broader community experience with human vaccines during the COVID event, and vaccine use in the cattle industry, Mr Noller said there was no doubt that awareness, and greater adoption of vaccines had grown recently.

“And underpinning that, it’s important to remember that we are now talking about a pretty high-value product –whether we are talking about weaners or replacement herd bulls.”

“Everyone wants to make sure they can get the most out of their investment in terms of performance, and rightly so. The investment in vaccination becomes more compelling, the higher the animal value goes.”

“And for us (Palgrove), selling a thousand bulls a year, it’s about reputation with our customers, and that they have a clear idea about what vaccination support the bulls have (or have not) received, so they can factor that in to their own herd management schedules.”

Given the volume of bulls involved, Palgrove routinely vaccinates all bulls for region-specific diseases like tick fever and three-day, because it was too difficult to manage animals selectively to suit buyers in northern or southern regions.

“We’ve always made vaccination statements in the front of our sale catalogues, but it has never had the prominence it will from now on under the Immune Ready program,” Mr Noller said.

“In the past, it hasn’t been uncommon to get ten or fifteen buyers ringing us after a sale asking what vaccinations their purchases had had.”

“This new program makes that easier to read, understand and communicate. But for me, the education side of the Immune Ready program is going to be really important – it’s as big a part as our clients having the confidence that our bulls are set-up right to go out to work.”

PALGROVE HUNTER VALLEY BULL SALE

The Palgrove Hunter Valley Bull Sale took place early June in Scone, showcasing a remarkable lineup of high-quality bulls. The sale, which featured both Charolais and Ultrablack breeds, proved to be a resounding success despite the challenging seasonal conditions in the region.

Among the highlights of the sale were the 14 Ultrablack bulls that were offered, all of which were sold to eager buyers. These bulls achieved an impressive average price of $11,714, reflecting the exceptional quality and demand for Palgrove's Ultrablack genetics.

Lot 62, Palgrove Strike it Rich (P) S786, emerged as the top-priced Ultrablack bull, commanding a price of $22,000 and was purchased by Ben Avery from Blackall, Queensland. Palgrove Strike It Rich S786 boasts desirable traits, including being homozygous polled and homozygous black, with impressive measurements such as 7.4% Intra Muscular Fat, 128cm EMA, and a 42-centimeter scrotal circumference.

Lot 65, Palgrove Starmaker S1706 was purchased by Peter Hewett from

Palgrove stud principal, Ben Noller, expressed his appreciation for the long-standing connection between Palgrove and the Hunter Valley region. He noted, "The Hunter Valley sale has been an integral part of Palgrove's business for many years, and we are grateful for the unwavering support of our returning buyers. As long as our clients continue to support us, we

Palgrove Hunter Valley Bull Sale

14 Ultrablacks

Top $22,000

Average $11,714

Clearance 100%

Total Gross $164,000

ELARA Brangus

Tel: 0448 324 649

See you at the Roma Brangus Sale – Fri 1 September 2023

Offering 8 bulls –visit our website for more details

www.elarabrangus.com.au

All bulls will be fully vaccinated, vet checked, semen tested and pestivirus tested negative.

<<<

ELARA TH 1254

(at 4 ½ mths)

DOB: 14/8/2021

ED/ED (homozygous dominant black)

Heterozygous polled 54% brahman

Sire: Telemon History

Dam: Elara Doris 3rd 8 year old; 6 calves & PTIC

>>>

ELARA TH 1271

(at 4 ½ mths)

DOB: 14/8/2021

ED/ED (homozygous dominant black)

Heterozygous polled

38% brahman

Sire: Telemon History

Dam: Elara Pamela

11 year old; 9 calves & PTIC

NEBO BRANGUS STEER OFFERING CROWNED CHAMPION IN SARINA

Article + Images BEN HARDEN QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE

A pen of No.3 Brangus steers was crowned champion pen at Nutrien's second annual Sarina Feeder and Weaner Competition sale in April.

An "exceptional yarding" and strong competition from buyers drove prices at Nutrien's second annual Sarina Feeder and Weaner Competition sale, where the champion pen of steers made $1200 per head.

The line of Brangus feeder steers were drawn from Nebo's MacGibbon Holdings at Lillianvale Station.

The competition was judged by Shannon Coombs of Rockhampton.

Nutrien's James Saunders, Mackay, said MacGibbon Holdings were known for breeding good articles of cattle. "MacGibbon Holdings run a grey Brahman herd, alongside a stud as well, and they've branched out breeding high Angus type bulls in recent years," Mr Saunders said.

Nutrien agents yarded 950 cattle drawn from local areas and Prosperpine, Homebush, Nebo, and in between.

Mr Saunders said various lines met very strong demand across the board, with plainer types of cattle easing in value.

"The overall condition of the yarding was a big hit this week and there's a couple of buyers that only come to Sarina for this sale because of the numbers," he said.

"Local cattle traders and restockers have secured good runs of cattle that were great quality.

"Cattle were treated with DectomaxV, RhinoGuard and BoviShield, which was desirable to the feedlot buyers on the day."

Feeder steers topped at $1400, heavy number three steers reached $1260, while light number three steers made $780. Feeder heifers sold to $1020, while heavy number three heifers made to a top of $1620.

The best pen of flatback steers went to MacGibbon Holdings while highly commended went to Wotonga Grazing, Nebo, for their Blonde d'Aquitaine cross number three steers, which also made $1200/hd.

BRANGUS STEERS

WIN CHAMPION AT SILVERDALE

John and Leanne Brennan from Beaudesert took out the honours of Champion Pen of Weaners at the second 2023 Annual Silverdale Weaner Sale in May.

They took out the win with their Champion Pen of Brangus steers which made $1250/head.

A total of 1359 weaners were yarded with 915 steers and 444 heifers. Buyers represented the local market as well as Central and Western Queensland.

Sean Matsen, Lillianvale Station, Nebo and Nutrien's James Saunders, Mackay, with the champion pen of Brangus steers from MacGibbon Holdings that made $1200/hd.

Image HAYES & CO

NEW GROUP INTRODUCES PERFORMANCE GENETICS

Evolution Genetics Group is a newly formed partnership of Brangus breeders who are focused on identifying, sourcing and providing the most versatile, adaptable and profitable Brangus and Ultrablack genetics available.

The Evolution Genetics Group is composed of breeders stretching across two eastern states of Australia and involves the prefixes of Yabba-Do, Swan Bay, Kuraby and Diamond Valley.

Naomi Cooney, Yabba – Do Brangus, operates in the Mary Valley, commencing the prefix in 2005 with the purchase of embryos from the Brinks Dispersal in the US. Since its foundation Naomi has undertaken many trips to the US gathering a better understanding of both markets here and overseas. Her female numbers are now around 50 head and these are joined through AI and natural means. Culling at Yabba-Do is done to ensure fertility and structural soundness as a base. Females are expected to calve annually, be of sound udders and mothering ability. No hoof trimming is done and animals are culled if they are affected by either tick or fly burdens. In all, the prefix has access to at least 27 current and past US based sires alone and colonial bred products. After a reduction sale in 2012, a group of females were selected and retained to re start our base herd. These females make up our foundation cow families. All stud animals from now on will be traceable back to one of these base females. Currently Yabba-Do heifers are calving to Fortune and Monument with the mature cows due to commence calving in early June.  Naomi is very happy with the type of calves presented so far.  Twenty calves are expected this calf drop out of the new sires.  Naomi does one round of AI with her cows in early September then introduces a ‘clean-up’ bull.  This is due to time constraints and also keeps my calving time frame short. Naomi added, “I see the benefits in these bulls, firstly as an outcross to the current genetics. Secondly, the bone and carcase that is in the current progeny coupled with the structural soundness needed to have animals that produce for years”. “They are older bulls, so their progeny is advanced in age enabling us to look at breeding choices and the type of females I can join them to.  We also have the advantage that Mike Shelton is willing to share his honest option on what the bulls give (i.e., structural soundness, bone, feed efficiency) and what females they work best with.  We get unbiased video footage and images of the animals and progeny, not just sales pitch to sell semen.  Naomi also operates Cattle Breeding Services Queensland. This involves setting up clients cattle for AI programmes, semen sales, Liquid Nitrogen tank refills and on-farm deliveries. Naomi also is available to advise how best to get outcomes from your breeding programmes as well as on farm visits and consulting.

Robin and Michelle Garrett, Swan Bay Brangus, East Coraki, New South Wales have been breeding Brangus

for more than 20 years. After registering their herd in 2012 they have since grown with the acquisition of US blood females and embryos as well as running numerous IVF and ET programmes. Swan bay is well known for their many paddock sales of Brangus bulls in the North Eastern area of New South Wales to many repeat clients. They are very excited about the future in utilising of the Profit, Monument and Fortune genetics within their current breeding stock and the value of Mike Sheltons experience and knowledge going forward.

Matthew Sirett and Jodie Renwick, Diamond Valley Stud, Gatton run a predominately US bred herd. The herd is run on lease country in the Lockyer Valley. Almost all of the progeny being by AI sires and the matings are carefully selected to best suit each individual female within the

herd. The prefixes owners are proud of the fact that all of their bulls sold through various sales are predominately selling for above the sale average to commercial breeders. Matthew attributes this to the enormous research into the genetics used in programmes. Matthew and Jodie and their daughter Arabella recently travelled to America with Matthew adding, “Our recent trip to the US has undoubtedly strengthened our knowledge of certain genetic lines that will work well in Australia and further enhance our breeding programme. We aim to breed Brangus cattle that are appreciated by the commercial cattleman for their structural soundness, fertility and performance traits.”

In a limited timeframe in the show ring the prefix has won three Brisbane Royal Grand Champion awards and Grand Champion Brangus Female at Beef 2018.

Gavin Klibbe, Kuraby Stud, Goomeri runs around 250 breeders around the South Burnett and Beaudesert districts.

On a visit to the US in 2004 Gavin had the opportunity to view the legendary herd sires, Sundance, Burton’s Transformer and Lombardi Of Brinks at Ultimate Genetics Collection Centre. This was the catalyst for Gavin to utilize the best of the US genetics available. Since that time semen and embryos have been imported as well as sourcing quality US genetics from Australian operations.

Currently the prefix owns the sole Australian semen rights in KL Mr Commander 69E (Skyhawks Presidente/McCrea Of Brinks/Cadence Of Brinks). Bred by Kevin and Laurie Pawelek and family, K&L Brangus, Floresville, Texas. The six year old bull has been utilized extensively in AI programmes. Gavin’s parents, Ted and Joy Klibbe began the Brangus journey for the family about 40 years ago and in 1998 Gavin founded the Kuraby prefix. Gavin is greatly assisted by his niece Bronwyn who is a lifesaver doing the office and recording side of the business.

The search for tested performance genetics led the group to Mike Shelton, Old Colita Ranch, Livingstone, Texas. Mike has been breeding cattle for most of his 73 years and started to really focus on Brangus when he saw how they performed in commercial operations. This started his unwavering journey to build a herd of high performance cattle backed by exceptional EPD’s (EBV) data combined with a stacked proven pedigree. Mike regards structure and maternal value in the herd as much as performance. He (Mike) set about securing some of the best Brangus females and herd sires in leading programmes throughout the US. This often led to him purchasing the highest selling animals on the day. He spent countless hours studying pedigrees, performance data and working on predicted matings and travelling to countless sales just to inspect animals. Mike is sure he has been able to identify what makes the perfect Brangus bull or female.

Currently the group have a trio of US bulls at their disposal. The three bulls the group have imported are MC Profit 924B16, BWCC Monument 10D7 and OCR Fortune 487F.

MC Profit 924B16 (MC Crossover 834Y/MC Jethro 00S3) is the highest ever feed efficiency bull of all breeds tested at the Genetic Development Centre. The nine year old bred by Mound Creek and resides at Old Colita Ranch. The oldest progeny by Profit at Swan Bay and Diamond Valley are approaching 19 months of age.

Main: Matthew Sirett and Mike Shelton, Old Colita Ranch. 01: Bronwyn Kilgour and Gavin Klibbe, Kuraby Brangus. 02: Robin and Michele Garrett, Swan Bay Stud, East Coraki, New South Wales.

BWCC Monument 10D7 (MC Boulder 889Z14/SAV Resource 1441) is another exciting introduction to Australia. His first calves are just starting to hit the ground here. Monument sons have fetched sums of up to $86,000 (US) and daughters have made to $31,500 (US). His progeny are breed leaders for IMF in the US with high EPD’s across the board. Bred by Black Water Cattle Company the bull also resides at Old Colita Ranch.

OCR Fortune 487F (MC Profit 924B16/ SAV Rock Solid 2251) is a two time 2020 Grand Champion Ultrablack Bull. The son of Profit bred by Mike Shelton, is out of one of his top donors, BWCC Ms Rock Solid 487C. Fortune’s offspring are about to drop in Australia. Now five years old the bull is coowned by Old Colita Ranch and Allen Cattle Company.

Another exciting recent acquisition by the group is an embryo interest in OCR Party Line 487J. The female is the dual 2022, 2023 IBBA National Show Grand Champion Ultrablack Heifer. The daughter of Suhn’s Business Line, bred by Old Colita Ranch is also a maternal sister to OCR Fortune 487F.

For more information on the Evolution Genetics Group, you can follow them on their Facebook page: Evolution Genetics Group or contact one of the members directly.

01: Naomi Cooney.

02: Matthew Sirett and Jodie Renwick.

IT’S A SIGN OF

BETTER PRODUCTIVITY AND ANIMAL HEALTH

‘Immune Ready’ is a guideline for the care of sale cattle. It helps protect cattle in the preparation, transport and arrival post sale.

FOR BUYERS

It reduces the risk of disease in purchased cattle

It improves farm biosecurity

It improves animal health and welfare

FOR SELLERS

It prepares your cattle for potential disease challenges

It allows you to promote and sell premium cattle

It helps safeguard against disease and improve productivity

Learn more about Immune Ready Guidelines

ENDORSED BY

AUCTIONSPLUS BRANGUS MARKET REPORT

Article DAMIEN THOMSON AUCTIONSPLUS INSIGHTS SENIOR ANALYST

The first eleven months of the 2022-23 financial year, saw a total of 17,269 head of Brangus infused cattle listed on the AuctionsPlus platform.

The Brangus hoofprint extends across most of Queensland and further south through to Central NSW. The hotspot is located between Blackall and Augathella in Western Queensland with another strong signature around Bingara, Bundarra and Uralla in northern NSW (see Figure 1)

Queensland holds the largest share, with 68% of listings for FY2023 so far, whilst 31% of listings were offered from NSW. A total of 10,702 head were purchased up to 31st May, 62% were purchased by buyers in Queensland while NSW accounted for 25%, SA purchased 9% and Victoria took 3%.

AuctionsPlus Brangus Listings

Purebred Brangus cattle made up 37%, or 6,372 head of all Brangus infused cattle on AuctionsPlus. The most common crossbred combination was Brangus/Angus with 4,654 head, followed by Brangus/Ultrablack with 568 head. All other combinations of Brangus and other breeds made up 33% or 5,675 head of national listings in FY2023 as of 31st May (see Figure 2)

Further analysis of listings data has revealed a clear movement of Brangus infused cattle back to Queensland following a significant shift south to NSW during restocking activity in FY2020 and FY2021. Queensland’s share of purchases on AuctionsPlus has increased to 62% in FY2023, up from 50% and 47% in FY2020 and FY2021 respectively.

Price Trends

Price fluctuations for young (200-400kg steers and heifers) Brangus infused cattle sold on AuctionsPlus are consistent with that of the broader market (see Figure 3)

Since peaking in Q1 of 2022, cattle prices have decreased back to average levels historically. In Q1 2023, the EYCI was 14% higher than it was in Q1 2017, and the average price of young Brangus infused cattle on AuctionsPlus was 26% higher than in Q1 2017.

During the first quarter of 2023, all categories of Brangus infused cattle on AuctionsPlus averaged 28% lower than the previous quarter, and 36% lower than the corresponding quarter in 2022. Steers weighing 330-400kg were the most represented category for the first quarter of 2023, with 657 head averaging $1,486/head. Heifers weighing 280-330kg averaged $1,303/head across 466 head, while PTIC heifers averaged $1,789/head across 453 head for the quarter.

Scan here to access more reports from the AuctionsPlus Insights team.

Figure 1: AuctionsPlus listings of Brangus cattle 1st July 2022 - 31st May 2023

Figure 2: AuctionsPlus Brangus Listings: FY2017 - FY2023* up to 31st May

Figure 3: AuctionsPlus Brangus prices vs EYCI on index basis: Q1 2017 = 100

AN INTRODUCTION TO GENOMICS

An Introduction to Genomics

With several breed societies already incorporating genomic information into their BREEDPLAN analyses (also known as 'Single Step'), and several more aiming to move to genomic evaluations in the not-too-distant future, this Technical Note has been developed to give beef producers an introduction to genomic technology.

This Technical Note outlines what genomics is, how genomics works, and how the inclusion of genomic information into the BREEDPLAN analysis can benefit beef producers.

WHAT IS GENOMICS?

The genome is the genetic material of an organism; that is, all of an organism’s DNA. Genomics is the study of the genome, while genomic selection refers to the inclusion of DNA information into a genetic evaluation and selection program (such as BREEDPLAN). The DNA information (or genotypes) used for genomic selection is in the form of thousands of genetic markers, known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Genotypes containing these thousands of SNP markers are generated by analysing a DNA sample from the animal on a SNP chip. SNP chips are available in different densities; for example the SNP chip might have 20,000 SNP markers (20K), 50,000 SNP markers (50K) or 800,000 SNP markers (800K).

To generate genomic information on their animals, breeders take a hair sample from their animals and request the breed society or a laboratory to do a genomic test on the sample. The DNA gets extracted from the hair sample, and the DNA is run on a SNP chip (density specified by the breeder, with the denser chips being more expensive). The resulting SNP genotypes can then be used, along with pedigree information and performance information, in the calculation of BREEDPLAN EBVs.

HOW DOES GENOMIC SELECTION WORK?

When genomic information is not included in the BREEDPLAN analysis (the current situation for most Australian breeds), the BREEDPLAN analysis uses pedigree information and performance data (both on the individual and the related animals) to generate EBVs. When genomic information is implemented for a breed specific BREEDPLAN analysis, breeders will be able to take a hair sample on an individual animal, send the sample to the lab, and have the sample genotyped on one of the available SNP chips. The genotype information needs to be supplied to the breed to be included in the BREEDPLAN analysis and used, in conjunction with pedigree and performance information, to generate EBVs.

For genomic selection to work, a reference population is required. The reference population consists of thousands of animals which have both phenotypes (performance data) and genotypes (Figure 1). Setting up a reference population

has been one of the challenges in implementing genomics in many breeds of beef cattle; for most breeds to date, there simply have not been enough animals with both phenotypes and genotypes available to form an effective reference population. The ideal reference population has phenotypes collected on all traits of economic importance and interest to the breed.

The second group of animals in Figure 1 are those which have genotypes, but do not yet have phenotypes collected. Typically these are young animals which have not yet reached an age where they can be performance recorded. However; any animal with a genotype but no performance data fits into this second group.

Genomic selection uses the known relationships between the phenotypes and genotypes of the animals in the reference population to calculate genomic EBVs for young animals (Figure 1)

There are several factors that will influence how well genomic selection works. Firstly, the size of the reference population is critical. For genomic selection to work successfully in Australian beef cattle, a reference population with a minimum of three to five thousand animals with both phenotypes (performance data) and genotypes will be needed. Secondly, genomic selection works best when the reference population is closely related to the young animal population for which genomic EBVs are being calculated. For this reason, the reference population should be designed to represent the whole genetic pool of a breed, rather than just a subset of genetics within a breed. This is also one of the reasons why genomics will not replace performance recording – there is a requirement that animals from the next generation have both genotypes and phenotypes coming into the reference population over

Figure 1. A reference population is critical to the implementation and ongoing success of genomic evaluations. The reference population consists of animals which have phenotypes (performance data for economically important traits) and genotypes available. The relationship between the genotypes and phenotypes of the reference population can be used to calculate genomic EBVs for young animals which have genotypes but do not have phenotypes (performance data).

“We’ve been associated with Buck and Sidney Thomason and their Indian Hills operation and programme for many years. In that time we have achieved considerable success with their genetics. At their recent dispersal sale we took the opportunity and purchased the Australian rights in this exciting prospect, Duke’s Finn 570K7. We’ve been searching for a herd sire that would provide an outcross US pedigree. His foot size and shape, athletisim, build and outlook is what we’ve been searching for. A standout amongst his contemporaries since day one and his design, dimensions, depth and top will gel into our programme nicely.”

COMMERCIALLY CONNECTED SEEDSTOCK SENSE

2023 Rockhampton Brangus Sale / 10 BULLS / 9th October CQLX

Featured Sires / BAR NONE / BLACK BEAR / RUDDER / LOGBOOK

WRC Mr John Adams 915G29 / MS JFB Beckett Tara 570G

time. It is important that seedstock producers understand genomics will not replace performance recording; the work that you as seedstock producers do to performance record your animals will be critical for the success of genomics in the future.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN BEEF PRODUCERS EXPECT FROM GENOMICS?

When genomics is implemented, a breeder will be able to take a hair sample on an individual animal, send the sample away for genotyping, and the genotype information will be included in the BREEDPLAN analysis and used to generate EBVs.

This will have two main applications for seedstock producers:

1. EBVs can be generated for animals which do not have performance data

Within any breed, there will be a number of animals which do not have performance information as they are from herds which do not record performance data. In the future, with the inclusion of genomic information into the BREEDPLAN analysis, these animals could be genotyped and get BREEDPLAN EBVs. These animals could be from both seedstock and commercial herds.

There are also a number of animals which are in BREEDPLAN herds, but do not have performance information for some traits. This may be because:

• The animal is too young to have been measured for that trait. For example, a 200 day old calf will not have been ultrasound scanned, so is unlikely to have EMA, Rib Fat, Rump Fat or IMF EBVs. Where the 200 day old calf does have carcase EBVs, these are likely to be mid-parent EBVs of fairly low accuracy.

• The trait is hard and/or expensive to measure. For example, Net Feed Intake (NFI) is measured in feedlot trials where the animals are on ad libitum feed for nearly 100 days (including the pre-trial adjustment period). This makes NFI very expensive to measure, and thus NFI measurements are usually only collected on animals in progeny test programs. Retail Beef Yield is another good example; measuring Retail Beef Yield is very expensive because the carcase has to be completely boned out and the individual retail cuts trimmed and weighed.

• The trait is only able to be measured in one sex. For example, Mature Cow Weight is only recorded for females.

• The trait can only be measured once the animal is dead. For example, abattoir carcase information, including Retail Beef Yield and Marbling, is only measured on carcases, and not from live animals. The beef industry utilises live animal ultrasound scanning measurements as a way around this problem, but the actual carcase measurements can only be done on dead animals.

• Even when an animal does have performance information, this information may not be able to be used effectively by the BREEDPLAN analysis. For example, when an animal is placed in a single animal contemporary group, its performance information cannot be used by the BREEDPLAN analysis to calculate EBVs. As a result, most animals in single animal contemporary groups have mid-parent EBVs until performance information can be collected on their own progeny or other relatives.

Whatever the reason an animal does not have performance information; the animal will either not have EBVs for the trait in question or have mid-parent EBVs of fairly low accuracy. With genomics, such animals could be genotyped and get EBVS for a range of traits (provided that the inclusion of the genomic information into the BREEDPLAN analysis means that the EBVs reach the minimum accuracy threshold required to report). Animals which are too young to be performance recorded for a trait could be genotyped at a young age (e.g. at birth) and get EBVs that normally they would not receive until they were much older (e.g. rising 2 year olds with scan data).

Similarly, where a seedstock producer wanted EBVs on stud animals for hard to measure traits, genomics would mean that relevant animals could be genotyped and EBVs generated using the genomic information.

2. More accurate EBVs can be generated for animals with limited performance information

Currently, a young animal with no performance data (either of its own or its progeny) will have mid-parent EBVs with quite low accuracy. With the addition of its own performance data and performance data of its progeny, the EBVs will change (depending on how well the individual and its progeny perform within their contemporary groups) and the accuracy associated with the EBVs will increase.

Genomics will “boost” the accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBVs; this benefit is most pronounced when the animal has EBVs with low accuracies. For example, a young animal may have an accuracy of 30% for one EBV; with the inclusion of a genomic test, the accuracy for that EBV might become 40%. However, an older animal, which might have an accuracy of 90% for the same EBV, would likely only have an increase to 92% accuracy for that EBV with the inclusion of genomic information.

In this way genomics can be considered similar to the addition of progeny performance data into the BREEDPLAN analysis; when the accuracy of an EBV is low additional data has a large effect, and when the accuracy of an EBV is high, additional data has a small effect. Of course, the improvement in the accuracy of an EBV due to the inclusion of genomic information will vary for each trait (depending on the size of the reference population and the heritability of the trait) and for each animal (depending on how closely the animal is related to the reference population).

The applications of genomics as discussed above will allow seedstock producers to identify elite bulls and heifers at younger ages than is currently possible. For example, consider an ET program where 10 full sibling bulls have been born (Figure 2). As full siblings, these ET calves will share on average 50% of their DNA (e.g. full sibling ET calves are not genetically identical). These young bull calves, at marking time, will have identical mid- parent EBVs with low accuracy. This is illustrated in Figure 2A, where all 10 bull calves have a mid-parent Selection Index value of $100. Which one(s) should be kept as bull(s) for breeding purposes, and which ones should be steered? This is a difficult decision, because the breeder has limited knowledge of the genetic potential of these young bull calves, and thus has no way of differentiating these calves based on their genetic potential.

Figure 2B shows the Selection Indexes generated after the inclusion of genomic information into the BREEDPLAN analysis. As illustrated in Figure 2B, following the inclusion of genomic data into the BREEDPLAN analysis, the Selection Index values for these 10 full- sibling bull calves now range from $89 to $114. As the breeder can now differentiate between calves on their genetic potential, the breeder can identify which of these young full-sibling bull calves has the desired genetics for their breeding program. The breeder can now use the best young bulls for yearling mating. Of course, the use of one Selection Index is for illustrative purposes only; in reality the breeder would need to consider both Selection Indexes and individual EBVs of importance, and do a visual assessment for structure, when making selection decisions.

As the Figure 2 example shows, the power of genomics is the identification of elite bulls and heifers at a young age. This allows cattle breeders to make selection decisions at younger ages than are currently possible, and thus shorten the generation interval. In turn, shortening the generation interval should increase the rate of genetic improvement, both for individual breeders and the breed as a whole.

CONCLUSION

Several breed societies are already incorporating genomic information into their BREEDPLAN analyses, and several more are aiming to move to genomic evaluations in the foreseeable future.

The introduction of genomic evaluations will have several benefits to Australian cattle producers, including the potential to calculate EBVs on animals that cannot or have not been measured for particular traits. In addition, the inclusion of genomic data in the BREEDPLAN analysis is likely to increase the accuracy of EBVs for young animals with limited performance data.

Therefore, genomics looks set to be an important tool for Australian beef producers who wish to continue making genetic improvement into the future.

For further information on genomics, ABRI Technical Services.

Figure 2. An ET breeding program results in 10 full sibling bull calves. In A) these 10 calves are too young to have performance information recorded, and so have identical mid-parent EBVs and Selection Index values. In this instance, all 10 calves have a Selection Index value of $100. In B) each of the 10 calves has had a genomic test done, and the genomic information has been included in the BREEDPLAN analysis. Here, due to the inclusion of genomic information, the Selection Index values range from $89 to $114.

Kay Elizabeth Geddes was never one for the limelight, yet she is widely recognised and regarded in the beef cattle industry as a deeply knowledgeable, hardworking and visionary cattlewoman.

Kay was born on October 22, 1949 to Bill and Mavis Tennent, of ‘Doonside’, north of Rockhampton. She lived the majority of her life in this very same house, with her devoted husband and partner-in-all-things, Bill. Over their years together at ‘Doonside’, the couple worked at the cutting edge of seedstock production, being among the first to import genetics from the USA and use AI and embryo techniques in their Brangus herd.

Kay was the middle child of three, with brothers Bobby and Barry

KAY GEDDES

'DOONSIDE' 1949 - 2023

providing lots of rough and tumble early memories around the ‘Doonside’ paddocks. Bobby died tragically after being stung by a box jellyfish. His loss spurred Kay on throughout her life.

“It (losing Bobby) made me more determined in what I do.”

The few times Kay lived away from ‘Doonside’ included her schooling years in Rockhampton, where she stayed with her grandmother during the week (while attending primary school) before going on to board at the Rockhampton Girls’ Grammar School until the end of Year 10.

Kay’s parents became interested in stud cattle, with their energies keenly focussed on a building a Braford Stud. After she finished school, Kay headed

straight home ‘Doonside’ where her passion for stud cattle was kindled.

“Right from the start, it was the stud work that I enjoyed – some of my main roles was doing the registrations and bookwork,” Kay recalled, noting that she was less enthusiastic about housework.

“Doonside Brafords were successful at sales and shows when I was young - I really loved looking after the cattle.”

The side-benefit for this quiet, shy teenager was the social life that came with the show circuit – and a chance to spend time with her future husband. It was a young Bill Geddes, whose family bred and showed Brangus cattle, who would steal her heart and become her life-long soulmate.

Article + Images AMANDA SALISBURY

(EDITED FROM KAY’S EULOGY AND ‘CATTLEMEN IN PEARLS’, PUBLISHED IAN AND ANNE GALLOWAY, 2018.)

Loving Mother and Mother-in-law of Jane and Jamie, Billy and Jo. Cherished Grandmother of their families.

“He loved cattle and country as much as I did - we became best friends and married in 1971.”

The couple initially lived on his home property ‘Couti Outi’, near Shoalwater Bay, for ten months. They also worked a lease block ‘Stanage Bay’ (forty kilometres further north and right on the coast) where they ran an additional 400 breeders. Bill and Kay also got the chance to run cattle at the Tennant family property, ‘The Springs’.

“We packed up our breeders and drove them from ‘Stanage’ to ‘The Springs’. We set up two studs‘Springs Brangus’ and ’Springs Brafords’ - which we both ran. That was a great time of our lives.”

The couple moved back to Doonside in 1974 upon the retirement of Kay’s parents – right at the start of the infamous ‘Cattle Depression’ (which continued through to 1978). They knuckled down together, worked on their herd and weathered this major challenge.

Daughter Jane (now a successful seedstock producer with ‘Charlevue Brangus’) was born by emergency caesarian (in 1975) the day before a sale, where father Bill was preparing to sell a line of fifty bulls.

Son Billy arrived the following year in slightly less adventurous fashion, and both children grew up in a happily cattle-mad household.

Early memories for the family include Kay painstakingly photographing dozens of bulls in the ‘Doonside’ sale ring and nearby ‘photogenic’ locations, with (a mostly patient) Bill standing them up correctly.

They were first (in the region) to put together a full colour brochure with individual bull photos for a sale, back in the day when rolls of film had to be sent off to be developed.

Juggling the tasks of motherhood, studmaster and beef producer seemed to come naturally, with Kay not only marketing ‘Doonside’ bulls, but also helping organise the onproperty sale itself, and cooking all the food.

They also became interested in highmarbling Japanese breed, Wagyu, prompting a new experimental breeding direction. They took their Braford herd and inseminated the females to Wagyu bulls. It was a move that would prove financially rewarding for the couple.

“The money we made from our Wagyu-cross really allowed us to buy our fattening blocks (at Wandoan and Taroom).”

Son Billy oversaw the very successful Wagyu herd at these southern blocks, before buying his parent’s share in the herd, while also running separate quarry and trucking businesses with wife Jo, and pursuing a successful career in off-road racing.

Bill claimed Kay’s love of motor vehicles and feel for an accelerator inspired their son’s racing career.

“We are proud of our independence – it’s something that Mum and Dad installed in us at a young age,” Billy said. He recalls early adventures with his mother, on the often flood-prone creek systems of ‘Doonside’.

“She and I would climb into a boat and just row for kilometres, to get to the shops for supplies. She had no qualms and was a pretty good swimmer!”

In 1981 the Geddes had the first on property sale at Doonside –in early days with Brafords and then Brangus lots. The family had constructed an impressive sale compound with all timber cut from ‘Doonside’, and the top-price bull was chiselled into the top rail every year.

Kay would buzz around behind the scenes on her quad bike, ensuring everything ran smoothly. She was always keen to make sure people were fed well, mostly with corned meat sandwiches and ‘anything beef’. “We tried to make our sale an enjoyable day out for our clients and visitors,” said Kay.

In 1983, Kay found herself bidding for the unique cattle block, Casuarina Island, while Bill was away showing cattle. Situated at the mouth of the Fitzroy River, the island is 20,000 acres and rich in marine couch grass. The couple ran 700 breeders on the island, and enjoyed a cherished annual ritual of mustering, branding, drafting and moving animals off the island on a barge.

While the early years of their work saw a mix of Brangus, Brafords and Wagyu, Kay and Bill decided to focus their work mainly on the Brangus herd, as the breed had begun growing strongly in popularity.

Trips to the USA around this time saw a number of influences arrive at Doonside, including Ray Hunt who held horse breaking and horsemanship clinics there. Kay greatly enjoyed this period, hosting and feeding a houseful of Americans and clinic participants.

The US trips also convinced Kay and Bill to add American genetics to their Brangus herd to provide the vigour and ‘point of difference’ they were seeking.

“We went to ‘Camp Coolie’ in 1999 and selected out our favourite bulls – every single one was by a bull called ‘Transformer of Brinks’. So that’s where we started, adding to the Australian Brangus genepool.”

All of this vision, of course, translated into hard work and very long hours back at the Doonside yards.

“We had two bulls and 1000 cows to inseminate,” Bill recalled of the enormous workload.

In the days before ‘heat pad’ stickers, while Bill was out working in the paddocks, Kay would spend hours watching the cows to identify what was cycling, and the family would work into the night (by torchlight) to complete the inseminations.

“Mum has such an eye, she could easily pick out the cows coming on.

That’s not an easy job in a mob of black cattle – it could come down to the way the hair lay on their heads,” Jane said.

Husband Bill recalls the commitment Kay showed to the process, regardless of weather conditions.

“She’s never been frightened to muck in. The yards were six kilometres from the house, on the other side of the creek – there were times when it rained that she had to swim that creek and walk home when the AI was done!”

All of this tireless work and vision was soon repaid. Initially offering Braford bulls, the Doonside Sale soon became better known for great lines of red and then black Brangus bulls. The sale was run annually for 34 years, in the impressive timber selling complex sprawled beside the homestead. In its heyday, it was considered the nation’s most successful on-property Brangus sale, only stopping in 2013 as the organisational side of it got too much. Since 2000, red and grey Brahmans have also become prevalent in Doonside stud paddocks – a cleancoated influence that can be seen through the Brangus herd as well. A line of ‘Grey Brangus’ has been identified within the herd and marketed to Brangus and Brahman operations. Notoriously camera shy, Kay was persuaded in 2018 to allow her story to be told in the book ‘Cattlemen in Pearls’, published by friends and fellow Brangus breeders Ian and Anne Galloway.

As son Billy testifies, despite ongoing health issues, Kay was determined to stay at Doonside right to the end, where she maintained her usual upbeat and happy spirit.

“She was tough as leather and sweet as pie.”

Kay passed away peacefully on 17th of June at her beloved “Doonside” with her ‘best mate’ (husband Bill) by her side, and their cattle grazing right outside the window.

She was farewelled by hundreds of mourners at a service at the Rockhampton Crematorium on Friday June 23.

Kulkyne Stakeholder (P)

Justin & Kate Boshammer, JK Cattle Company, Condamine are very happy and grateful to welcome their son, Mac Sterling Boshammer.

Mac made a smooth and timely arrival on his due date, 21st May, weighing 10 pounds (4.53kg), and measuring 54cm.

Mac is an adored younger brother for Theo (6 years), and for their much loved baby girl Zara (04/04/2020 - 02/11/2020).

CONGRATULATIONS

Celebrating new life and new beginnings

Brangus Australia

Chief Executive Officer Tessa and husband Jason Pearson welcomed their first son Charlie Norman Pearson

Charlie arrived on the 14th June, weighing 6.4 pounds (2.90kg) and measuring 49cm.

Addison Maree Hynes entered the world on 23rd May, weighing 9lb 4oz (4.08kg) and measuring 57cm.

The little bundle of joy is the first child for Bree and Clancy Hynes, the third grandchild for Danielle and Gerard Hynes, the fourth great-grandchild for Dan Jackson, and another bundle of joy for great uncle Ryan Jackson! The next generation of Stutzview Brangus breeders is shaping up wonderfully!

VALERIE JOSEPH PHOTOGRAPHY

Fiona Pearce and Laura Sutcliffe exchanged their wedding vows outdoors at the World War II Igloo in Tolga on Saturday 29th April.

The couple celebrated their special day surrounded by 100 of their closest friends and family.

Fiona's parents, Trevor and Maureen Pearce, and Laura's parents, Sandra Morton and Peter Smith, were present to share in their happiness. Fiona's three older brothers proudly served as groomsmen, with her best friend Emily taking on the role of maid of honor. Laura was accompanied by her sister and two best friends, while her three children had the honor of giving her away.

The reception took place in the same picturesque venue, the World War II Igloo, where the interior was adorned with enchanting fairy lights.

The couple enjoyed their honeymoon in Tasmania.

Fiona devotes her efforts to the family farm at Telpara Hills, while Laura works as a teacher's aide in a local school. Together, they have created a beautiful family home in Tolga.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JK CATTLE COMPANY BULL SALE

Date: Monday 7 August 2023, 1pm

Inspections from 9.30am

Location: Camilaroi West, Condamine QLD

This year Justin and Kate Boshammer will hold their second on-property JK Cattle Company Bull Sale, featuring 60 Angus and Brangus bulls.

On offer will be 25 polled rising two-year-old Brangus bulls, including 11 Ultrablack bulls.

The bulls are Breedplan performance recorded, DNA sire verified, semen motility and morphology tested, independently structurally assessed, blooded, tested free of Pestivirus, and are vaccinated for 7 in 1, 3 Day and Vibrio.

Dam fertility data is provided on all bulls (number of calves and average calving interval). Emphasis is placed on fertility, with yearling mating and short joining periods in a commercially focused operation.

All Brangus bulls will have genomics information available for coat colour and polled status.

Brangus sires this year include Belview Posiedon P052 (P) and Bimbadeen Q Picus P108 (P). The Brangus sale group also features sons and grandsons of consistently wellperformed and long-standing Angus sires in the JK herd, Kallangur K112 and Hinman H221.

The sale will be conducted live and online through Elite Livestock Auctions, and selling agents are Ray White Rural Dalby.

Photos, videos and catalogue available at www.jkcattleco.com.au.

Justin & Kate Boshammer 0427 655 128

jb@jkcattleco.com

www.jkcattleco.com.au

Facebook: JK Cattle Company

Instagram: @jkcattlecompany

2023 BIMBADEEN GENETICS SALE

Date: Tuesday 19 September 2023, 11am

Inspections from 9am

Location: 'Arthur's Knob', Wuruma Dam (via Monto)

The 7th annual Bimbadeen Brangus on-property sale will see a record 70 exciting young bulls on offer.

The 2023 Bimbadeen Genetics Sale will feature the first run of natually-sired seedstock by Bimbadeen MEMPHIS, who has put a great stamp on his progeny in terms of phenotype, temperament and consistency. The quality of these lots is supported by very strong weight, milk and fertility EBVs, with our super-cow Bimbadeen D0135 (dam of MEMPHIS and daughter P230 who has a son catalogued) continuing to influence the herd.

The first progeny of Bimbadeen QANTAS Q137 will also be presented, offering style and frame.

Fifteen red Brangus bulls feature this year, exhibiting great Brangus phenotype and temperament. Sires of note are Tannyfoil Maverick and Redline Oakley.

A total of 13 sires are represented across the catalogue (11 black and 2 red). All bulls have been DNA tested, Breedplan recorded, with vaccinations for Tick Fever, 3 Day, 5 in 1, and Vibrio.

For more sale info go to www.bimbadeenbrangus.com, request a catalogue via amanda@bimbadeenbrangus.com

Contact: - Mark Salisbury 0427 141919

Agents: Kellco Monto Andrew Cavanagh at 0467 662 452 and Elders Randall Spann 0429 700 332.

MARCELLA ANGUS & BRANGUS BULL SALE

Date: Saturday 26 August 2023, 1pm Location: Goomeri Showgrounds, Goomeri QLD

Rhys, Amy and Isabella Innes will stage their Marcella Angus & Brangus Sale, offering comprises 50 top-quality bulls, each meticulously tested for semen and morphology, and fully vaccinated for optimal health. All bulls will be weighed, scanned, semen tested, treated for 7 in 1, three germ blood, three day sickness and pre-treated for tick clearance.

Contact Rhys 07 4168 6252 or Amy 0429 343 992 for inspections or for catalogues.

Agents: Shepherdson & Boyd.

Dan & Ryan JACKSON, Danielle & Gerard HYNES I TIARO

TRIPLE B BRANGUS ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE

Date: Wednesday 27 September 2023, 11am

Location: 'Araluen’, Dingo, QLD

The Barlow family will host their 11th Annual Triple B Production Sale, Wednesday 27th September, Dingo. Presenting 80 bulls and 150 purebred heifers.

The Triple B Brangus stud herd is fully Breedplan and DNA recorded, being the most comprehensibly recorded Brangus herd built on generations of objective measurement, the more accurate the data, the better the genetic profile.

All bulls carry Brangus Bundle DNA profiles, including parent verification, poll test, coat colour test. Carcass ultrasound scans, semen and morphology tests, 3 Day, 7 in 1, Botulism, Pesti-Virus and 3 Germ Blood vaccinations are also carried out.

This years sale includes first release sires Triple B Platinum, Triple B Powerhouse and Pheasant Creek Powerpack. Along with another outstanding lineup of Triple B Networth Sons.

The Triple B gates are always open. Lindsay and Fiona invite you to inspect their breeding herd and program, where you can assess the latest data on all their cattle. Triple B provides proven genetics, using all the current science and technology available to enhance the breeding program, but it is backed by a commercial cattleman’s eye.

The sale will be conducted live and online through Elite Livestock Auctions.

Photos, videos and catalogue available at www.triplebbrangus.com

ABCA 18TH ROMA BRANGUS SALE

Date: Friday 1 September 2023, 10am

Location: Roma Saleyards, Roma QLD

The annual ABCA Roma Sale this year will see a total of 174 lots catalogued comprised of 41 registered females, 131 registered and herd bulls, and 2 semen packages. 27 vendors from three states will support the 2023 sale. The sale will be conducted at the Roma Saleyards, 10am, Friday 1st September 2023.

The three state vendor list that supports the sale has ended with an entire black genotype offering. The prefixes represented are Alpha, Arababy, B H Bindaree, Bonox, Boonderoo, Castle, Cobblegun, Elara, Folkslee, Forest Hills, Glenoyra, Gunnadoo, Inavale, Kajarabie, Karingal, Kulkyne, Lazy S, Maccaboyz, Miltopp, Mount Byron, Mullamuddy, Parkavenue, Pineview, Rockyview, Sandy Banks, Stutzview and Yabba-Do.

All registered animals have a Brangus DNA Bundle and all bulls have a 60 percent or above crush side semen result.

ABCA ROCKHAMPTON SALE

Date: Sunday 8 October 2023, 4pm (Females) Monday 9 October 2023, 9am (Bulls) Location: CQLX, Gracemere QLD

Australia's biggest Brangus seedstock sale, the Annual Rockhampton Society Sponsored Sale will be conducted at CQLX, Gracemere on Sunday 8th and Monday 9th October 2023.

An offering of commercial females is followed by 60 registered females and 2 Embryo Packages.

On the final day a total of 290 registered and herd bulls.

Please note: Numbers could change subject to nominations closing after magazine was completed.

MUNSTER RUNNER-UP IN SIRE SHOOTOUT

The Strazzeri family were awarded runner-up in this year's Australian Community Media (ACM) Sire Shootout with their 22 month old Brangus bull, Barronessa Munster S19.

Along with the prestigious recognition, they will also receive a $3000 cash prize, a $1000 voucher from Riverina Stockfeeds, and $1000 advertising credit with ACM.

According to owner Shane Strazzeri, Baronessa Munster displays an impressive muscular build.

"He exhibits strength throughout his topline, accompanied by an exceptional tenderness score of 9.

"Munster is an ideal sire known for producing offspring with superior carcass attributes that align with premium market demands."

Sharing the same sire alongside his sale-mate Barronessa Arrow, Mr Strazzeri said he has inherited a "bombproof" temperament, effortless adaptability to various environments, commendable fertility, and a favorable scrotal size.

"Additionally, Munster boasts a sleek coat that further enhances his resilience in challenging conditions. He embodies the qualities of a bull that excels in both siring numerous high-quality calves and thriving within demanding environments."

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

TESSA PEARSON

02 5775 9900

ceo@brangus.com.au

MEMBER SERVICES OFFICER (MSO)

KAYLA PRESTON 02 5775 9900 office@brangus.com.au

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

SIMONE ROLL 02 5775 9913 marketing@brangus.com.au

BREEDPLAN

02 6773 3555 brangus@breedplan.une.edu.au breedplan.une.edu.au

ABRI EXTENSION SERVICE OFFICER

PAUL WILLIAMS

0427 018 982 paul.williams@abri.une.edu.au tbts.une.edu.au

PRESIDENT Director Zone 1

BRAD SAUNDERS 'Pheasant Creek' Wowan Qld 4702 0458 359 105 pheasantcreekbrangus@gmail.com

Director Zone 4

MICHAEL BUSH 'Castle' Euroa Vic 3666 0427 319 780 castlebrangus@bigpond.com

Director Zone 3

JUANITA TRUSTUM 'Weona' Leeville via Casino NSW 2470 02 6663 7205 weonabrangus@gmail.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Federal Representative

AMANDA SALISBURY 'Bimbadeen' Eidsvold Qld 4627 07 4167 5141 0427 677 381 bimbadeen@skymesh.com.au

Federal Representative

EDWARD QUINN

'Voewood' Calliope Qld 4680 0418 716 442 brangusvoewood@bigpond.com

Federal Representative

SUE FAWCETT

'Lazy S' Condamine Qld 4416 0428 745 186 lazys.stud@gmail.com

TREASURER

Director Zone 2

JUSTIN BOSHAMMER

'Elgin' Condamine Qld 4416 0427 665 128 jb@jkcattleco.com

Federal Representative

LINDSAY BARLOW 'Araluen' Dingo Qld 4702 0407 760 079 barlow@triplebbrangus.com

Australian Brangus Cattle Association PO Box 814, Armidale NSW 2350

Image BARRONESSA FARMING

2023 ACM Sire Shootout runner-up Barronessa Munster S19 and Shane Strazzeri, Barronessa Farming, Atherton.

AWARDS AND PLACINGS SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

MARLBOROUGH SHOW

Grand, Senior & Supreme

Champion Bull

Couti-Outi Bradman 1240

Grand & Calf Champion Female

Couti-Outi Countess 1141

Junior Champion Bull

Couti-Outi Columbus

Junior Champion Female

Taloumbi Teresa

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

GL Shotfire

Calf Champion Bull

Couti-Outi Crueso

Reserve Calf Champion Female

Yaraandoo Eternal Hope

Breeders Group

Couti-Outi Brangus

Junior Champion Judge

Georgie

MUNDUBBERA SHOW

Grand & Junior Champion Female

Female 16 & Under 20 months

1st Yaraandoo Evermore Hope

Bull under 12 months

1st N-Bar Ultimate

Female 12 & Under 16 months

2nd Bullakeana Vogue

Female 16 & Under 20 months

3rd Bullakeana Velvet

Female 20 & Under 24 Months

2nd Bonox Bree B1415

GAYNDAH SHOW

Bullakeana Brangus

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Junior Champion Bull

1st Bull 15 - 18 months

1st Female 12 - 15 months

1st Female 24 months +

2nd Female 15 - 18 months

3rd Female 18 - 24 months

MALENY SHOW

Supreme Bull of the Show

Dynamite Simba S13

Supreme Interbreed Breeders Group (winning the Frank Woods Memorial Shield)

Dynamite Simba S13

Dynamite Tiger Lily T20

Dynamite Twilight T22

Junior Champion Tropical Female

Dynamite Twilight T22

Reserve Senior Champion Bull

Dynamite Soloman S13

CLERMONT SHOW

Junior Champion Bull

1st Bull 15 - 18 months

Coolabah Kakadu

Grand Champion Steer

1st 440 - 500kg Steer

Coolabah Kyle

Bull 12 - 15 months

2nd Coolabah Kojak

Pair of Bulls

2nd Coolabah Kakadu

Coolabah Kojak

Spencer Judge Neville Hansen, Oaklands Brangus and Associate Judge Emma Oppermann, Tango Brangus with Senior, Grand and Supreme Champion Bull Couti-Outi Bradman 1240 at Marlborough Show

John Lamb with Junior and Grand Champion Female Yaraandoo Evermore Hope, Judge Matthew Richardson and Local Member Bryson Head at Mundubbera Show.

BARALABA SHOW

Supreme & Calf Champion Bull

Bullakeana Who's Handsome

Junior Champion Bull

Pheasant Creek Sultan

Reserve Calf Champion Bull

Bullakeana Who What Where

Bull 6 - 9 months

1st Bullakeana Who's Handsome

2nd N Bar Ultimate

Bull 9 - 12 months

1st Bullakeana Who What Where

3rd Pheasant Creek Tucker T042

Bull 15 - 18 months

1st Oaklands Bodacious

Bull 18 - 21 months

1st Pheasant Creek Sultan S166

3rd Bullakeana Vanadium

Bull 21 - 24 months

1st Pheasant Creek Sherlock S73

Bull 30 - 36 months

1st Pheasant Creek Rambo R030

Supreme & Senior Champion Female

Ramsey Creek Layla

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Bullakeana Our Pretty Lady

Junior Champion Female

Bullakeana Very Now

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Yaraandoo Evermore Hope

Reserve Calf Champion Female

Oaklands Amelia

Female 6 - 9 months

2nd N Bar P Uptown Girl

3rd N Bar P Upper Class

Female 9 - 12 months

2nd Pheasant Creek Teaks T029

Female 12 - 15 months

1st Oaklands Amelia

3rd Bullakeana Victoria's Secret

Female 15 - 18 months

1st Bullakeana Very Now

2nd Yaraandoo Evermore Hope

3rd Bullakeana Velvet

Female 18 - 21 months

1st Oaklands Alexis

3rd Ramsey Creek Millie M29

Female 21 - 24 months

1st Pheasant Creek Sadie 59

2nd Pheasant Creek Sapphire S12

Female 30 - 36 months

1st Ramsey Creek Layla L26

2nd Bullakeana Unanimous

Female over 36 months

1st Bullakeana Out Pretty Lady

3rd Oaklands Miss Nifty

Breeders Group

1st Bullakeana Brangus

3rd Ramsey Creek Brangus

MONTO SHOW

Grand & Junior Champion Bull

Bull 15 - 18 months

Bullakeana VIP

Senior Champion Female

Female 24+ months

1st Bullakeana Our Pretty Lady

Female 12 - 15 months

1st Bullakeana Vogue

Reserve Champion Senior Female

Female 18 - 21 months

1st Bonox B1415 'Bree'MONTO SHOW

Female 12 - 15 months

2nd Kraken Kylie II 391S

Female 15 - 18 months

2nd Yaraandoo Evermore Hope

Female 21 - 24 months

2nd Bullakeana Vo Vo

Female 24+ months

2nd Bullakeana Unanimous

Female 15 - 18 months

3rd Bullakeana Very Now

Breeders Group

1st Bullakeana Brangus

Blake Killey, St Brendan's College with Supreme Champion Female Ramsey Creek Layla L26 and Rory Saunders, Pheasant Creek Brangus with Ramsey Creek Nellie N19 at Baralaba Show. IMAGE: KB CONSULTING

Monto Show Grand and Junior Champion Bull, Bullakeana VIP

CALLIDE VALLEY SHOW

Grand & Junior Champion Bull

Bullakeana VIP

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

Bullakeana Who What Where

Supreme Champion Female, Senior Champion Interbreed Cow

Grand Champion Interbreed Female

Female over 30 months

Ramsey Creek Layla L26

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Punchagin Karina

Junior Champion Female

Bullakeana Very Stylish

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Bullakeana Who's Gorgeous

Bull 6 - 12 months

1st Bullakeana Who What Where

3rd N Bar Ultimate

Bull 15 - 18 months

1st Bullakeana VIP

3rd Ramsey Creek Magic M85

Bull 18 - 21 months

1st Ramsey Creek Merlin M18

2nd Punchagin Solomon

Female 6 - 12 months

1st Bullakeana Who's Gorgeous

3rd N Bar Upper Class

Female 12 - 15 months

1st Bullakeana Very Stylish

2nd Bullakeana Vogue

3rd Couti-Outi Countess

Female 15 - 18 months

1st Taloumbi Teresa

2nd Bullakeana Velvet

3rd Yarraandoo Evermore Hope

Female 18 - 21 months

1st Ramsey Creek Molly M10

2nd Ramsey Creek Millie M29

3rd Taloumbi Stacey

Female 30 - 36 months

1st Ramsey Creek Layla L26

Cow 36 + months

1st Punchagin Karina

Grand Champion Breeders Group

Bullakeana Brangus

Breeders Group

1st Bullakeana Brangus

2nd Ramsey Creek Brangus

Sire's Progeny

1st Bullakeana Brangus

2nd Ramsey Creek Brangus

R to L: 2023 Callide Valley Show Rural Ambassador Laura Bignell, Charbray

Feature Show Judge Paul Connor, Ramsey Creek Brangus Jack Wright, Interbreed Judge Louise Wilson, Lachlan Hutchison and Blake Killey, St Brendans College parading Supreme, Senior and Grand Champion Female Ramsey Creek

Layla L26 with calf Ramsey Creek Nellie N19.

SPRINGSURE SHOW

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

1st Bull 15 - 17 months

Coolabah Kakadu

Bull 12 - 15 months

3rd Coolabah Kojak

440 - 500kg Steer

1st Coolabah Kyle

THEODORE SHOW

Grand & Senior Champion Female

Bullakeana Our Pretty Lady

Pair of Females

1st Bullakeana Brangus

Champion Steer

Hanson's Murray

Most Successful Exhibitor

Bullakeana Brangus

TOOWOOMBA ROYAL SHOW

HVB Miss Real McCoy 801T3

Grand Champion Brangus Female

Calf Champion Brangus Female

1st Brangus Female 6 - 12 months

EMERALD SHOW

Bos Indicus:

Grand Champion Bos Indicus Bull

Beejay Rory

Grand Champion Bos Indicus Female

Taloumbi Teresa

Junior Champion Bull

1st Bull 15 - 18 months

Coolabah Kakadu

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

1st Bull 12 - 15 months

Coolabah Kojak

Senior Champion Bull

Beejay Rory

Reserve Senior Champion Bull

Beejay Romeo

Junior Champion Female

Taloumbi Teresa

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Beejay Surprise

Reserve Champion Steer

1st 400 - 500kg Steer

Coolabah Kyle

Pair of Bulls

2nd Coolabah Kakadu

Coolabah Kojak

Interbreed:

Champion Breeders Group

Beejay Brangus

Interbreed Supreme Champion Bull

Beejay Rory

Bonox 1472

Bonox 1453

Bonox 1511

Bonox 1455

EIDSVOLD SHOW

Grand & Junior Champion Bull

Bull 15-18 months

1st Bullakeana VIP

Grand & Senior Champion Female

Female 24+ months

1st Bullakeana Our Pretty Lady

Reserve Senior Champion Bull

Bull 18 - 24 months

2nd Yabba-Do Sonic 15S16

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Female 18 - 24 months

1st Bonox Bree B1415

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Female 15 - 18 months

1st Bullakeana Velvet

Breeders Group

1st Bullakeana Brangus

3rd Taloumbi BrangusSVOLD SHOW

Female under 12 months

1st Yabba-Do Tribute 13T12

2nd Yabba-Do Twinkle 164TS

3rd Yabba-Do Triumph 13T15

Female 12 - 15 months

2nd Couti-Outi Countess

3rd Bullakeana Vogue

TAROOM SHOW

Grand & Senior Champion

Bos Indicus Female

1st Female 21 - 29 months

Bullakeana Unaware

Junior Super Bull Pair of Bulls

3rd Ramsey Creek Brangus

Female 12 - 18 months

2nd Bullakeana Very Now

Female 19 - 21 months

1st Ramsey Creek Molley

2nd Ramsey Creek Marguerite

3rd Ramsey Creek Millie

Female 21 - 29 months

3rd Bullakeana VoVo

Female 29 - 36 months + calf at foot

1st Ramsey Creek Layla

Female 36+ months

2nd Bullakeana Our Pretty Lady

Bull 12 - 18 months

3rd Bullakeana VIP

Bull 19 - 21 months

3rd Ramsey Creek Merlin

Breeders Group

2nd Bullakeana Brangus

Junior Super Pair of Bulls

3rd Ramsey Creek Brangus

Bullakeana took out both Grand Champion Bull and Grand Champion Female with Bullakeana VIP and Bullakeana Our Pretty Lady in the interbreed ring at Eidsvold Show.

Bull under 12 months

2nd NBar Ultimate

Bull 15 - 18 months

2nd Taloumbi Chance

Female 18 - 24 months

2nd Bullakeana Vo Vo

Female 24+ months

2nd Bullakeana Unaware

Led Steer

3rd Hanson's Murray

KINGAROY SHOW

Grand & Junior Champion Female

Female 13 - 16 months

1st Kraken Kylie

CAPELLA SHOW

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

1st Bull 15 - 18 months

Coolabah Kakadu

Bull 12 - 15 months

1st Coolabah Kojak

Under 500kg Steer

1st Coolabah Kyle

Senior Champion Tropical Female

Yabba-Do Suductive 7S8

Reserve Junior Champion

Tropical Female

Yabba-Do Twinkle 164T5

Disclaimer

Results have been provided by members and show societies.

To have your results included, please email results, images and accompanying captions to marketing@brangus.com.au

CAN YOU HELP?

Do you have great photographs or news clippings that showcase Australian Brangus over the past six decades?

We would love to see them, and be able to share them through upcoming events and publications. Please send them to marketing@brangus.com.au

FRASER COAST SHOW

MILLSTREAM SPRINGS STATESMAN 920S

2023 ABCA CHAMPION PRIZE PROGRAM

The 2023 Champion Prize Program is to award members who achieve overall success in the show ring, led steer competition or in carcase competitions.

The ABCA recognises the time and dedication invested in showing and competing in led or carcase competitions.

The Association appreciates the recognition gained through successes in these endeavours and will recognise the efforts of members through the ABCA Champion Prize Program.

The prizemoney is allocated as follows:

Local or Royal Shows

• Supreme Interbreed Exhibit (Male or Female) $500

• Champion Interbreed Male $250

• Champion Interbreed Female $250

• Champion Interbreed Breeders Group $250

Carcase Competitions

• Champion Lightweight $150

• Champion Mediumweight $150

• Champion Heavyweight $150

• Grand Champion Carcase $500

• Grand Champion Pen $500

Led Steer Competitions

• Champion Led Steer $150

ELIGIBILITY

For members to be eligible to receive the prize money the following criteria must be met –

• Copy of official results provided by competition organisers/committee

• Animals entered in carcase or led steer comps must clearly be nominated as Brangus or Brangus X animals

• Photos and details of results to be provided to the ABCA for use on the website and the Australian Brangus magazine.

COUTI-OUTI

BRADMAN 1240 (P)

Senior, Grand and Supreme Champion Bull

Marlborough Show

22 April 2023

LA Geddes & Co

Judge: Nev Hansen

N-BAR ULTIMATE Interbreed Format

Junior Champion Bull

Mundubbera Show

6 May 2023

Dan & Megan Lamb

Judge: Matthew Richardson

YARAANDOO

EVERMORE HOPE

Grand & Junior Champion Female

Mundubbera Show

6 May 2023

John Lamb

Judge: Matthew Richardson

DYNAMITE SIMBA S13

Senior, Grand & Supreme Champion Bull

Supreme Interbreed Breeders Group winning the Frank Woods Memorial Trophy

Maleny Show

3 June 2023

Dynamite Brangus

Judge: Zane Austin

RAMIRO R057

SAVE THE DATES

WISHING ALL VENDORS AND EXHIBITORS

THE VERY BEST WITH THEIR SALES AND EVENTS IN 2023

AUGUST

7th JK Cattle Company

Angus & Brangus Bull Sale

On Property 'Camilaroi West' Condamine Qld

12th Kempsey All Breeds Bull & Female Sale

Kempsey Regional Saleyards, NSW

12/13th Tablelands Better Beef Open Days

Atherton Tablelands, Qld

19th Aussie Angus & Brangus Bull Sale

Coolabunia Saleyards, Coolabunia Qld

24th Gidyea Brangus Bull Sale

'Bellona' Augathella Qld

26th Marcella Angus, Brangus & Ultrablack Bull Sale

Goomeri Showgrounds, Goomeri Qld

30th Bonnydale Black Simmental & Brangus Sale

Roma Saleyards, Roma Qld

SEPTEMBER

1st 18th Roma Brangus Sale

Roma Saleyards, Roma Qld

8th Palgrove Annual Bull Sale

On Property 'Glen Wilga' via Chinchilla Qld

16th Telpara Hills Brangus & Ultrablack

Bull and Female Sale

Telpara Hills Bull Depot, Tolga Qld

19th Bimbadeen Genetics Sale

On Property, Eidsvold Qld

22nd Central Brangus Classic Sale (CBC)

CQLX, Gracemere Qld

23rd Zone 1 Field Day - Hosted by Lunar Brangus

On Property 'Barrinja' Comet Qld

27th Triple B Brangus Annual Production Sale

On Property 'Araluen' Dingo Qld

29th Lunar Brangus & Ultrablack Inaugural Sale

On Property 'Barrinja' Comet Qld

OCTOBER

8/9th 47th Rockhampton Brangus Sale

CQLX, Gracemere Qld

NOVEMBER

Elders Stud Stock are your leading stud sales team with proven experience and professional service to support your business. Speak to our trusted team about your stud stock needs today.

BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK 2022 SALE SUMMARY

PLEASE NOTE: These results are from announcements at the conclusion of sales and also those provided to the ABCA.

THE BEST OF BRANGUS

Brangus Society Sales

ROMA

1st SEPTEMBER

Roma Saleyards

ROCKHAMPTON

8th & 9th OCTOBER

CQLX Gracemere

FOLKSLEE FB

to share a story or some

CURTIS PRINT VALE.

Passed away 19 June 2023.

Aged 79 years.

Affectionately known as 'Maurie,' he was a cherished member of the Brangus family.

A full obituary will be included in

the

GAMBLER 20/03/2021

823 (P) / LAZY S EDNA’S VICTOREE 3RD (P)

NETWORTH

Bonox 821 / Bright Side Of Brinks / Tarcoola 106

A powerful, functional beef bull. A spectacular star of his generation. Backed by 33 years of breeding and tradition with modern design.

Exemplifies masculinity, character, muscle and performance.

Siring exceptional females and top notch bulls with length, style, and structure.

First son $35,000. First daughter $32,500.

Lindsay & Fiona Barlow 07 4935 8556 0407 760 079

www.triplebbrangus.com

11 th ANNUAL PRODUCTION SALE

Wednesday

27th September 2023

“Araluen” Dingo

80 Brangus Bulls

150 Purebred Heifers